GUIDELINES
Simple, fix the state of our roads! Then there won’t be a need to cut speed limits. Perhaps an exception near rural schools where I agree speed needs reducing for everyone’s safety. By delaying repairing roads for whatever reason, they’re digging a bigger hole because they will never catch up on maintenance. So do we keep reducing speed limits blaming the state of roads? If so then eventually the “open road” state highway speed limit could end up 40km/h — just imagine that. Graham Cates
Whangārei
Co-governance issues
Further to the “Positive Implications” letter ( Northern Advocate, November 10) over the proposed constitutional option to retain and maintain cogovernance, Māori representation, Tikanga Māori and the security and Māori ownership status of Māori natural resources to the provisions made in the appointment of a tribal district, Māori reservation resettlement charitable trust — and by the amalgamation of separate parcels of land and shares combined in the trust.
There is, on the issue of cogovernance, a deepening concern over the developing legislation determining the wider implications for Māori representation and Three Waters on the security and Māori ownership status, management, and utilisation of Māori natural resources.
It raises the question of whether on balance, Māori representation should be retained and maintained to autonomous tribal district governing bodies.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Wow, the tall poppy syndrome is alive and well in NZ with chopping the legs from those innovative ideas that work and are beneficial and help others less fortunate.
I was therefore most disappointed to read that the “tooth
Email editor@northern advocate.co.nz to have your say. Responses may be published.
Ngati Paakau Whangārei
We’re not helping the helpers
fairy” of the North has been prosecuted for producing low-cost dentures, which are unaffordable for many people. Instead of punishing her for her kindness and skill, she should have been rewarded for her empathy. She certainly would have my support. Have we not enough backlogs in our courts without adding prosecuting people who just set out to help others? Save the courts for the real criminals.
Marie Kaire Ngararatunua
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Tips for new mayor
Our new FNDC mayor no doubt has a mega action list and online suggestions already, but these are mine:
● Re-establish a full council works and infrastructure department with fulltime jobs. Hint — review Northland Waste and Fulton Hogan.
● Prioritise council owned flats and apartments, and Papakainga developments. Honour Ricky Houghton's memory.
● Review all contracted council work and consider bringing it back in house with fulltime workers.
● Te Tiriti to be at the forefront, the future of the North is young and brown.
Alec Morgan Tokerau Beach