My Account
Damage wrought
Gareth Morgan’s research claims that most people vote tribally, as if they were backing a sports team, regardless of how their party is performing. National Party loyalists, though, should really reflect on the damage the government has wrought.
Ignore the election bribes and advertising, and look instead to credible and impartial international observers. Both Unicef and Amnesty International report that nearly one in three Kiwi children are not adequately fed, clothed and sheltered. Oxfam reports economic inequality in New Zealand has never been more pronounced.
According to the United Nations (Framework Convention on Climate Change), we are one of the highest carbon emitters per capita in the developed world. The OECD
Environmental Performance Review states our species extinction rate is among the highest in the world.
These developments have been brought about by a government that prioritises wealth extraction over the wellbeing of its people and ecosystem. This is how we look to the rest of the world: negligent of our children, irresponsible with our climate change obligations and destructive of our natural resources. Nothing to be proud of.
Jacob Connor, Port Albert
Paying the piper
Pay peanuts and get monkeys; pay bigger peanuts and you often get bigger monkeys! Perhaps Dr Jonathan Leaver (MM Sept 6) wasn’t aware of that old truism when he declared that smaller local authorities such as Rodney are often subject to cronyism and corruption. Also, if they sometimes lack engineering expertise now, as you claim Dr Leaver, then it’s only because of the bent toward privatisation that Parliament has inflicted on ratepayers.
I most certainly disagree with Dr Leaver’s opinions – but what would I know? Well, though retired, I am still retained as the engineer to a successful, cost-effective, major ex-government scheme, which I was approached to design and then facilitate the construction of in the 1990s, which is larger and more complex than the Kaipara disgrace to which Dr Leaver refers.
A generation ago, the Kaipara affair could not have happened and I need not point out to Dr Leaver that applicable New Zealand standards exist which should ensure that these events don’t occur. A generation ago, local authorities had the professional staff capable of designing and organising infrastructural construction in-house, and rates and building consent costs then, were a comparative fraction of today.
The Kaipara mess is a wonderful example of why Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are so dangerous. New Zealand’s greatest engineering achievements were designed and constructed by the old Ministry of Works – disbanded by theorist, non-practical, political ignorami and private sector persuasion.
I arrived at a city council authority some 45 years ago from the engineering design office of perhaps the country’s major industrial operation. I found that local authority to be more efficient and accountable when compared with my former private employment experience.
No, Dr Leaver, like so many these days, you are only recognising the effect and perhaps failing to understand the cause of today’s infrastructural costs, with ever growing bureaucracy and the drive of our rates into big business interest.
He who pays the piper calls the tune, but it’s a hell of a slap in the face when the piper is paid with the complainant ratepayer’s own money. I, of course, refer to the Morrison Low report.
People in the Rodney district, my advice is to put all your backing behind Bill Townson and the Northern Action Group fast, or it’s going to cost you forever more.
Terry Harris, Mangawhai
Referendum promise
At the Wellsford Community Centre recently, Winston Peters (New Zealand First) confirmed that if he formed part of the next Government, he would ensure that our community of North Rodney would be given a referendum on whether or not we are allowed to separate from Auckland Council.
None of the other three parties present – National, Labour or Greens – would commit to such a referendum.
During question time I pressed Mr Peters as to the nature of the referendum and he assured us that it would be run as:
• Independent of any prescribed process, so it cannot be corrupted by vested interests.
• Localised so only the voters of North Rodney would be able to take part to avoid us being out voted by other parts of Auckland
• Binding – what’s the point otherwise!
Whether you love him or hate him, Winston is the only political help we are likely to get on this issue and with the Local Government Commission also showing no signs of giving us a fair hearing, this election might be the last chance of getting a democratic outcome for our local governance.
Whether you are for or against being part of the Supercity, this referendum will give you a chance to express your preference, something that has been denied us so far.
Accordingly, I urge the people of North Rodney to think very carefully on what they want their vote to achieve this election and remember, if you vote how you always have you can expect more of the same.
Bill Townson
Chair, Northern Action Group (NAG)
Mayor lacking
Mayor Goff’s refusal to answer Mahurangi Matters’ question about the lack of rates investment back into rural Rodney is completely unacceptable.
Councillor Sayers is doing an outstanding job of delivering us far greater transparency. I would have liked the Mayor to have done the same.
Alan Kendall, Snells Beach
Road roulette
Last week there were repairs made to Matakana Road, which ranged from larger repairs of about 20 metres long to smaller patching. By the end of the week, there were large holes appearing again in these repairs.
If you watch all the cars driving along Matakana Road you can see them swerving to miss the numerous potholes. Sooner or later there will be an accident due to this Russian roulette activity.
The Council needs to take a serious look at the quality of this road and stop the short-term money wasting measures that are totally inadequate, and slow traffic flow. If the repairs were permanent, we would all be happy.
Barry Cairns, Matakana
Affordable solution
The National Government insists on leaving subdivision and housing to private developers, who create added value and want maximum return.
But the result is no significant social or affordable housing.
Developers say the notification process slows development progress so government/councils assist with more non-notification.
This has no affect on house build progress or prices.
The notification process is about treating affected parties fairly (people and environments). Many now are not treated fairly.
What is the answer?
The Government should go back to doing subdivisions and housing. Contractors can still make a profit but not an astronomical profit. Government focus on this will result in affordable social housing.
The Government should govern on behalf of all people equally, not just a specific group of people or for profit or career aspirations.
Robert de Rooy, Snells Beach
Sgt Haughey outstanding
I was shocked to read your front page article (MM Sept 6) about Warkworth Police and especially in reference to Sergeant Bede Haughey and allegations of unsatisfactory performance. Over the 17 years or so of living in the area and running a business, I have found his contributions towards community projects to be absolutely outstanding, and his professional attitude and respect within the community to be huge. Sgt Haughey supports and turns up to assist so many events and fundraisers in both his work and personal time. I was heartened to see the support in your article from two local school principals. In terms of policing, even recently I asked for Sgt Haughey’s assistance regarding a serious vehicle incident in which he intervened with a satisfactory, quick and professional outcome. Personally, when diagnosed with cancer a few years back, I turned up at home to see a surprise working bee with Sgt Haughey helping out. I will never forget this. He is a true community police officer, and I totally wish him and his family support for what he is going through.
Darren Knight, Matakana
More stories from the author
