Noel’s last Letter to the Editor – written just hours before he was flown to Waikato Hospital.
Two Issues Need Resolution
Two major issues for Whitianga have dominated the agenda for the past 10 years.
First issue is the Mercury Bay Boating Club that had to reduce it’s operation due to the Clubhouse being flooded by coastal erosion. The Clubhouse has been unused and has to be lifted on blocks for the last few years.
The second issue is the Whitianga Sports Ground complex off Moewai Road. The 10 hectare block of land was developed by Hoppers, and they handed over to Council to complete the project. Unfortunately, whilst Council have built part of the structures, the usability of the complex is almost nil and unaffordable.
I have a scenario to put forward that could solve the dilemma and bring two factors together.
I believe that in their term of office, the elected members of Council for the Mercury Bay ward should be able to solve these issues.
Boating Club – I would recommend that the building be moved to a vacant site near the entrance to the Sports Ground. The advantage is that it contains a kitchen, an office, an expired liquor license and sufficient space to hold meetings.
Whilst this is a boating club well away from the water, Hoppers are developing an extended canal system with a marina and boat storage. In addition, there is sufficient space for boats and trailers in the large car park on site.
The second part of my proposal may have to be pushed back, and that was to supply a venue for Arts and Crafts, Concerts and Musical Events etc.
The first stage would be for Council to employ a manager and secretary to promote the complex and work with all parties to achieve their goal.
Finally, I would like to suggest that to finance part of the programme, a Sound Shell is put in for outdoor concerts, fetes, music events etc.
Noel S. Hewlett, Whitianga
NOEL HEWLETT’S PASSING
It was a surprise to learn of Noel Hewlett’s death, I’d just been reading his latest “letter to the editor” and as usual, he was promoting the Mercury Bay community.
He and I became acquainted many years ago when we were both councillors at the TCDC. Noel was an unfailing advocate for Mercury Bay’s share of the rates and he continued this with two favourite projects.
Firstly, improvement to the bike park, and secondly better use of the Moewai Sports Park. His view that putting up a grandstand and stage to promote more events was a no-brainer.
Noel was a regular attendee at The Lost Spring discussion group and his input will be missed. Including his ‘table-slapping’ humour.
My commiserations to Noel’s extended family for their loss.
Peter H. Wood
Council Amalgamation: Street Talk
With more words being written in local papers by notables than War and Peace about this- we asked locals what they want.
Is it the super city with Hamilton, in the middle with Hauraki who don’t seem to want us, or the North-East option with Tauranga. We asked some people on the streets of Whangamata what they thought.
The Northeast option, a well-known local politician declared- “…..they have similar ocean problems we have, we can work together to find solutions.”
Diana said, “Why do we have to change – we’re just the minnows and we will be forgotten, wherever we are.”
“I like the Super City option”, said Gerard – “economies of scale”.
It’s diverse and complicated. One thing is for sure if you don’t fill out the survey on the TCDC’s survey site ‘Local Government Reforms’, you wont be allowed to grizzle.
“What’s the point? Do they really take any notice of those things?” said mother of two- Jenny.
Shaun Fay, Whangamata
Turning the Reform upside down
51 councils in NZ are well past their use-by date. Why not have the 11 Regional Councils replace the role of local councils?
- NZ has a population 5.3m (similar to Sydney and Melbourne).
- Councils in NZ at present have to borrow money, hence our rates continue to rise: small populations and their councils do not cover council outgoings: and cannot have personnel with experience to cover all functions that are required.
- We have 11 regional councils, so many of the 51 councils could be amalgamated into these regional councils, a Ward in each region could remain. Government and all NZers rate payers of the day would financially be better off.
- Regional councils would have the experience personnel to cover all functions: RMA, etc. without bias
- The RMA could be simplified for small business (1 to 5 personnel). Medium size business (6 to 10 personnel). One document describes the nature of the business, local neighbours that may be impacted, each sign off (witnessed by a JP). All this would cost very little to administer and allow small businesses to be established and thrive.
- This draft amalgamated with the struggle with RMA, in a small council: has many extremely good and valid points on the struggle to establish a small business.
Summary: This government is into innovation, employment, business. Therefore in regards to the RMA when fully drafted (see above) it should be sent to: Ministry of Business, innovation: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis, and the NZ Herald (a feature in the business section with headline; “Councils and the RMA spell decline of small business in NZ.” and see reference contact below.
A Hahei resident
◾️Reference Local Regional Government (LRG) Radio NZ 23 Sept 24 by: Nona Pelletier: Senior Business Reporter @nonapelletier or nona.pelletier@rnz.com
