North Shore Times (New Zealand)
MISSING STREET SIGNS
EMPATHY FOR HOMELESS
I read Michael Colonna’s letter (North Shore Times, February 14) about homeless people sleeping on sidewalks and in or around public libraries with mounting anxiety. He seems to have lost his human empathy and imagination!
He refers to them as ‘‘so-called homeless’’, as if he hasn’t heard of the mounting housing problems in Auckland. People who have a room and a bed don’t usually go and sleep in public places. This is the behaviour of someone who has to sleep outside and can’t get a good night’s sleep, so they sleep during the day, when its safer.
I agree with him that Auckland Council should have a more ‘joined up’ response to people sleeping in their libraries.
There must be a more caring response than doing nothing. Janet Marks
Glenfield
Why is it taking so long for Auckland Transport contractors to replace missing street signs?
One sign I reported as missing on December 1 2016 was not reinstated until January 26 2017; another reported on January 16 2017 has still not been replaced as at February 15 2017.
Calls to Auckland Council only get the response ‘‘our contractors are working on it’’.
Surely, street signs are important and need to be replaced as soon as possible.
Some years ago when the AA was responsible for this, signs
YNZ FUNDING
The recent revelation that the Auditor General is investigating how Yachting New Zealand could give $800,000 of taxpayers’ money to a group of Takapuna businessmen to build the ‘‘pie in the sky’’ high performance centre on reserve land leased to the Takapuna Beach Holiday Park without a contract or written agreement shows a total lack of judgement.
This revelation should not be allowed to be swept under the carpet and confirms what many residents thought of the total arrogance of Yachting New Zealand and the illusive Harbour Access Trust.
The role of the Auckland City Council and the advice they gave to Yachting New Zealand should be part of the investigation.
This debacle should not be allowed to occur again.
Bruce Tubb
Belmont
HAVE YOUR SAY
Letters should not exceed 250 words and must have full name, residential address and phone number. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or withhold any correspondence without explanation. Letters may be referred to others for right of reply before publication. Email: nsnews@snl.co.nz Mail: North Shore Times, PO Box 79, Orewa.