Letterstothe Editor

A search of New Zealand newspapers on the National Library website https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/ will show that the name “Ōmokoroa” was in use in this area as far back as 1865, at least 12 years before Mr J. T. Gellibrand built his house at Ōmokoroa. Regards,

Deidre Eichler, Ōmokoroa.

The Director General of Health has instructed Western Bay of Plenty District Council to fluoridate two of its water supplies, but Mayor Webber says there are “several important questions which need addressing” (August Lizard News).

The Mayor wants to know where the funding is going to come from. Has he not considered the benefits to the District’s children?

Katikati-Waihī Beach Residents and Ratepayers Association thought that even if Council has to fund fluoridation itself, the cost will be trivial compared to the cost of losing our Three Waters assets, so we wrote to Council and asked how much it would cost. Council Deputy CEO Gary Allis provided the following costs:

Athenree: $286,000 for capital and $26,000/annum for management and monitoring.

Wharawhara: $280,000 for capital and $29,000/annum for management and monitoring.

These costs are tiny in comparison to the $280 million of Three Waters assets the Mayor seems happy to give away. In fact, the cost of fluoridating the Wharawhara supply is one-thousandth of the value of the water assets that are going to be expropriated by the Government. An expropriation that Mayor Webber supports.

Keith Hay, Chair, KWBRRA.

The Editor responds: Some local authorities have done a far better job than others in NZ of investing in and maintaining water supply and resource consents to be compliant and safe.

Some Councils elsewhere have artificially kept rates lower while neglecting their core infrastructure in order to avoid conflict with ratepayer groups very similar to yourselves.

Access to fresh, clean water is crucially important to all life. Transparent dialogue is needed for the public to have confidence in how best the country manages 3 Waters at the local, regional and national levels. Ultimately, any government of the day will decide whether to pass or repeal legislation. In my view, Council should negotiate as constructively as they can for locals. The rule of law applies. Central government rules by Act of Parliament, regardless of whether or not you agree with the decisions of Council’s outgoing governance members.

I was in a shop in Katikati recently, hearing about the abuse the assistant has been getting from customers when she offers them a mask. She is immune compromised too.

I feel for her. It’s upsetting to hear, but not unexpected. Just a few people have taken advantage of the current situation to show their true natures.

I know from speaking to others on the front line that they, too, have suffered unacceptable abuse.

I’m sick of hearing people say, ‘‘I’m okay. I don’t need to wear a mask. I don’t watch or listen to the news. ‘They’ can stay home.’’

It’s time they woke up, not to smell the roses but to take responsibility. Not necessarily for themselves but for those in their community. Be it family, friends, or fellow citizens.

Coming along Park Road yesterday, I saw two ambulances. I bet there were more that day. And more today.

I will go out today, but I will wear my mask, keep my social distance, be considerate of others, and follow safe health guidelines.

I will not stay home. We’ve all had enough of that.

Especially now, as there are interesting places to go and people to meet, now we are lucky to have our own U3A in Katikati.

I know many members are in the vulnerable category for one reason or another. They should not have to miss out. They should not have to watch from home on Zoom. If they can manage that.

I am feeling cautious and with good reason this week.

Firstly, I have a responsibility to myself, as I have heart and lung conditions.

I’m super compromised. I’m in the wrong age group, I was privileged to be given major surgery in December, and I have sleep apnoea.

To my only daughter, who has no other family. And to my friends who have to pick up the pieces.

To all the people in the health services, who are facing a crisis, worsening every day. Also, to everyone who cared for me for a month in hospital and on my other visits. Not to mention the whole day I was in Waikato Hospital theatre, which must have cost about $750,000. And to the taxpayers of NZ.

To everyone I come into contact with. Many are also in the wrong age group.

To the people in my community. Especially in the retirement village. Many are now going down with Covid and other illnesses. I saw ambulances here and in Park Road twice yesterday morning. Wake up.

Christine Donehue, Katikati.

I have been meaning to write for a while to thank you for the Lizard.

I remember a long time ago when you came to Waihī Beach Focus to tell us about the production of the Lizard, and how the name came about as on Page 2 of the August edition.

Please keep up the good work; I realise the amount of work obtaining advertising and news items. Many thanks.

Heather Christini, Waihī Beach.