My Account
Heartfelt thanks
What a great community we live in. Four months ago, while standing on the footpath waiting to cross the road, my husband and I were hit by an out of control car. We suffered extensive injuries and continue to need care. At the time of the crash neighbours and local walkers rushed to our aid, giving us immediate first aid and comfort until the police and paramedics arrived. We give our heartfelt thanks to those first attenders and to all those who continue to care for us. Thank you for the constant supply of meals from family, friends, friends of family, neighbours and people we have previously met while out walking. Thank you for your cards, flowers, messages and words of love, comfort, prayer and support. Thank you for gardening, mowing lawns and cleaning. We have often been brought to tears by all your kindness. Now that restrictions are less, we appreciate those who pop in while passing, to say hello and wish us well. Again, our thanks to you all for being who you are and being part of this caring community. Best wishes for a Blessed Christmas and a safe holiday season.
Pauline and Malcolm Andrews, Little Manly
Plea for Arran bush
The proposed subdivision in a Significant Ecological Area (SEA) at 117 Arran Point Parade (HM November 22) rings all my alarm bells. The Arran Point development is already in place and should not be extended. The beautiful piece of bush that remains has a huge positive impact on our environment, supports the wellbeing of residents and everyone who uses the Te Ara Tahuna pathway. The ecological value of this piece of bush was recognised by Council when it was granted SEA status. This SEA helps offset the huge number of mature trees felled on the coast when tree protection was removed. Any new plantings around Arran Point in mitigation for the felling will need 40-50 years before they attain sufficient maturity to support birds and wildlife like this mature stand of bush. It is part of the North West Wildlink and also provides a mature natural barrier to Ōrewa Estuary, supporting clean water. We encourage Council to stand by the status of this SEA and take positive action to offset the effects of climate change. Upholding the SEA status will support the thousands of volunteers across Auckland who faithfully work in this and other SEAs, removing pest animals and weeds. The offer of covenanting the remainder of the bush is no guarantee of future protection. Death by a thousand cuts has been witnessed everywhere on the Hibiscus Coast. We are asking that Council says ‘no’ to this proposed development. It should back its scientists, ecologists, climate change experts and the army of hardworking volunteers who maintain these SEAs throughout Auckland. Contact local Councillors Wayne Walker and John Watson and Hibiscus & Bays Local Board members and let them know your views – before it’s too late.
Pauline Smith, Hibiscus Coast Branch Forest and Bird chair
Three words for Andy
I have three words for local board member Andy Dunn (HM November 22 Viewpoint and Dec 6 letters): just get vaccinated. You are paid by ratepayers and in that job you interact with many different people in the community. Perhaps you should think of them, instead of focusing on your own preferences, and your rights. I believe that’s what any community-minded person would do. You have lost my vote in the next election.
Elizabeth Steel, Tindalls Bay
Chief should go
I am disappointed with your article about the Puhoi fire chief (HM Dec 6). I expected better from you than to give him a platform for his silly argument to not want to be a team player to protect all of us. The government is “holding a gun to our heads” all the time. If you refuse to stop at a red light you can’t get a drivers’ licence. If you refuse to pay tax or rates you will be bankrupted or worse. It is not the government, which makes people scared. If you have listened to the Covid experts on the news lately then you really get scared because the virus is scary. I have no sympathy for anyone who does not want to be part of society. Mr Green brings shame on the Fire Service and the Puhoi community. He should be stripped of the rest of his roles.
Dr Hans Grueber, Wainui (abridged)
Editor’s note: Our job is to produce factual stories. Not to judge anyone’s personal decision.
Not afraid of virus
I am told by various unvaccinated people that being vaccinated means you are afraid of the virus. By contrast – they choose ‘freedom’. I believe this is very wrong. Before deciding about vaccination I took on board expert advice, from health professionals and scientists. I looked at what has happened overseas. I learned about the virus and how it works. I realised my immune system may be very healthy, but it is likely to face a mighty challenge against Covid-19 and its variants. Currently the only extra defence we have in NZ is the Pfizer vaccine and once I had done my research, I was happy to have that extra weapon in this fight. No one wants to get sick, but I am not afraid of the virus – I understand the enemy, and am doing all I can to be armed against it. There are no guarantees. I believe many of those who choose not to be vaccinated are the ones who are afraid – of the vaccine and of losing personal freedoms. I imagine Andy Dunn (HM Nov 22) may be one of those. That is their decision. But don’t judge me, and please don’t think I’m afraid.
Lucy Hill, Gulf Harbour
No simple choice
As a visitor to the Coast on holiday, I would not normally consider writing to a local newspaper. Unfortunately I am so incensed by the letter of Neville Martin (HM December 6) I simply cannot hold my tongue. My daughter devoted her life to become an A & E nurse. She has walked away from her career because she will not accept the vaccine. To call risking your health or losing your job a ‘simple choice’ is disgusting.
Yvonne Williams, visitor to Red Beach (abridged)
Editor’s note: The paper’s editorial policy regarding letters about Covid-19 is not to air the pros and cons of the vaccine itself, as there are many claims – including anecdotal, difficult to verify and simply false ones – doing the rounds. It’s an argument that easily becomes personal and abusive. For stories about the effects of the choice not to be vaccinated on two local professionals.
Balloon rubbish
I was disappointed that I had to stop to pick all these discarded balloons on Sunday evening, December 5, from our local footpath. It was especially troubling to find that a lot of them had blown into the gutter and would have made their way down to the beach if it had rained before I was able to clean them up. How very disappointing that companies are still allowed to manufacture such rubbish which will eventually find its way into our waterways and beaches. I know that these companies make millions of money from these “toys” – we should really look at banning such items. I wonder if they donate any of their wealth to conservation efforts?
Sue Bates, Manly
Book winners: Congratulations to Marni Otway of Whangaparāoaand Judith Frogley of Ōrewa, who each won copies of the books Choices – Encouraging Youth to Achieve Greatness and Mentoring Minutes, both by Robin Cox. Thanks to all who entered.
Waterworld Winners: Congratulations to Becks Wilson, Katrina Gardiner and Debbie Buselich, who each won four free passes to Waterworld. We had nearly 200 entries. Thanks to all who entered.
