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Using common sense
Colin Smith’s article (MM Apr 13) makes a number of points, but may I comment on just two:
1. The 10 year board/Auckland Council plans that we are asked to comment on. I have found that the questions the public are asked, and the way they are profiled, are impossible to answer sensibly. As Colin points out, currently the structure is legally required to pretend to be democratic, but without better information on the subject, alternatives, justifications, cost estimates and alternatives, there is no way a wise decision can be given. Also, the difference between rural and suburban needs are poles apart.
2. Colin also raised the ‘road cones’ issue – I could point to at least two Council sponsored roading jobs done in Rodney recently where it is more than likely that the actual cost of men and materials would have been less than the H&S element.
As a retired roading contractor, I experienced decades of a safe culture, where men and machines worked together, achieving a level of productivity and efficiency. This produced job satisfaction from such achievements. Sure, decisions would have to be made and they were, every moment of the day, to eliminate hazards, but it is best done by the team of humans on the site. So, 70 years of pretty much excellent safety management.
Today, there are some roading jobs that, because of traffic volumes, require specialised safety actions.
But it has to be determined on a job or situational basis, and quite a bit of common sense is required.
Can I make a simple suggestion: “Stop the policy of aiming at the lowest possible common denominator or trying to save what might never happen.”
Before starting any job involving cones and ‘stop go’ people, find out how many vehicles are actually using the road. Drivers are not stupid, neither do they want to get their car damaged or run anybody over.
We cannot continue to operate a regime that costs more for the H&S operation than it costs to get the work done, but that is what is happening too often. Some practical signage would simply do the job.
There simply is a minimum number. I would submit that the two jobs observed in question did not require H&S at all.
Maurie Hooper, Snells Beach
Smell a rat
Another of our ‘Rat Season’ signs has disappeared under mysterious circumstances and I ask myself, “Are they a victim of their own success?”
They are definitely noticed, and I feel have been successful when I hear, many times, that you have seen the sign, gone home, set your trap and caught a rat. Or are they becoming a collector’s item? Surely not.
Are they being used elsewhere? Surely not being pinched by other environmental groups – we aren’t like that. Or are they annoying you because you don’t think Warkworth has rats? If this is the case, please read the following statistics and come and talk about it.
Pest Free Warkworth supplies traps, baits and advice to local households and an amazing team of volunteers regularly set traps along the river, in local parks and reserves, and are doing amazing work.
Since the beginning of the year, our records show that we have caught 232 pests in Warkworth including 136 rats. Last year, we caught 1121 pests. These figures only show the numbers that are recorded. Many households don’t add data to the system.
Imagine the costs to your household if just one rat moved into your ceiling or garage or basement and chewed through water pipes, internet and power cables – thousands!
Reward, yes, I can offer a reward for information relating to this theft. Come and have lunch with us and let’s discuss your problems and our headaches. Peanut butter sandwiches will be on your menu.
Jan Elliott, Pest Free Warkworth
Mushroom warning
The landscapers and maintenance team do a stunning job keeping the reserve greens at Snells Beach north tidy and mown. But we have noted that in winter, when the grass grows fast, that big mushrooms are sprouting in the grass.
I used my trusty Picture This app, and it told me these are very dangerous mushrooms, even to just touch. So I share this is a warning to families as they look like the ones we buy to enjoy. They could be in other parts of Snells, too.
Susanna Burton Thompson
