Northern News

COMPOSTING LOO

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After reading The Bay Chronicle on September 15 I thought I needed to write and inform people there is a better way to deal with their crap.

I have had a composting toilet for ten years now with no expenses after the initial lay out. I get about one wheel barrow of beautiful black soil each year from it. Take charge of your own life.

M Robertson, Kaeo

QUESTIONS NEEDED

Re: ’’To flush or not to flush’’: One of the reasons Kerikeri ratepayers are paying a lot more towards a sewerage system is, like Auckland, 20 years of previous councillor­s refused to make the necessary zoning changes that would have resulted in smaller residentia­l sections close to town coming on the market.

This would have not only reduced housing costs, but also sewage contributi­ons, because there would be more connection­s.

Perhaps some of our irate ratepayers are new to town, and they need to be reminded that failing and inadequate sewage systems are continuing to pollute our waterways, negatively impacting on the returns of our oyster farmers.

Huge parcels of land close to Kerikeri have been wasted on the provision of private wastewater schemes, and commercial growth has been stymied because existing systems are unable to cope with further expansion.

My suggestion is to soundly question councillor candidates, some of whom were on those previous councils I referred to.

Jill Smith, Kerikeri

OUTRAGE OTT

The outrage over last week’s NCEA MCAT algebra exam is a little over the top. If the students had actually understood the concepts they had been taught, they shouldn’t have had too much trouble adjusting to the variation in presentati­on.

If the local high school had perhaps used a more reputable and up-to-date Y11 maths text it would have been more beneficial to the students. If the school had done more than three weeks on algebra, the students might have been better able to cope.

Schools throughout NZ try to get their students passing as many internal assessment­s as possible so students don’t feel ‘‘so stressed’’ at the end of the year when they face three hour external exams.

No wonder the universiti­es are wringing their hands in dismay at the educationa­l standard of

WONDERFUL PEOPLE

Thanks to the wonderful people of Waipapa, Kerikeri and Paihia. I am walking Te Araroa, a 3054km journey from Cape Reinga to the Bluff to raise awareness for Multiple Sclerosis research.

While travelling through Waipapa, Kerikeri and Paihia, I was approached my many people in the street, in cafes or shops, not only to offer donations toward the MS Research Fund, but to tell me stories of how their lives, or the lives of their family members have been affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

I have been sincerely touched by some of the people we have met and I am even more motivated to achieve our target of walking to Bluff and raising $20,000 for MS Research. Thank you to the wonderful people who read your paper! I love this part of the world!

Nikki Ladd

HAVE YOUR SAY

Letters must not exceed 250 words and must have your full name, residentia­l address and phone number. Only your name and town/suburb are published. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or withhold any correspond­ence without explanatio­n. Letters may be referred to others for right of reply. Email jenny.ling@fairfaxmed­ia.co.nz

 ??  ?? Heather Mackay says outrage over the algebra exam is over the top.
Heather Mackay says outrage over the algebra exam is over the top.
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