Letters to the Editor

Shame on you

On behalf of many past councillors of the Kaipara district who stood and worked for the area and gave thousands of hours of their time and mileage for very little and, in many cases, no remuneration. It was their district, they weren’t there for the money. Things and standards of some councillors have certainly changed since – they are now being so well paid and fed.

Some councillors are blaming the mess their district is in on their CEO but if that is the case, they are as much to blame for doing nothing about it.

To the group who talked our existing mayor to change his mind and stand again to keep out Bill Guest, who was challenging what was happening in council, you must also share responsibility. Bill has been proven right and look at the state we are in now. In this criticism I include the previous council who must also share the blame. Never in living memory have so few done so much damage to so many in the Kaipara. Your incompetence has let down every ratepayer in the district. Shame on you.

A big thank you to Bill Guest, Jonathan Larsen and Andrew Wade as well as the people of Mangawhai who had the courage to stand up and be counted. The Kaipara district is indebted to you.

Also thank you to Greg Gent and your team for your efforts in continuing to get us out of this mess.

Hot topic

Mangawhai area is apparently facing a serious situation with its local fire service. I believe that we are now so low in volunteers at Mangawhai Volunteer Fire Station that Kaiwaka Volunteer Fire Service has to attend every call-out made in the Mangawhai area; this is very concerning. 

I am concerned that if my home is on fire, or I have an accident involving emergency services, myself, my family, my friends or property cannot be saved or quickly assisted. It is my understanding that this has been the status quo for some time now and nothing has been done to improve the lack of volunteers. 

I am also concerned that apparently around 70% of the fire volunteers in Mangawhai have left the fire service. What is going on and why has this happened?