Filling the streets of Arrowtown with dogs in civilian clothing might be a very cunning plan to distract and confuse terrorists. Homegrown shock and awe perhaps? Let's hope it's entirely successful.
DAVE CAMERON
Springvale
Thank you
I would like to express my very sincere thanks to the kind folks from Springvale Rd. Early in the evening of April 12 my car was struck from behind while I waited to turn right into Sussex Rd.
Within minutes people had appeared and were offering support and directing traffic. Your kindness was much appreciated at such a traumatic time.
The professional but calmly reassuring police officer and two ambulance staff were also wonderful.
It was enough to totally restore anyone's faith in humanity and a typical example of the generosity of the public in our lovely city.
A sincere thank-you to all concerned.
SHIRLEY FORWARD
Castlecliff
Who I am
Regarding Bernard Corkery's letter asking "Who is Steve Baron?" ...well, thank you for asking, Bernard.
Like a lot of people in Whanganui, I'm just someone that wants to make a difference.
STEVE BARON
Whanganui
Census test
As most of you may be aware, over the past few weeks the good folk of Whanganui have helped the Government test new forms that will be rolled out for next year's census in March.
More than 13,500 people from across the region took part in the census test, which is a great turnout.
On the night of the test, many of you would have been making sure that your families and homes were safe from the threat of floods during the heavy rain your region was experiencing, so it was encouraging to hear that so many people still took part.
If you took part, you'll know that the census collects a huge range of information -- data about everyone in the country that is processed and packaged up so it can be used safely, without identifying anyone. This means it can be used by government, iwi, businesses and community groups all over the country to help make informed decisions.
Census data is used in all sorts of ways, from deciding if a community has enough health services for its population, to understanding if your home town is a good place to start a business or buy a house.
That's why completing the census is so important -- literally, every response counts.
The more people who take part in the census, the better the information will be. So, working out the best ways to get people involved is something we will be keeping a close eye on as we build up to next March.
Thank you again, Whanganui -- you've helped out the whole country by getting behind this test and supporting Stats NZ with their preparations for 2018.
Find out more about the census at stats.govt.nz/census
The legislation under which Stats NZ operates ensures that they deliver independent statistics and maintain confidentiality of the data supplied to them.
MARK MITCHELL
Minister of Statistics
Transparency call
Great news in the April 21 Chronicle that independent consultants have undertaken a cost-benefit analysis of the Whanganui-Motueka ferry proposal, calculating that 115 jobs could be created and that it would be profitable in Year One. Astounding and wonderful if so.
But could I ask that the modelling be made public? After all, Whanganui's citizens and council are being asked to front with significant funds in support, and I understand there's a request to hand over the port as part of any deal.
The last time a handover occurred ended in tears on both sides. Somehow there's a widespread belief that only private enterprise should build and operate infrastructure. That's dangerous over-simplification. You only have to look at the Serco and Kaipara WWTP debacles to see how badly private enterprise can perform on projects where the public good is at stake.
If the handover is simply to eliminate berthage fees, such fees couldn't possibly be the making/breaking of the venture. Also, the city is due some revenue to maintain other aspects of the port and control over what was, and could again become, a strategic infrastructure asset.
But back to the feasibility study: Does it look just at the venture itself, the value of the venture to the city (probably), and/or the value of the venture to NZ as a Wellington-Picton alternative? What are the key revenue and cost (including environmental) drivers and their values?
I assume multipliers are added, e.g. the value of accommodation, meals and other services used by visitors coming by ferry, and the value to the local economy of the new workers. What are they? What's the pay-back period?
All I ask is for more transparency now that the modelling has been done. It shouldn't all be commercially sensitive and the city (or Government, if it's being approached) needs a better handle on what it's buying into.
MARTIN VISSER
Whanganui
