In my letter published in this column several years ago, written to express concern for our safety and quality of life when both were being compromised by the behaviour of some drivers and riders here on the streets and beaches of Ahipara, I suggested that ifappropriate measures were not urgently undertaken, law-breaking here would develop to become lawlessness.
On Saturday afternoon of Queen's Birthday weekend, after enduring for several hours the murderous (used advisedly) high-speed antics of groups and individual motorbike riders along our three long streets, Takahe, Kakapo and Korora (children's playground), and upon the beach, I phoned the Kaitaia police station. My call was transferred to the Whangarei station, fortunately still manned, despite government austerity measures.
When I described the chaotic situation, I was advised, " It's normal. It's a holiday weekend".
