North Shore Times (New Zealand)
DECISION ADRIFT
Frank Larking’s boat or Beach Haven community’s boat lay on the seaward side of mean high water springs which by definition is part of the coastal marine environment and not public land. So do Auckland Council’s new socalled Renewals department or Kaipatiki Local Board actually have any jurisdiction to move the boat in the first place? Do they actually have any health and safety liability either, especially since the vessel isn’t a council asset?
I suspect not. The matter is more likely to fall under the Harbour Master’s jurisdiction and possibly Auckland Transport. Frank’s boat has never been identified as a navigational hazard in official notices to mariners as far as I am aware. Council actions raise questions of whether the boat’s location and status was ever properly discussed with the harbour master’s office (and if not why not?), given said office appears not to have voiced any concern in 40 years.
I’ll bet Council’s hazard consultants cost more than a new ladder and some rope. Come on Council, your authority is dubious at least. Instead of creating yet another monument to officiousness, get organised. Get your head around the jurisdiction, get the boat fixed or replicated in Frank’s memory, recognise that the 1700 petitioners represent many more locals, and give the community what it wants.
Brian Smith
Hillcrest
COUNCIL IN QUESTION
The jousting for the Treasury seats is under way. All NZ adult citizens can vote for Parliament. But Aucklanders were denied their democratic rights by this government when it removed our local government system in 2010, although other districts, like Wellington were allowed their rights and voted against the amalgamation proposals.
So where does democracy begin and end for Aucklanders, one third of this country’s taxpayers? It seems it is at the whim of the government.
But worse, the council ‘model’ that has been imposed upon us is dictatorial, bureaucratic, business-oriented and not fit for purpose. Not one political party has shown any concern, policy or plan to rectify this pseudodemocratic farce.
On Sunday, Jacinda Ardern said: ‘‘…politics is a place where we can do good, and that she ‘‘ … refused to accept the status quo.’’
FAMILY HISTORY MONTH
The North Shore Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists wish to thank all the staff at the Glenfield Public Library for their wonderful help in assisting our group with the information stand we had at their premises on the 5th and 19th August. Special thanks to Kathy, Neeli and Nick for providing the book displays, computer assistance and support. The professionalism and knowledge shown by our local library staff is a valuable asset to our community. Thank you also to our many visitors and their interest in family history.
Lyn Winkel
HAVE YOUR SAY
Letters should not exceed 250 words and must have full name, residential address and phone number. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or withhold any correspondence without explanation. Letters may be referred to others for right of reply before publication. Email: nsnews@snl.co.nz Mail: North Shore Times, PO Box 79, Orewa