Govt is deaf about flawed modelling on water reform

I’m sure many residents were dismayed at the headline in last Saturday’s Hawke’s Bay Today, “Water bills over $7000 without reform”.

What the article did not mention is that the central government modelling has been peer reviewed by several organisations, including Morrison Low and

Castalia, and they have all concluded there are significant flaws in the data and assumptions which have been used.

This includes the forecast capital spend for some councils being enough to replace their entire water network, whilst for others such as Napier City Council the forecast spend is one third of what we are already planning to spend.

The modelling also includes efficiencies of 50%-60%, whilst generating approximately 9000 new jobs, seems pretty unlikely to me. Government is forging ahead with their proposed reform despite being advised by many that the modelling is fundamentally flawed. The community will have the opportunity to provide input through the select committee process which will start within the next couple of months. I am committed to working with the residents of Napier and advocating for the best possible outcome for our community.

Kia kotahi tātau o Ahuriri nei — We are Team Napier.

Kirsten Wise Napier City Council Mayor

Funeral costs

Re: the ridiculous price of a funeral: Only a few years back there were only two funeral directors in Hawke’s bay, now there are about six or seven.

It reminds me of advice given to me by my father some 50 years ago.

“If you want to make money in your life son, you go for people when they are, Mad, Glad, Sad or Bad.” For example:

Mad, a fool and his money are easily parted.

Glad, at a wedding, when you are happy and pay far more for booze and food then was consumed.

Sad. At a funeral when you pay far too much whilst in tears.

Bad, when you go out and steal. Lou Klinkhamer

Havelock North

Foggy vision

My early morning commute takes me from Haumoana to Havelock North each morning at 7am.

This is normally a very peaceful drive with the rising sun. This past week it has been very difficult, as I simply cannot see the oncoming cars who have no lights on in dense fog.

Putting lights on does not cost anything and may save your life, and the lives of others. Please switch on after starting!

Andrew Black

Haumoana

The whole truth

There is a saying “if we are better taught the truth, knowing the truth will assist to make us whole”.

Our nation has been very negative in teaching our history.

Educator Robin Fabish deserves wide support in “moving us on”, on Anzac Day in seeking a kinder and fairer city/nation.

Pat Magill (OBE)

Napier