Far from failures, small town NZ serves up a true slice of paradise

SPEAKING AS a member of a small East Coast community, I feel qualified to respond to Michael Laws’ column in the Sunday Star-Times (‘‘Failed towns shelter failed communities’’).

I write, not in defence of small towns because most of them have their own ways of rebuttal, but more to show how ignorant Laws is in misrepresenting the truth about these communities.

I have to wonder if he has ever been to any small town because he admits to never having been to Kawhia but feels more than an authority on their problems.

If he had been to my home patch, which I know is representative of the majority of other places he commits to the rubbish heap, he would be surprised at how these communities function and how mistaken he is with his views.

My wife and I have farmed and raised a family in this district (Tolaga Bay) over the past 32 years.

Like all small communities, particularly those servicing rural areas, we have our share of problem people and issues which we have to accommodate.

Like Kawhia, we recognise that it is our responsibility to find solutions to these unsavoury experiences and we invariably have our share of successes which usually makes the community stronger.

Here are a few of the real benefits of living and working in Paradise.

Race relations here are as good as it gets – and that’s coming from a Pakeha representing a 20 per cent minority.

Despite the fact that this town has one of the lowest socio-economic ratings in the country, it has raised more than $7 million towards local projects resulting in it making the finals in the race to be crowned New Zealand’s Community of the Year.

I believe that these small towns remain some of the last bastions of moral decency where, in spite of the drug and unemployment issues that impact heavily on our youth, the community standards that our forebears established still remain a focus for our daily living. The sense of fair play and individual commitment to

Cities have many of the same problems we have but they are more difficult to deal with, despite greater resources.

a common cause are values we all hold dear.

There is also a sense of belonging here which is difficult to replicate in the cities.

From what I observe through the daily media, big isn’t always beautiful. Cities have many of the same problems we have but they are more difficult to deal with, despite greater resources.

Individuals become disconnected from society because nobody cares enough. This alienation marks the beginning of most human casualties. In the provinces, we can usually spot those in trouble early enough to at least put effort into saving lives. We don’t always triumph but it isn’t for lack of trying.

For me, Laws’ most offensive comment was that towns such as Tolaga Bay attract losers and consequently we are, in essence, a failed community.

Yet I am absolutely convinced there is a deep yearning among those who live in the bigger towns and cities for the type of lifestyle we enjoy here on the coast.

In my 32 years of living here and meeting thousands of visitors from the large metropolitan areas, I have yet to meet one person who wouldn’t want to share some of what we have.

Why don’t you come and be my guest, Michael. I can promise that you will not be eaten or have your bags stolen.

I can also assure you that you will enjoy eating dead rats after your conversion. The road to Tolaga Bay is not unlike Paul’s road to Damascus.

Clive Bibby, Tolaga Bay