My Account
Banish fireworks?
Net ban needed
It is my view that the existing bylaw should remain right through each year. This has protected swimmers, boaties’ propellers, and dolphins. I have made a representation to Auckland Council giving my views and the reason for them.
Thanks
Peninsula problems
Positive role for Penlink
Garry Leslie, Tindalls Bay. Published October 1, 2015
Although Bryce has some valid points on transport matters (HM September 16), Bryce lives in Orewa where there are three accesses to the motorway and a fourth if you travelled north over Waiwera Hill. On the other hand on the Peninsula we have only one access via Silverdale and we all know what that’s like. It doesn’t matter how good the public transport is in an area such as Rodney as the majority of us (especially contractors and suppliers of all descriptions) will always use our own vehicles and we need better access to and from the Peninsula. Personally, contrary to Bryce’s views I think the Penlink will add more vibrancy not only to the shopping complexes, but to the Peninsula as a whole.
Widening problem
Robert Batt, Manly (abridged). Published October 1, 2015
Bryce Pearce (HM Local Folk September 16) suggests running bus lanes along the centre of Whangaparaoa Rd and he says it doesn’t need widening to do it. Cycle lanes need to be 1.5m wide, and buses are 2.4m wide so even with 0.5m to pass it would all take up about 11/13m. That would leave no room for cars at all, and even if we all buy bikes, how do the trucks, couriers, ambulances, fire engines and trailer boats all get through? Whangaparaoa Rd runs along a ridge, so widening would disrupt a lot more than Mr Pearce’s answer of “no parking”.
I suggest that the real problem is over population of Auckland brought about by greedy developers and power mad councillors.
Help on its way?
Steve Cray, Arkles Bay (abridged). Published October 1, 2015
While getting some groceries from Fruit World behind Wendys recently I saw a small group huddling by an elderly gent who had tripped over a parking buffer, cut his hand and smacked his head on the concrete kerb.The first guy on the scene had phoned St John only to be told that they would not send an ambulance unless it was an emergency. He said he didn’t know if it was an emergency but that there was plenty of blood at the scene. St John said a paramedic would phone back to ascertain whether or not an ambulance should be dispatched. Twenty minutes later St John phoned back and it was decided that an ambulance would be dispatched. By the time it came, the old fellow had been sitting on the concrete for 45 minutes, passers-by had wrapped him in a coat and I wrapped him in a survival blanket. I have much respect for St John but this new ethic around whether to send a team out or not raises questions. At the end of the day we are not qualified to judge whether or not someone is okay. What is going on out there?
St John says that for privacy reasons it can’t provide details of the patient’s condition. However Sheri-Lyn Purdy, Clinical Control Services manager, provided this response:
Our three 111 Clinical Control centres answer in the region of 1300–1500 emergency calls per day. We use an internationally recognised system to prioritise calls so we can respond in a way that ensures the right care at the right time for every patient. Our review of this incident shows the patient benefited from an improvement to the St John 111 process that has been operating in the Auckland region for over a year. St John now has experienced nurses and paramedics sitting in the 111 Auckland Centre. A small number of 111 calls are referred to them, so they can carry out clinical assessments over the phone for patients whose condition isn’t immediately life threatening and determine the best treatment. On the basis of initial details supplied to St John, this incident was correctly assigned a Green priority. This meant an ambulance would be dispatched when one became available – which can take up to two hours when our ambulances are busy with more urgent, life threatening cases. In this case, because a registered nurse called back (13 minutes after the initial 111 call) and assessed the individual patient’s needs, the incident was upgraded to Orange priority. An ambulance was dispatched and arrived 42 minutes after the original 111 call. (abridged)
Spending questioned
John Clements, Orewa. Published October 1, 2015
I see in Hibiscus Matters September 16 edition that the local Board is allocated a paltry $1 million to spend on local projects such as footpaths, lighting and kerb improvements. I note the Board chair says the Board has “no intention of losing it”. I should think not. Regardless, it is not the Board’s job to look after footpaths etc. That should be done automatically by the Council under routine maintenance. In any case a million bucks will go nowhere. The Council is simply ducking its responsibilities. I understand the rate take from the Hibiscus & Bays area is about $80 million a year. So where is the other $79 million going?
Editor’s note: To clarify, these funds are for new projects, not routine maintenance. Apologies if that did not come across clearly in the original article. Since that story was written, Local Board chair Julia Parfitt has advised that a large part of the Hibiscus Coast’s share of the money is to be spent on the design of a 3m wide concrete shared path over the section of Orewa Recreation Reserve and Orewa Domain from the bridge at the south end of the beach, to the south end of the Orewa Reserve carpark, based on the rough order of cost of $520,000.
Assistance appreciated
Melba Dalton, Orewa (abridged). Published October 1, 2015
I would like to thank two people who helped me on Friday September 18 at midday on Orewa Beach, when I took a fall hitting my head and cutting my neck on rocks. A caring lady who heard my cry, came and attended to me and also asked a young man to come and help. Both of these people were so caring and helpful. How humble this made me feel. Not knowing your names, I would sincerely like to thank you both. I am recovering after treatment from a nurse.
Roundup cost too high
Nolene Berger, Manly. Published October 1, 2015
Thank you councillors Watson and Walker for championing non-toxic methods of vegetation control. The true cost of using chemicals is far greater than the operational cost. Loss of life, livelihoods and quality of life through illness as well as contamination of air, soil and water should be included. A 2009 NIWA study found concerning levels of glyphosate in Auckland Harbour sediment and overseas tests have detected it in rain! Has our rain been tested? New Zealand has one of the highest rates of cancer in the world. Where did Janet Fitzgerald get her “estimates” from and what other initiatives could be more important than preventing cancer? The cost of litigation also has to be included. Auckland Transport were put on notice at their last board meeting of class action. Glyphosate is so toxic it has been banned in other countries, but New Zealand authorities are advocating its continued use –“business as usual”.
