WORKING TOGETHER

How gratifying to see Whangarei District Council and Far North District Council working collaboratively to put in place excellent precautionary and prohibitive GE rules and policies in our local district plans.

All councils from south Auckland to Cape Reinga (with the support of farmers, beekeepers, orchardists, gardeners and other ratepayers) are working hard to put in place a much needed local protection against outdoor use of genetically modified organisms.

Well done WDC and FNDC for working to protect the district’s valuable GM Free status and acting on its duty of care to farmers, the community and environment.

Zelka Linda Grammer Whangarei

GOOD PLAN

Regarding our story ‘Boardwalk plan causes stir’:

The proposal would be so good for Mangonui. Not only would it be safer for everyone but it would enhance the whole waterfront in general for both traders and users.

Mangonui is a jewel of a coastal village.

It would enhance things like the annual festival.

More seating along its length would also be good.

The suggestion the hand rail would affect the view is absurd, perhaps if you were lying down on a beach towel maybe!

How any council could decide to not comply with a safety issue is beyond me.

Rick Stacey

Coopers Beach

FOOTPATH FIRST

Accidents are always waiting to happen when you expect them to happen.

The same could be said for the ever increasing danger that pedestrians face when walking down Kerikeri Rd, where it is not unusual to see young mums pushing prams on the road or grassy slopes in the face of heavy traffic.

Common sense suggests there should be a footpath the full length of Kerikeri Rd, which was once mooted but we are still waiting.

If the council were able to get its priorities right it is obvious what should be done first. And then there’s the roads, the Waipapa roundabout, street lighting, etc. Leave the cosmetic stuff for later.

Chris O’Brien

Kerikeri