Property in Whitianga; Property in Whangamata.
Observing the bylaws means a clean-up
This is a copy of a letter sent to the relevant person in TCDC
A couple of years ago now we sent in a complaint to the council about the terrible eyesore of a property across the road from us (Cook Drive, Whitianga). We noticed a council vehicle there once but nothing was done about the untidiness of the property.
So once again I am writing to ask that the Thames Coromandel District Council acts upon its bylaws, as the negligent property is causing a significant nuisance – not only to us but to the residents who live nearby on a permanent basis.
The owner of the property (who we’ve never seen visit the property in the 4 years we’ve lived here) has so much stuff in the section it’s like a dumping ground, which is not maintained and we believe to be a significant fire hazard due to chemical oils sitting in the unused vehicles and all the overgrown grass and trees.
We have noticed organic matter e.g., rats; other vermin; overgrown grass/plants which the council has a responsibility to address. The neighbours are always mowing the berm so at least that keeps the outside looking OK – but really, why should they? However, the fence is falling down and once that’s gone we believe this property could become more dangerous with kids possibly trying to explore in there.
This property causes stress to many in the street. We live in a nicely maintained area except for this particular property. If you speak to some other residents along this street, you will find those with a shared opinion.
I’ve attached some photos we took this morning, but as it’s too dangerous to enter the property we took these from outside the property.
Concerned Whitianga resident.
Name and address supplied in correspondence but withheld to protect the writer.
Rates down suggestions – some sensible some contentious
I would encourage everyone to read through the proposed ways to keep our rates down to 3.8% this year. Some make sense and some may be contentious, but everyone needs to make their view known.
On the same web page is a link to the capital expenditure budget for the year and that’s worth examining too. Many items are hard to argue with. Road repairs, upgrades to water treatment and sewerage plants across the peninsular, maintenance of council facilities etc all need doing and are difficult to argue against. However, 1/2 million dollars each for several public toilet blocks? This sum would pay for a 125 meter square house with two bathrooms and double glazing, never mind 4 toilets and two wash basins.
Also, the largest capital expenditure item seems to be the ‘upgrade’ of Totara valley road. $3.5 Million this year, and tens of millions to follow. There is actually nothing wrong with the road surface of Totara valley and everyone has electricity and mains water. The sole reason for this spending is to provide infrastructure, in the hope that private property investors will come in and build houses. It’s not even a good investment, as the rates and contributions won’t even cover the interest on the money borrowed.
When you’re considering what we need to do to reduce our rates bill, just take that into consideration. Not mowing the grass and reducing public services are not the only way we can save money.
Martin Spinks, Thames
To the Editor
The Mercury Bay Business Association acknowledges that your recent “Builders forced to tighten their aprons” article (issue 1205, page 8) was presented as an opinion piece. Open discussion about the challenges facing our industries is valuable, and we welcome commentary that contributes to community understanding. However, we are concerned about the suggestion that several current projects “surpass the local skill set,” along with the inference that out of area companies may be better equipped to deliver high-quality or complex builds.
This implication does not reflect the proven capability of our local tradespeople, nor does it align with the long-standing “support local” ethos that underpins our community. Local builders and subcontractors have successfully delivered sophisticated residential and commercial projects across the Peninsula for decades. They employ local staff, train apprentices, sponsor community initiatives, and reinvest directly into Mercury Bay. Their contribution is both economic and social, and it remains central to the strength of our region.
The contrast within the same issue was notable. Just six pages later, the MenzShed feature showcased two half-pages of sponsors – every one a local company. This reinforces what we already know: local businesses consistently step up for local projects.
As an association, our focus remains clear. We all share a responsibility to champion and support local trades, ensuring the benefits of development stay within our community.
Paul Clayton
Chairperson, MBBA
Action required on health and fire risk property
These images are of a property in Whangamata. My parents own a neighbouring property. We have tried to get action in terms of cleaning this mess up in the past but to no avail. It seems that nothing can be done thus far.
However, looking further, there are bylaws that local councils are obliged to observe and implement if there is significant nuisance impact on the residents regarding health, odours, fire risk and disturbance then there is something that can be done.
All we want is for the rubbish to be cleared as it impacts the neighbours very much. The fact that no one wants to ever buy your property because you live adjacent to or next door to such a health and extremely unsightly hazard must require some understanding and action from our local council. After all, when it comes to adding something to or changing the structure of your home, a Resource Consent is required. How can someone extend their home with unbelievable rubbish and dumped vehicles but nothing is required of them to curb or change it?
We have written a letter to Brian Taylor of TCDC in the following vein…..
“Over the past two years, I have attempted to address this issue through an employee of(TCDC Council, but my complaints have largely made very little traction, and I have never felt our concerns have been adequately addressed……
“This has caused myself, and elderly mother and my siblings, ongoing mental distress as we continue to pay rates on a property that will not sell as long as our concerns are not addressed properly. If you speak to some other residents and prospective buyers along this street, you will find those with a shared opinion. This is not an unreasonable request.
We would appreciate if you could address the issues of Health & Safety, fire etc.
We wrote this last letter on 13 April and we await a response.
Concerned Whangamata resident.
Name and address supplied in correspondence but withheld to protect the writer.
