Keep our regional parks separate
It is time to stand up and protect our Auckland regional parks from becoming part of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, and a commitment from Auckland City Council this will not occur. We can only do this if we complete the discussion document, submissions which close on March 4, when most Aucklanders are on holiday. These parks were paid for by our rates, and to all intents and purposes if this goes ahead and they become part of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, they will become nothing more than a land grab and come under the control of the Department of Conservation. They are a wonderful asset for those in
Auckland who face an everincreasing lack of green spaces. Our park rangers and volunteers have done an amazing job and we need to thank them by treasuring them for what they are and keeping them under the control of the Auckland Regional Council.
Robin Harrison, Takapuna
Catmur spot on
I always look forward to Paul Catmur’s observations on a Sunday, and last week’s reflections on life in the military especially so. It was the NCOs who made everything tick, he pointed out, and “never volunteer for anything” was quickly learned. A former Royal Navy chief petty officer once told me officers only ever said “carry on, chief’’, returning the snappy salute and heading to the wardroom for a G&T. As a young journalist in the 1970s I was advised along similar lines by an old hand. If something hit the fan, he told me, one declared “nothing to do with me”, followed by “are you coming across the road?” and that was it. He then invited me across the road.
Dean Donoghue, Papamoa Beach
Cartoon ‘too hostile’
While controversy has been a viable ingredient of Waitangi Day commemoration traditions, last Sunday's cartoon seems to strike too hostile a note. This objection to it isn't on the usual grounds — bias — but to its inappropriately dehumanising and violent connotations; the antithesis of the spirit our national day should engender.
J Livingstone, Auckland
Winter Olympics coverage
Congratulations Prime TV for excellent free-to-air coverage of the Winter Olympics with winning margins in fractions of a second. A breath of fresh air to see the camaraderie between competitors, an example to other sports.
Bruce Tubb, Devonport