HARSH APPROACH

We, like many others in Kerikeri have septic tanks and are now affected by the implementation of the new sewerage system.

We received a letter saying that we had the option to connect or not to connect; if we chose not to connect we would still be liable for a charge of $1073 per annum.

If we chose to connect a subsidised cost of around $734 for the connection would be required plus an annual on-going cost of $1633.

We have to find the costs of this from our own pockets so something will have to be cut.

Far North District Council went on to say that if we chose not to connect at this time then we would be liable for the full costs (probably around $12,000 according to them) should we choose to connect at a later date.

I find this unacceptable. There is no mechanism to help in cases of hardship whether pensioners or a young family. The approach is harsh to put it mildly.

This would not be tolerated from private business. When will the council become more sensitive to the situation their ratepayers are in? Regarding our social media post on mayoral candidates:

It’s a demanding position, and you need to be a strong and thick skinned person.

The Mayor, although you may think has a good say about how to progress the community, I believe is really just the face of the council and ends up taking a lot of flack.

It’s really the people behind them that are in control.

Previous mayors have had great intentions but the system fails them, of course public opinion also tends to suggest some are there to ‘‘push their own barrel’’.

This may be very true, but they are all no doubt caring, community minded people looking for sensible progress.

Good on anyone with the guts to take on the job, it’s a mammoth task so I can see why those more in the know fail to put their name forward!

It’s important to vote for the ‘‘little guys’’ too, they all contribute too! It is two weeks since Northland joined us to celebrate Daffodil Day and to think of all those who have walked the cancer pathway.