Lack of communication

Editor,

In response to your article titled ‘‘Power to residents’’ [KMN, February 21], it appears the issue is more one of the inability of Porirua City Council and the Department of Internal Affairs to communicate with each other.

It would be unfortunate if that issue maligned the community representative group which has come from residents within the greater Cannons CreekWaitangirua area.

I understand that community group members were not present with the DIA official at the council briefing.

Let the politicians play politics. That should not take away that there are people on the leadership group who have worked in the community and have earned solid credentials with their record.

If central government is prepared to provide a resource and transparent process that can be developed and which may deliver positive outcomes in a high needs community, wouldn’t that be beneficial for residents no matter who provided it?

The council has said many times within my earshot that they have limited resources so hence do not have a monopoly on community-led initiatives.

If Porirua City Council do not see a role for themselves on the playing field, that only leaves them on the sideline. SHANE LAULU, Cannons Creek

Councillor Liz Kelly’s view on these matters was they were ‘‘fictional’’.

A council officer considered that $30,000 which the document suggested would be needed to relocate an existing user was not relevant as council could just find that money elsewhere, as they do all the time.

No one questioned how the two promoting clubs (and proposed major users) could find the cash needed to purchase time on the park when their latest published financial statements show clearly their tight position and dependence on public grants.

No one challenged one of the proponents when he said that the applicant’s Trust Deed limited use of surplus income to development of Ascot Park (which it doesn’t).

Only councillor Ken Douglas voted against the proposal, because he alone was concerned that adequate evidence of financial strength hadn’t been demonstrated.

And these people control a $60 million enterprise. BRIAN COLLINS,

Papakowhai Wade-brown offensive [KMN, February 28].

I am not overly concerned that she flew a flag that represents only a few Maori but I am concerned at her attitude that ‘‘I am the ceremonial head’’ and thus does not need to consult.

She needs to realise that she is not Wellington City, that she was elected by a small majority of a small number of voters, and that she is only one vote on the Wellington City Council.

The reason many voters did not vote was they believed Wellington City Council does not believe in meaningful consultation with residents. How can they have faith that the Wellington City Council will consult with residents when the mayor will not consult with the other elected elected members of her council.

Too much of this ‘‘I don’t feel the need to consult’’ and she will be a one term, or less, mayor.

GRAEME HANSEN, Tawa through the booms?

The unnecessary use of horns in urban areas has been a pain long before the Matangi units came on the scene. The Matangi horns are if anything less intrusive than the others, and most of the drivers seem to give a short blip rather than some of the thoughtless drivers who delight in delivering long, piercing blasts.

There simply is no justification for horns in urban areas when there are booms bells and lights.

KEVIN CLARK, Plimmerton