Ill-conceived extension Linda Holden, Stanmore Bay (abridged) ‘Why?’ has to be the question regarding AT’s latest project for Orewa on Hibiscus Highway between Riverside Road and Empire Road. What is the benefit to the community? I...... Read More

Allergic response In reply to Deanna Yarndley, who wrote the letter headed ‘Beware NIMBY uprising’ (MM Nov 6). Next time you want to burn your garden rubbish, please spare a thought for those who have asthma, heart problems, breathing difficulties...... Read More

Good Samaritans On Monday afternoon last week, after finishing work as a volunteer at the Hospice Shop in Warkworth, I tripped on a seat in Argyll Angle and badly hit my head. Four Mahurangi College students – Luke Brown, Megan Maclachlan, Maddie...... Read More

Challenge accepted In the article on social media and the election (MM October 2), at the end of the article on page 2 is the statement that there should be a debate on the targeted rate. Let there be one, and I ask the present incumbent chairperson...... Read More

Recycling solution Betsy Kettle, Sustainable North Trust (abridged) The latest news tells us Indonesia has identified shipping containers of mixed plastic waste coming from NZ that do not meet international recycling standards. Is it Government’s...... Read More

Social sins Interesting to note the recent article re the exploitation of children online (Social media fears stalk college classrooms, MM Sept 18). It’s interesting that Mahurangi College assistant principal Christina Merrick wrote to parents...... Read More

Predators animals too Rae Bird, Gulf Harbour (abridged) I am deeply concerned with this country’s obsession with Predator Free. Recent issues have articles encouraging people to trap animals, it is disturbing. I take umbrage with the new pest...... Read More

Scrap business as usual It would help improve the understanding between farmers and non-farmers, as desired by GrassFed founder Nicky Berger (MM Sept 4), if the full story was told about farming in New Zealand. For example, demonstration farms such...... Read More

Halt rollout of 5G Regarding the column ‘5G: Much ado about nothing’ by Ralph Cooney (MM August 21). Contrary to what Professor Cooney says, there is a great deal of concern in the community, nationally and globally about the 5G rollout and...... Read More

Kaka seen in Orewa Pat Bowden, Orewa (abridged) I live in Orewa and on August 7 I saw a kaka eating the apple I put on a nail on the fence for the tuis and blackbirds. I also put out sugar water for the tuis. This is the first time I’ve had a kaka...... Read More