Northern Advocate letters: December 2

A selection of letters published in the Northern Advocate on December 2, 2011.

Sheer spite

Re: The Whangarei Aquatic Centre:

I need to let the public know that the removal of the cold shower from the immediate vicinity of the sauna seems to be sheer spite.

Having swum at pools all over NZ, all have a cold shower handy to the sauna.

A new pool built at Blenheim has at least three poolside showers.

The manager at Whangarei Aquatic Centre seems to know better than us long-time users, and has not listened to us nor ever acknowledged our concerns.

Chas Jeffares, Whangarei (Abridged)

Whangarei Aquatic Centre manager Scott Linklater responds:

There were a couple of logistical issues causing problems with the old sauna shower placement.

Since the wave pool complex opening in 2007 the main public access to the facility passed directly past the unenclosed sauna shower, compounding the problem is the fact there is no drain under the shower causing the water to sit around till squeegeed away.

A further issue was the only water fountain in the pool hall is also right by the shower (meaning often people not swimming such as parents or gym-goers got splashed by the sauna shower users).

After a couple of incidents where some elderly patrons had slips in this area and in consultation with Sport Northland (the facility owners) and the Whangarei District Council the decision was made to relocate the shower, one in both the females and males changing rooms. respectively.

Both these showers are less then 25 metres from the sauna.

This information is posted on our facility noticeboard and also has been discussed with a number of long-time users.

Hope this helps clear up any confusion.

Many thanks

Parkinson's Northland recently celebrated their Annual Awareness Week with a Garden Ramble at Onerahi and a Street Appeal in Whangarei.

The committee are eternally grateful to the residents of Markson Avenue, Workman Place and Maurton Place for displaying their gardens to perfection for the Garden Ramble and to Lyn Pritchard, Peter and Elizabeth Hanmore and members of the Society who assisted on the day. An extra big thanks to Don and Elizabeth Swift who opened their home for visitors to enjoy a delightful morning tea.

The committee also extend their thanks to the many people who generously donated money or purchased raffle tickets at our Annual Street Appeal. To the pupils from Kamo High School, Pakeke Lions, members of the Council of Women and to the other volunteers who assisted with the collection your services were very much valued.

In total a sum of $3,360 was collected and there is still some money coming in. This money is used to provide field officer service to our members throughout the North. In days when funding is so hard to find, every little cent is welcome. Many thanks for all the support.

Leonie Robertson, Parkinson's Northland

Yes or no

Re: Hundertwasser.

There appears to me to be two simple methods of resolving the apparent controversy over this proposed venture. The ratepayers of Whangarei have the right to be heard on this issue. What better way than for council to send out a simple request for a yes or no vote with our rate demands? This would keep the cost absolutely minimal.

I read of surveys having been carried out stating that large numbers of visitors would visit such a building. Surveys are, at the best of times, crystal-ball gazing.

If council is so determined to proceed with what it thinks is going to be a profitable development then I suggest the following: Create a marketing package to property developers which includes for recovery of all money expended on models, surveys, etc, and offer the building at independent market value. If this venture is as good as council suggests, then developers should line up for the opportunity and the city gets the benefits from visitor numbers.John GoodTutukakaSorry lotWhat a sorry lot the National Government is proving to be.

They obviously have every intention of relaxing controls on the release of genetically engineered organisms into our environment. How dare they!

When is the scientific community going to stop pushing for such potentially destructive experiments as field trials of uncontainable organisms, thereby, putting the whole country at risk?

They have no right to pollute our country in this way.

When possums, gorse, etc, were introduced here in the mistaken belief they would benefit our country, we had no real say; now we do. The elections are upon us - remember our responsibilities to the generations coming behind us and keep our beautiful country clean and unsullied by delusional scientists or dishonest politicians.

G Thompson, Hikurangi

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