Editor Letters to the

Growing pains

I read with interest the news report on Council where they had to “swallow a dead rat” (Lizard News, April); it appears they were forced into accepting the medium-density housing scheme. Otherwise, the improvements to the exit onto SH2 would be cancelled.

Seriously? No one wants this level of intensification, but they allow themselves to be bureaucratically bullied into submission.

I just recently went for a drive around the area of Pāpāmoa, nearest to the toll road. This is not even medium density, but the area is completely soulless and destined to become highly undesirable in a very short time. Areas of Ōmokoroa will suffer the same fate or worse.

I also read that the proposed schools in Ōmokoroa are likely to be put on hold. This gives Council the opportunity to counter threat; no schools, no MDH plan - though I very much doubt they would have the courage to do so.

Tom Barratt, Ōmokoroa.

Provision for all

Just a brief response to Peter Presland’s letter referring to Ōmokoroa’s planned dog park (Lizard News, April). Being a resident in Te Puna, I doubt that I will find a need to use the proposed park despite having a dog. However, while I don’t have any children or grandchildren, I don’t moan about the Council’s provision of children’s playgrounds anywhere, even though my rates will go towards their existence.

Anne Visser, Te Puna.

Precious space

I am very sad to hear that anyone would consider using the Precious Family Reserve for a dog park. The Precious brothers and their sister were very generous people and supported a lot of local projects, especially youth activities.

The reserve was used for camps and is currently used as access to a nice little beach and various walking paths. I do not support a dog park there.

There is a large amount of grassy space at the Huharua Reserve, and some could be fenced for a dog park. The walking and cycling path from Ōmokoroa is very pleasant, and there’s a convenient car park near the marae.

Please reconsider the idea and consider the thoughts of long-time residents of the area.