LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
and we are cut off. And it’s so easy to be self sufficient. Let’s do it. Rd precincts. What positive immediate action is proposed? Past community boards have recognised the increasing problem. Does the projected road link Butler/Homestead/Augusta Place feature in the 2018/19 section of the long-termplan? In the annual plan? And if not why not? The ability to link through to Barret Place has been lost. The link must now extend through the Bing property to connect directly to the Heritage bypass, the entranceway is already established. A plus is the alternative route would permit a pedestrian development within the CBD.
Con-jointly with the above we have a parking problem within the CBD that grows daily. Council has had the opportunity to join in a public/private car parking building; previously it lacked the courage to enable a private developer to construct a car park building in Homestead Rd [Julian Car Park area].
The council is now required to construct a two-level car park on councilowned land at the rear of the Butler Centre, with minimum excavation required to attain street level , further levels added as when required. In these days of Tilt Slab erection, all that remains is a conviction to move forward.
Kerikeri and Waipapa are the recognised commercial centres of the Far North District, and growth continues. Kerikeri itself now features also in the Tourist Trail.
The question has to be asked whether the four elected councillors and community board ever meet to discuss jointly Eastern Ward growth problems, recognising of course that the councillors have an overview of duty to the district. consulted with (thereby breaching the Local Government Act) nor sought submissions from their citizens on the topic, yet all the time kowtowing under the radar to vested Maori interests. Mandatory referendums should be held on all governance and constitutional issues, which then becomes government by the people for the people. The secret ballot aspect of a referendum also takes threats, coercion and intimidation out of the equation.