Feedback Stuff happens at sea The story about the windsurfer who got into difficulties off Manly Beach (HM December 18) struck a chord with me and my wife. I immediately checked the gear on my boat and got myself a waterproof cellphone holder and personal locator beacon. However experienced we are, shit happens at sea – and anyway, where
What’s on your mind? Readers are welcome to air their views. Letters may be abridged or withheld. See address on p2 or e: terry@localmatters.co.nz would be the fun with no risk? Be prepared, and have fun. Nick Anderson, Whangaparaoa
Papers valued Over the summer I’ve read your December 18 issue and, as a former employee of a publishing company in the UK, wondered whether community newspapers have a future. With so many on social media these
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days, it’s easy to think we can get all the information we need out there, but my experience is that a lot of social media discussions are uninformed at best. The real service that a paper such as yours gives the community is that it cuts through that social media babble and uncovers issues people may not have been aware of. Keep up the good work. Paul Mason, Red Beach
Signs of rebellion in Silverdale Village Parking has become a hot potato in Silverdale Village, with the local business association erecting its own parking signs to keep its members happy, rather than wait for lengthy consultation with Auckland Transport to be completed. Silverdale Area Business Association She says that AT suggested a P120 president Lorraine Sampson says at zone, similar to the one put in place in a meeting with Auckland Transport Orewa town centre last year, instead, (AT) early last year, it was agreed but that businesses are happy with the that parking in the Village (Silverdale new signs and there is no need for any Street up to St John Ambulance) additional expense. would become a standard P120, rather She says it is time that the Transport than a variety of P90 and P60 options. CCO listened to what the community She says the P120 option was strongly wants. supported by business owners and “People take matters into their own backed by a survey conducted by the hands because they feel they have no Association, which was sent to AT. choice. If Auckland Transport change She says as nothing further happened, the signs back, there will be a riot.” last October the patience of some AT Parking and Enforcement Manager committee members ran out and they Trevor Starr says informal consultation had P120 signs made locally and put has begun with local businesses on in place. parking in Silverdale Village and a Mrs Sampson says AT initially possible option is changing to a P120 demanded that the signs be changed zone. back, which it said will cost around “It appears, someone has jumped $1500 – considerably more than the the gun and altered around 15, Association paid for the replacement P60 and P90 parking signs,” he signs. says. “Obviously people cannot go
Local resident Peter Borthwick took this photo of “the road to nowhere”, or, maybe, “Trepidation Drive” in Millwater. “I don’t understand why you have to stop when in fact you can’t even get started!” he says.
What were we thinking?
And thanks to all the readers who pointed out the typo in our story on Watercare’s charges in the last edition (HM December 18), where a resident’s rainwater tank capacity was given as 25 litres. That, of course, should have been 25,000 litres. It’s nice to know you’re paying attention.
Culvert conundrum
These parking signs have brought the Silverdale Area Business Association into conflict with Auckland Transport.
around changing signs to suit their own needs any more than they can decide that cars should be allowed to go 120km per hour down the main street. Auckland Transport is legally responsible for implementing parking restrictions and any change must go through a consultation process.” He says to avoid creating confusion the signs can remain until the results of the consultation are known.
Classes switch to ‘bring your own device’
As college students headed back to their desks last week, there was a notable change for Year 7 and 8 students at Whangaparaoa College. Following trial classes and consultation with parents and caregivers last year, the college has introduced a Bring Your Own Device policy to all intermediate classes. Deputy Principal Lisa Ballantyne says the school is providing a device for use at school to students who are unable to bring their own laptop, tablet, smartphone or other device, as well as setting up special deals with local outlets. She says research has shown use of the devices improves engagement. “We are hopeful that achievement will also be positively impacted,” she says. “The focus will be on the learning, not the media.” Students in Years 9–13 can bring a device and negotiate its use in class with teachers.
Mark Mitchell
the record
Manly Sailing Club faced a mountain of Health and Safety paperwork required by Council as it organises the Optimist Nationals for Easter. Top of the “are you serious” list is the requirement that the club fence off the rainwater culvert behind the clubrooms during the 5-day event. “What happens the other 360 days a year?” was the club’s response.
Residents have their say
Resource consent sought to erect a 13-room ‘dormitory style’ dwelling in residential Stanmore Bay is to be publicly notified. Residents of Matai Rd and Rata St who are opposed to the dwelling being erected near their homes by property owner Michael Cryer (HM December 4) sprang into action to prepare submissions and commission reports from experts on hearing the news on January 31. Mr Cryer applied to erect the building as a private dwelling, but residents fear it may be used as a boarding house, and have negative impacts on the neighbourhood.
MP FOR RODNEY
Meet Mark Mitchell, 10am-2pm:
For appointments and assistance please call
Monday 10th February, 7 Tamariki Ave, Orewa
Orewa: 09 426 6215
Monday 17th February, 7 Tamariki Ave, Orewa Thursday 27th February, Manuka Room, Whangaparaoa Library www.national.org.nz
Warkworth: 09 425 8603 Email: mp.rodney@parliament.govt.nz Website: www.markmitchell.co.nz