- The Forgotten Road
- Straw mystery solved
- ‘Wall’ appreciated
- No to set nets
- Orewa’s potential
- Vital contribution
- Paywave – no thanks
Alex Andrews, Silverdale. Published November 18, 2015
I would like to thank you for the Digital World column in your last issue. I had no idea that Paywave was on my cards and am now in the process of having it removed. Amazing that it can be added without providing the customer with information and choice. It might look cool when you use it, but I consider it impersonal as a way of shopping and the risks too great.
Hellen Wilkins, Orewa. Published November 18, 2015
Many hands make light work and big ups to the community for working together to get the Manly volunteer fire service First Response van (HM online and Facebook November 2).
A big high five especially is needed for Garry Christini, former owner of Orewa New World, who personally provided tens of thousands of dollars over several years, to contribute to fund raising events such as the Open Day, to secure this van. His commitment to assisting unconditionally to such a needed emergency vehicle is commendable and is massively appreciated. It’s the people in the community such as Garry who make the difference to the world.
Beverley Wakefield, Orewa. Published November 18, 2015
Interesting to see Auckland Transport and Council making moves to improve things in Orewa (HM November 4). The place does need a spruce up and a bit of love and money spent on its public, and privately owned, areas. Some of this is up to landlords who need to invest in and better maintain their properties. Slowly, things will improve over time if everyone pulls together to make Orewa the pretty seaside town it could potentially be.
Fran Buckley, Whangaparaoa. Published November 4, 2015
Saw your story about Arkles Bay losing its bid for a year-round set net ban on your excellent website. It is depressing to see that people power failed to make any headway – proving we are not truly listened to by the powers that be at Auckland Council. Starting in autumn, we can expect a repeat of the anti-social behaviour that was a feature before the permanent ban was put in place and the fish stocks built up by the marine reserve will be plundered. I hope the Council staff who put policy before people will be made to see the error of their ways when complaints flood in after the ban is lifted at Easter.
Editor’s note: Details of policing of the ban and how to register complaints are in our story.
Claire Teirney, Stanmore Bay. November 4, 2015
Reading Hibiscus Matters’ article (October 14 edition) regarding the Ozone apartment complex not progressing I had to laugh at developer Rick Martin’s quote that he’s “not prepared to keep banging his head against Council’s brick wall.” And his bemoaning that “consents are taking twice as long and costing twice as much as they did under the Rodney District Council”.
Given that the Nautilus apartments in Orewa that he developed are the legacy he has left ratepayers in the form of the bill for leaky building repairs and a tall cold shadow over much of Orewa, I have to say ‘Hurray!’ for the brick wall that he blames Auckland Council with erecting in his way.
Paul Wilkinson, Arkles Bay. Published November 4, 2015
Can anyone tell me what the straw bales floating on Ferry Road storm water pond are? Downer (presumably working for the Council) have put more than a dozen straw bales on the pond. Each bale is wrapped in green mesh and “moored” to a metal post. The ducks seem to like sleeping on them.
Auckland Council’s stormwater operations north manager, Frank Tian, replies: The barley bales were placed in the Ferry Road stormwater pond to reduce the risk of avian botulism. This is a waterborne disease that affects ducks and other waterfowl. It can be painful and even fatal for ducks. The disease grows in ponds and lakes throughout Auckland during the summer. Water quality deteriorates when water temperatures increase and dissolved oxygen concentrations decline – creating a breeding ground for botulism-causing bacteria. Council places barley straw into the water to neutralise the bacteria, in an effort to combat the disease. As temperatures are slowly starting to increase, now is the best time to begin using the barley straw, which has been placed in many ponds throughout Auckland. Throwing protein rich food like bread into the water creates an ideal environment for botulism bacteria to grow and produce toxin. People should not feed ducks in ponds and streams. Feeding should be on land and well away from water. Signs outlining this have been erected at many ponds.
Sheree O’Neil, Manly. Published November 4, 2015
I read with interest the article “money burns hole in local board’s pocket” which featured in the 16 September edition of Hibiscus Matters. The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board states that it has more than $1 million to spend on local projects, such as paths, lighting and kerb improvements. The residents of Clayden Drive, Hobbs Bay, Whangaparaoa, have no foothpaths, only open drains either side of the road, no kerbing, poor street lighting and no access to mains water or sewage for that matter. It would be greatly appreciated to have footpaths for residents and walkers to use, rather than walking on the road next to open drains.
Editor’s note: Local board chair Julia Parfitt advises that after seeing this letter she has raised this issue with Auckland Transport. The funding for this type of work should come directly from Auckland Transport’s New Footpath fund. “I have raised this resident’s concerns over Clayden Drive with Auckland Transport, and asked for the work to be scoped,” Mrs Parfitt says. “The road is in a large lot residential area and should no longer be considered a rural road. However, it is worth noting that no new footpaths are budgeted for in our local board area this year. I understand residents’ frustration.”
