Candidates meeting gives voters a clear choice on Maori wards

A reader writes....

I attended the Meet the Candidates meeting last Tuesday at the Maungakahia Sports Complex. 

One issue that showed a clear difference between the candidates was that of Maori wards. The candidates could not have been more divided.

In the Mangakahia–Maungatapere ward of the District Council, Tim Robinson said he supports Maori wards, while incumbent Simon Reid has always opposed them and supported their removal.

For the Kaipara Constituency of the Northland Regional Council, Lorraine Norris came out strongly in favour, while incumbent John Blackwell was just as firmly against.

Of the mayoral candidates who gave their opinion, Ken Couper and Fiona Green both support Maori wards, while Marie Olsen left no doubt that she is opposed.

From where I sat, it was obvious that on the issue of Maori wards, the lines are drawn, and the choice could not be clearer. 

Readers write - sand mining in Bream Bay

A reader writes, “Has Letterbox asked our present mayor if he is for or against sand mining in Bream Bay. This matter has a very big following in Bream Bay.” 

After receiving your question, we contacted Mayor Cocurullo for his comment. 

Readers write - junket

 

“It's a bit on the nose for them to send two staff members and the mayor for an all expenses paid trip to French Polynesia for a twin city cultural agreement. They just put up rates claiming they have no budgets etc, yet they find money for this nonsense, and send staff from the Maori Outcomes department. Council has many cultures working for it, yet they decided to only send and highlight the Maori Outcomes staff.  But either way, no council staff or member should be being sent on a fancy holiday on ratepayer money when they just put rates up, and many rate payers can't afford this increase, let alone a holiday.”

Readers write - who do I vote for?

 

Ray writes, “I enjoy reading your newsletters. I never know who to vote for in local elections and usually take a stab in ignorance… I would welcome your advice on who are the most effective people. The issues of main concern to me are: rate increases, ongoing money wasted on the Hundertwasser, Maori issues, and stopping wasteful spending of ratepayers' money!”

Readers write - responsibility not insensibility

 

Colin writes...

After the contents of the last newsletter, I had to knock out a suitable poem.

Readers write - Kianga Ora troubles

Kianga Ora troubles

“Since the opening of the Kianga Ora housing estate on Puriri Park Road, cars have been speeding down the road sometimes during the day, but always at night, usually at weekends after 11 pm. Also, burnouts are happening regularly as can be seen from the tyre marks down the street. Someone is going to be killed/maimed shortly as one of these adrenaline/drug-fuelled drivers loses control or runs down a senior citizen crossing from the rest home. I hear the cars accelerating down the street. I have contacted the council, the Mayor, and our local MP, but they are only interested in grandstanding. The cure is speed humps. We need them before a school child or senior citizen is killed.” – Name withheld.

Reader writes...Pride in our flag

 “I am encouraging others to fly the New Zealand flag with pride. It symbolises national unity and democracy, and respects those who have fought and died for the values we believe in. Let’s stand with pride under a flag that represents and respects those values and reject symbols of division.” - anon