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In Penlink we trust?
Gilbert Peterson, Manly (abridged)
The latest delay you report for Penlink (HM August 2) should come as no surprise – and neither should the ongoing cost escalation. Because Penlink was never going to cost the earlier, widely reported $411m that, in 2019, our cynical NZTA led the public to believe would be the bill. Transport officials appear to have drawn this number out of thin air. We learn this was indeed the case from your report when they say they had not, apparently, factored in the “unique landscape and waterway … (and) a wide range of highly valued flora and fauna and, in places, poor ground conditions.” Of course the landscape and waterway has always been unique, and they have known about that for decades. Only now do they offer this as reasons for further delay and cost.
NZTA are ‘masters’ of this sort of disinformation and procrastination, presumably thinking we are all gullible enough to swallow it. But surely it’s their competence that’s in question? Should we trust them with the huge amounts of money they get to spend? As for the delay in starting the build at the end of 2022, that will coincide nicely with the next election cycle, so we can be sure the very junior Minister of Transport Michael Wood will approve.
Stairs days numbered?
Stephen Brown, Army Bay
It’s a spectacular photo on your front page (HM August 2) but you have to wonder whether they are fighting a losing battle. How long will it be before erosion takes more of the cliff, including the section that the stairs are resting on? Not to mention the hammering it receives in a storm. Good luck to them though. It certainly makes the walk to the beach a pleasure on a fine day.
Paper still fits
Chris Wilkinson, Red Beach
Enjoying the ‘new look’ paper. Still fits on my table so it can be read thoroughly with my morning cuppa. Keep up the good work – don’t turn into Rodney Times!
