Paving paradise

I find myself agreeing with Raymond Anderson’s emotive letter about property development around Hamilton (in fact New Zealand), leaving us surrounded by a sea of concrete and roofs, with barely any foliage in sight. It’s strange we accept this as we move to a time of global heating and high CO^2 emissions with a need of established shade trees.

The new development at Temple View is a walled concrete city. God wasn’t allowed to appear in nature there. There will be no cool air circulating around those walled concrete pens and no room for any trees to grow around the houses, either. What an environment for children to grow up in! Where is the city planning? Who are the city planners responsible? Are they qualified? Let’s see I was privileged to attend two slightly related events in Hamilton recently: a meet-the-candidates evening for the Waikato Regional Council by-election currently in progress, and a presentation by Sir Geoffrey Palmer on environmental issues, local government, and possible New Zealand constitution.

The first was notable for both the large field of candidates, 10, though three didn’t show. There were some very highquality candidates on offer, though.

Sir Geoffrey’s presentation mentioned the lack of effectiveness of regional councils. He also criticised the first past the post system of councillor selection. With a vote spread across such a wide field, a determined candidate could benefit from apathy and gain the seat without skills or a mandate. Hamiltonians would do well to pay attention to this by-election. Choose wisely, choose quality, and good character.

The regional council is already running better than it did in the last term; the last thing Hamilton and the region need is more of the old dysfunction. Vote, and vote well!

Brian Habberfield

Waihi