Think again
Melissa Baybridge, Red Beach
The news that a seawall could be built on Orewa Beach that will increase the amount of sand that needs to be shifted (HM May 22) has shocked and alarmed my friends and I who love this beach. We may not have all the technical expertise of the “coastal experts”, but our rates do pay for this process. It is obvious that a lot more thinking needs to go on about protection and care of the beach as a whole, ideally with the result of reducing the amount of sand that needs to be dug up and shifted each year at a cost of many thousands of dollars each time. The so-called experts, who are also being paid by ratepayers, should be asked to think again if this is to be the outcome.
Open your eyes
Sandra Halling, Orewa (abridged)
I write regarding the letter from Marina Stander about the trees in Millwater and the reply from Auckland Council (HM May 8). I cannot believe that the contractors who mow the lawns did not advise Council about the state of the trees. I have lived in Orewa just over two years and they have looked terrible ever since I arrived here. Surely the staff at Council don’t drive around with their eyes closed? A little pride in the area would be appreciated. Why not replace the trees with titokis, which have a nice shape, or small varieties of pohutukawa?
‘Sales yard’ concerns
Marguerita Minns, Stanmore Bay (abridged)
When the nasty accident happened on the busy Whangaparaoa Road recently, the ambulance had to do eight maneuvers before he was able to attend the patient, owing to the cars parked on the parking bay near the Peninsula Village. That part of the road is now being used by a few locals who want to sell privately but I and several others are sure it is also used by used car salesman. It never used to be so full of cars which now are causing a great hazard, and I feel it should be removed. Anybody looking at the cars would be in great danger of being hit by fast passing traffic. That part of the road is dangerous not only to pedestrians but also to drivers who have to give a wide birth to get past, and difficult for St John rescuers. How can we get the cars removed and quickly, before another disaster happens?
An Auckland Transport spokesperson responds: The vehicles are parked legally on Whangaparaoa Rd and are not considered to be parked dangerously. Auckland Transport can only take action if vehicles are parked illegally or dangerously.
Growing pains
Lleon Downes, Orewa (abridged)
I read with interest your article regarding the proposed sale of Whangaparaoa Road land at Stanmore Bay by Auckland Council (HM May 8 and 22). I totally agree with the anger of the local board rejecting the proposed sale. Council continues to ignore the increasing traffic flow on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, but is happy to continue issuing building consents, which of course will generate more rates income. It would be interesting to find out how many building consents have been issued by Council since the ‘super city’ came into being. In the meantime the Penlink bypass continues to be delayed. Every new hone could generate two vehicles plus trades vehicles as well.
