My Account
Positive response
Andrea Simpson, Gulf Harbour
I’m feeling very positive after reading the story in your newspaper about Robyn Cotton, who wrote a book and herself has Parkinson’s disease. A family member has a recent diagnosis and initially, as Robyn says, it’s a bombshell. We will do our best to remain positive and think that this will definitely have an impact on how we all cope as things progress.
Giving a damn
Diana Baker, Red Beach
As a long time supporter of the hospice art show in Ōrewa, I was interested to see what went on behind the scenes here (HM May 19). Money is so tight out there and it’s not surprising that things like this occur. Good on volunteer Vicki Lambert for giving a damn about the fee increase – she has obviously put hospice’s best interests first for many years and she knows that every cent counts. Looking forward to supporting the show, which always reflects well on both Estuary Arts, the talented artists, and the volunteers who make it happen for hospice.
Waiting for answers
Peter Burn, Gulf Harbour
Following publication of my letter in Hibiscus Matters regarding the lack of bus shelters and seating in Whangaparāoa, and receiving similar views from other residents, I emailed all members of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board hoping for support to upgrade the bus stops in the area. I received positive responses from just two members – Julia Parfitt and Janet Fitzgerald. They both expressed sympathy for improving the situation. I heard nothing from the majority of the board including the chair. Having been involved as an elected representative and chair of local community organisations for some years I was disappointed by the lack of acknowledgement and therefore we do not know their views on the matter. It is interesting that elected Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Members receive $45,300 pa, along with mileage reimbursement, while the chair receives $90,600 pa. These remuneration rates, along with annual increments, were established at the time of amalgamation to attract “the right sort of people” into local government. Local Government is all about ‘local’ and I expect more from our well compensated elected members.
Koda the German shepherd, who appears to have the entire Hibiscus Coast and Rodney areas looking for him, remains at large. He went missing on Anzac Day and owner Blake Richardson of Manly is desperate to find him (HM May 19). The reward for his safe return was raised last week to $5000. A partial reward is offered for information leading to the dog’s return. As well as its dedicated facebook page ‘Find Koda the German Shepherd’, last week the search team opened a Givealittle page with the same name. In just two days, almost $4000 was donated by 97 donors. The money will be used for things such as dog traps. Once the traps are no longer needed, they will be donated to a local dog rescue group and all unused donations will also go to a dog charity. Look for Koda the German Shepherd on Givealittle, phone Blake 021 262 7059 or message the Facebook page.
