Letter to the Editor, Tuesday August 23, 2016

Let's just get on with it ourselves

So often we expect the council, central government, DOC or another public entity to fix our problems.

In today's environment of fiscal restraint we simply need to let go of those expectations and get on with it.

We live in an area and a country that wouldn't work without volunteers.

I've been involved with a project that is working because of give and take, because of collaboration between volunteers and the Far North District Council. This sort of collaboration is becoming more and more commonplace, and could indeed be a model for the future.

There is a public walking track unknown to many that is kept open through the joint efforts of council and volunteers. The track skirts the northwestern edge of Paewhenua Island, just outside Mangonui.

Beginning in January 2016, Allen Cammell, technical officer - facilities, infrastructure and asset management for FNDC, set up a contract for the first part of the track, off State Highway 10, to be regularly mown several times per year.

This was done on the proviso that the Wednesday walking group I belong to would maintain the narrower, un-mowable part of the track that accesses a public reserve and small family cemetery at the end of the track.

We're each doing our part, and the walkway is looking better and better every time I visit it.

I encourage locals to use the track. The walk is roughly 45 leisurely minutes in each direction. You'll be rewarded with a stop at a white, shell-covered beach looking across Mangonui Harbour towards the Old Oak Hotel.

The walking surface is a bit wet at present, but will be better once the winter rains finish.

My thanks go to Allen Cammell and to the mowing contractor for doing such a good job.

JOHN HAINES
Cooper's Beach