Kina graze an area of seabed barren at The Noises. Photo / Shaun Lee
It has been interesting to read recent articles about the deterioration of biodiversity in the Hauraki Gulf.
Central government's response strategy for the Marine Special Plan for the gulf will need some teeth to it if it is to make a difference.
The shoreline in populated regions has been
stripped of virtually all life forms – not even the humble periwinkle is safe.
Set nets often left unattended for the night are permitted to randomly kill fish species close to shore and divers equipped with tanks are still permitted to take crayfish and other threatened species in areas where stocks have been depleted. Even seaweed has been scraped from beaches to make them look pretty with little for the environmental impact.
Little wonder the gulf is in bad shape.
It is about time strong action is taken before the biodiversity is little more than a distant memory.
To their credit some regional councils have banned set nets under their limited powers but this is not nearly enough.
Central government needs to take strong action that will inevitably be unpopular will some factions but will ultimately be of benefit for future generations.
Ian Howden, Devonport.
In your article (NZ Herald, March 15) on rising coal imports, Simon Court of Act rightly comments on the limits to environmentalism, especially when isolated New Zaland has no opportunity to draw in power from an adjoining country when needed, as happens in Europe.
In the 30 days from February 13 onwards, the Electricity Market Overview graphs showed there were 9-10 days when there was either no, or else very little generation from wind farms, such that gas and coal had to make up the difference to maintain the grid. If the wind doesn't blow, the turbines don't go; and if the rain doesn't fall, the dams have stuff all.
Nick Nicholas, Greenlane.
In Jason Walls' article on coal imports (NZ Herald, March 15) it says the "Government is being challenged [by the Act Party] on its spending on renewable energy with the revelation on coal imports". Surely that challenge should be directed to the largely privatised electricity generators?
No money has been invested in hydro generation since the Clyde dam was completed, solely with Government investment in 1992.
Recently, thank goodness, Contact energy has announced t it will proceed with a new geothermal project and has raised capital to do that but otherwise the privately owned energy companies have been relying on coal and gas to deal with energy shortfalls. Neither of these energy sources are renewable. Act would have us explore for more gas and produce more greenhouse gases by using it for electricity generation. Where is the sense in that?
Surely all political parties should be supporting investment in proper renewable energy and strop blaming the Government for the actions of the electricity generators.
Neil Anderson, Algies Bay.
Can we have a sense of proportion regarding 10,000 speeding buses (NZ Herald, March 15)?
There are about 100 million bus passenger trips a year. Taking a generous 20 people per bus, that means at least 5 million bus trips a year, of which 10,000 is a fraction of one per cent.
So, about 0.2 per cent of bus trips are caught speeding. Of course, that is 0.2 per cent too many and is surprising, given the usual traffic congestion buses have to deal with, but as a pedestrian and a bus user I see private vehicles running red lights and speeding every day – unsanctioned.
We need many more cameras in the city and a focus on private vehicles as well as buses.
Peter Davis, Kingsland.
While I can't condone the occasional bus driver speeding or running red lights (NZ Herald, March 15), you can see why bus drivers make mistakes. With speed humps on more and more roads; impossibly slow speeds of 30km/h in areas, such as Symonds St; cyclists sharing bus lanes; demanding passengers; impatient motorists; clogged roads; red cones everywhere; poor traffic light sequencing; no automatic right to re-enter traffic; and appalling amenities to rest between journeys - our bus drivers are stressed and exhausted.
Rather than punishment, AT would be better making bus journeys easier for bus drivers and other motorists by addressing the issues above.
Our bus drivers deserve better.
Stephen Moore, St Heliers.
Mayor Phil Goff ranted about the rubbish that was left at the Britomart Square on Friday night, following the drop to level 1. There was a lot of feedback about lack of rubbish bins, which has been a major ongoing concern in the inner city. The major problem we have is that we have the stupidest rubbish bins of any city I have visited.
Our city planners are convinced that small, round rubbish bins are the answer and yet with the proliferation of pizza boxes around our city, it is difficult to fit a square peg into a round hole.
In the past, I have lobbied Auckland Council to look at the amazing rubbish bins that have been installed in Brisbane City. They are large, they can accommodate almost any form of rubbish and are easily serviced. Furthermore, they have external surfaces that can be leased out to promotional organisations to attach posters and/or artwork for an "unlimited" range of uses.
Dick Ayres, Auckland Central.
The Prohibition of Gang Insignia in Government Premises Act 2013 prohibits the display of gang insignia on premises of departments of the public service, the Police, Crown entities, local authorities, and schools.
Seized gang insignia can be destroyed by the Crown.
The gang insignia law is great but it should be extended to all public places.
It is time to put an end to gang members strutting around.
John Caldwell, Howick.
Re: Te Rina Triponel's piece on te Motu Tapu a Taiheku (NZ Herald, March 12). Healing this island and neighbouring Rangitoto actually began seriously with iwi Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki's approval over three decades ago, eliminating pests, starting weed control and native reforestation.
By 2011, Te Papa Atawai/DoC and volunteer co-ordinator Motutapu Restoration Trust (MRT) began arduous, tricky work reintroducing native fauna.
Thousands of volunteers have reforested more than 115ha and restored built heritage. Community donations and sponsorships have supported this effort.
The result? Regenerating habitat for kererū and kiwi, korimako, pateke, tīeke, takahē, tūī, kākā , kākāriki, gecko, skink, kōkopu, and other taonga. Motutapu belongs to a national breeding network, and native birds are self-introducing once more.
The native plants pictured were among 4000, raised by MRT from seed collected on the island, donated to Ngāi Tai, grounded with MRT volunteer help. Yes, there is much to be done, but has Motutapu really been in such dismal health and careless hands for 30-odd years?
Motutapu - a recreational reserve within our national conservancy - is open to all with strong ecological aims long established. We should acknowledge the enormous efforts to date, and distribute credit accordingly.
J.M. Maidment, Titirangi.
One must admire the Australians for their proficiency in manufacturing criminals. Admittedly, for the first several decades of their existence they did have to import all their criminals. In bulk.
But they soon became very proficient in making their own.
Although they do often still have to import the raw materials, they are now so good at it that they can not only supply all their own need for criminals but they also have
a substantial surplus available for export. Which they freely do.
We are truly blessed to have such proficient and generous neighbours.
John Mihaljevic, Henderson.
In my many years of policing, I cannot recall any previous Police Commissioner asking the public what is considered "acceptable" and tolerable" when it comes to the collection of "intelligence" (NZ Herald, March 11). Congratulations, Andrew Coster.
Our Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon argues for an "overhaul of police culture" and demands the removal of "racial profiling".
Both commissioners are really asking how to combat crime and preserve law and order without upsetting selected community groups.
For much of my career I have been involved with the maintenance and use of authorised police records - in particular, fingerprints.
I ask this question: how do we physically "identify" people? Police (and court) records rely on "physical" characteristics of individuals. Fingerprints, DNA and photographs included. Race is part of that identification information base. Technology is used in such systems.
Get real.
Peter C. Burridge, Hauraki.
On concerts
Great. Once the noise of the amplified music has finished and the noise of departing concert-goers has faded, we can then begin to think about retiring quietly for the night. Then the helicopters come out. Ian Matheson, Mt Eden.
On Hosking
Fancy being stuck having to talk to Mike Hosking every week. Humanity, where are thou? Jilli Andre, Ōtūmoetai.
On deportees
Spare a prayer for ScoMo, fellas. His misogynistic party is being out-voted by Labour in many states, with another 16 per cent slide last Saturday in West Australia. Poor lad's gotta blame somebody. Gerry O'Meeghan, Pāpāmoa.
Is it possible for New Zealand to refuse landing rights to the Conair flights from Australia to New Zealand? Most of us would support this. A.C. Wright, Freemans Bay.
On Robbie
John E. Binsley (NZ Herald, March 15), makes a strong argument against "cluttering" this visionary Mayor of Auckland's memorial park. Sir Dove-Myer Robinson's legacy is still palpably influencing the development of greater Auckland. Nothing should detract from his influential term of office. Peter Cooper, Ellerslie.
On Cup
What a tragedy the pre-racing America's Cup TV programme is so desperately lightweight. What a lost opportunity to properly showcase Auckland to the world. Hylton Le Grice, Remuera.
The moral of the story is "never give up". That includes participants and spectators. Janet Boyle, Ōrewa.
Whatever the outcome, how about that Jimmy Spithill? An admirable Australian with good grace and diplomacy. Larry Mitchell, Rothesay Bay.
On diabetes
Sugary drinks ... diabetes ... do something. No brainer. Larry Mitchell, Rothesay Bay.
Councillor Sam Bennett calls for better accessibility in Taranaki, citing 'second-class' treatment.