PROTECT WETLANDS
It is very disappointing to see that Far North District Council intends to upgrade the Kerikeri sewage scheme to the detriment of two nationally important wetlands situated within the Waitangi Crown Forest.
Having worked extensively in wetlands throughout Northland for the past 25 years I would rate the Waitangi wetlands as being amongst the most special left in the region.
Unfortunately nutrient loading from the Waitangi, Paihia, Opua and Kerikeri sewerage schemes plus fertiliser from the forestry operation are slowly destroying these wonderful wetland habitats and the unique fauna that relies on them.
We are being assured that nutrient levels will be lowered when the new sewerage scheme comes into operation however the volume of discharge will double.
No predictions of future discharge volumes appear to have been considered.
If we are serious about preserving the remaining 5 per cent of wetlands left in New Zealand then action must be taken.
The council has the option of investigating the feasibility of creating an artificial wetland within the Waitangi forest complex where both outfalls could be discharged.
Forestry practices such as ongoing fertiliser application and riparian management need to be addressed.
Mike McGlynn
Takou Bay
PIANO TRIUMPH
Once again the biannual Kerikeri International Piano Competition has come and gone and what a simply magnificent event this is.
I have been involved with this competition from when it first started and I can honestly say that the standard gets higher each time.
Sincere thanks must go especially to the board who work tirelessly for two years prior to the competition.
Also thanks to the many volunteers who contribute so much to the event.
Jude Greener
DEVELOP HARBOUR
Regarding our story ‘Northport should be developed: Peters’:
My son mentioned a few years back whilst serving in the navy as a marine surveyor that with modern sonar the Kaipara Harbour was not a difficult Hugh Rose Whangarei Heads via Neighbourly
BIG SPEND
Regarding our story ‘Boardwalk plan causes stir’: $100k for resource consent! That is over 18 per cent of the construction cost!
And that is when the council is both the client and the consent authority which you would think would result in some economies.
As for the safety barrier...if somebody’s nana nearly drove over the edge the correct solution is to ban her from driving, not to spend $150,000 on a safety rail. Ivan Lipanovic
Kerikeri
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