Letters to the Editor

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Eight questions
We all love good news, and we love the bringer of good news: Kaipara District Council apparently has a healthy debt ratio. The Council’s external debt has moved down to $74 million. All interest is paid on time.

Good news comes from a really Good Guy.

Questions about the good news are disturbing and depressing and they always come from Bad Guys. I understand. I’m a Bad Guy. I have eight questions:

1. Is the $28.1 million from 2015 that as yet non-existent Mangawhai ratepayers will contribute via Future Development levies included in the $74 million debt?

2. Is the debt reduction and bank interest paid entirely from our general and targeted rates?

3. If not, how is the balance funded?

4. Are Development Contributions being used to retire debt?

5. If so, how will development be funded?

6. Is Kaipara’s financial situation only manageable with further unlimited new subdivisions? Growth in Mangawhai needs investment in infrastructure, otherwise we will soon have all the consequences of deferred infrastructure spending that are driving thousands of people out of Auckland.

7. Is there no money left from Development Contributions to build a proper pedestrian and cycle-way from the Heads to the Village? It would cost us less than a half million dollars but it would be a start to build cycle-ways along the Tara Road, Cove Road, Mangawhai Heads Road, Old Waipu Road, pedestrian crossings, park spaces and other infrastructure to cope with more and more people living in Mangawhai.

8. We also welcome the reports of corporate sponsorship of our community activities, but why does the most modern sewage plant in the district (Mangawhai) have the highest operating costs per user in the district?

Christian Simon
Mangawhai


Wetland threat
Gillian Wharfe writes in the Focus (March 21) claiming a cycle/walkway/boardwalk constructed in the upper harbor will be a wetland threat. A little bit of NIMBY (not in my back yard) may exist when she negates to tell readers her property borders the proposed route.

Mrs Wharfe is concerned this will give easy access to predators. Already pests exist in abundance in this area without the need for them to don sneakers to take up biking and walking a new track. During clearing of gorse, acacia, pampas and other noxious weeds I came across many predators – namely cats, rats and opossums. No doubt there exist the more furtive stoats. I would think the greater threat to native species comes from these pests rather than the public enjoying some exercise.

I suggest Gillian could put her time where here concern is and put together a pest eradication program. The access the track provides for the first time makes this an achievable option.

The proposed boardwalk of approximately 150 metres leaves a small footprint in the area it crosses. Its benefits include providing an appreciation and education of wetlands beauty and functions. This helps build support for protection and restoration of wetlands and native habitats.

Although there are great tracks around Mangawhai this new community asset will provide easy contours in close proximity to both the Village and the Heads. There is a need for safe off-road enjoyment for cyclists, walkers and wheelchairs.

Craig Jepson
Mangawhai

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