Working to tackle climate change
The Age thankfully covered numerous contributions about climate change on October 4.
On the front page, deputy mayor Ann Court doubts whether Mangamuka Gorge will ever reopen again — only one day after the Waka Kotahi hui about priorities and options to reconnect the very Far North with the rest of the country. The meeting, which I attended, considered a mixture of prioritised reopening of SH1 (possibly with tunnels and viaducts for increased sustainability) and improvements of existing SH10 and a road through Broadwood as the best solution. Whether the Mangamuka Gorge will ever be able to withstand further climate change inflicted downpours is questionable. Anyway, a lot of money will be required from Wellington.
Wayne Parsonson laments the vandalising of a “climate emergency” sign on SH10, probably chainsawed by a climate change denier, and suggests many more such signs to be erected. He also hails the School
Strike 4 Climate movement. Good on you, Wayne. Everyone needs to be aware of climate change risks and effects as well as their causes.
While the Zero Carbon Bill directs the “Big Boys” to reduce their CO2 emissions, our charitable Carbon Neutral NZ Trust aims to empower everyone in their households to realise their own carbon footprint with the help of the carbon calculator (see www. carbonneutraltrust.org. nz/household-entry) and useful tips for reductions. NRC’s climate change manager Tom FitzGerald points to Northland’s climate change challenges (flooding, landslips, draughts, fires, etc). He explains the Te Taitokerau Climate Adaptation Strategy as a base for the collaborated aims of Northland’s four councils to fundamentally move “from crisis management to a climate resilient future where everything we do respects planetary boundaries”. He is right. We should not need to rely on a climate change manager, but all together feel responsible to do what we can. Note, the carbon calculator is also available on NRC’s website.
Let’s get the New Zealand’s team of five million in a cooperative mode again! Vision Kerikeri is planting native trees along the Wairoa Stream track it is building to enhance a pleasant system of walkways around town and sequester CO2; small projects can achieve a lot.
Rolf Mueller-Glodde Trustee of Carbon Neutral NZ Trust
and deputy chair of Vision Kerikeri
Cup coverage disappointing
The Women’s Rugby World Cup is on in New Zealand. But how would we know, as to watch it one has to stream on Spark. This is an issue for many of us as it costs so much to get internet good enough to watch in the rural areas. We already pay Sky for sport, but to get the rugby it costs another $200 per month, which is over the top for most of us. Our family has really enjoyed women’s rugby, but
this has meant we can’t watch it all and are losing interest, just like with the cricket, because that is only streaming also. The first world cup in NZ and many of us unable to watch,
very disappointing. It seems NZ Rugby like NZ Cricket just wanting more money. But little care about those who want to watch. completely unsuited to constant heavy traffic. I frequently have to traverse this highway and the deterioration of its condition becomes obvious each time I use it.
Bob Vartan Coopers Beach