My Account
Seawall costs shock
Michael Lewis, Orewa.
Knowing how the Council works in mysterious ways, I was still shocked to see the cost of its resource consent application for the Orewa seawall (HM March 14). I’m sure those costs are still mounting. I am in favour of the building of the wall, but those kinds of costs, as well as construction, indicate that it may be a one-off as to do the same by Orewa Reserve would be off the scale! Ratepayers simply can’t afford to hold that sand back.
Blast from the past
Marjorie Prictor, Wellsford.
My childhood memories of holidays spent each year at Orewa Beach remain special – every day playing in the abundant white sands and even at one time, the large lagoon which formed leaving a pool when the tide went out.
Sometime in the late 1950s a decision was made to safeguard boating on the river at the south end of the beach and the rocky outcrops which guarded the entrance to the river were blasted and Orewa changed forever. What was not anticipated was that the regular deposits of sand to the beach were not continued owing to this action.
It must be impossible to calculate how much this action has cost in terms of restoring the beachfront – nature caused it to happen for free. There was no problem with the foreshore then and if someone in their wisdom would create artificial groynes to replace what was destroyed maybe all would revert to how it used to be.
Does anyone else remember what happened in the 1950s and the changes that resulted?
Safety first
Matt Turner, Stanmore Bay.
To the person who wishes to ride their bike on the pavement rather than risk tangling with bad drivers (HM April 1), I would like to point out that the rules are simple and safety-oriented: roads are for cars and bikes, pavements are for pedestrians. If you avoid the road because the drivers are dangerous, then we all lose: the drivers won’t mend their sloppy ways, pedestrians will be injured, and cyclists will have nowhere safe to ride.
I spent 10 years cycle-commuting to work on the streets (not the pavements) of central London and never once had an accident. I think London drivers are more accustomed to sharing the roads with high numbers of cyclists and couriers; many Auckland drivers have a lot to learn about courtesy and the road code, and with ever more cars coming onto our roads, it’s set to get even worse. There will always, sadly, be a call for better driving.
The Draft Auckland Plan 2050 acknowledges that “our transport system creates unacceptable levels of harm to people and the environment”, and cites “a noticeable annual increase in traffic-related deaths and serious injuries since 2012 after many years of decline”. In fact, the draft plan’s stated priorities are to “improve … safety for those walking, cycling or riding motorcycles” and “to address safety issues for people crossing roads and railways”.
One hopes, then, that this means better transport options for cyclists in future; but it also behoves everyone to adhere to the code.
Keep services local
John Clements Orewa.
Just because the Council wants to sell the Orewa Service Centre (HM March 1 and April 1), it should not mean the Local Board functions have to be relocated in Albany or Westgate. When the Orewa ‘call centre’ was moved to town, the standard of service plummeted. It will be the same with this proposal. The Orewa Service Centre should be relocated in appropriate smaller premises in this area. The Council’s metrocentric focus in its so-called ‘corporate operating model’ is flawed. The idea of local government was that it should be ‘local’ – hence the origins of rural district councils. We are heading in precisely the opposite direction. Rural places are being short changed.
Hooked on flying
Chris Curtis, Arkles Bay.
I was just reading the latest Hibiscus Matters, and as there were mentions of two different birthday celebrations, I wondered if you would be interested in mine. For my 77th birthday in December last year, a good friend bought me a three-quarter hour flying lesson at the North Shore Flying Club. It was on my bucket list so I went along on March 16 and had a go.
Much to my surprise (I thought I would be observing most of the time) I was put in charge right at the beginning. It was wonderful to see Whangaparaoa, Orewa and beyond from above, although I was concentrating too much to do more than glance! I even did several turns, and my kind instructor said I did very well.
The trouble is: I am now hooked.
