The Northland Age

Recent improvemen­ts just lovely obstructio­ns

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So, the good people of our little township should be congratula­ting those responsibl­e for the “lovely” planter boxes (with seats) dotted along our footpaths. I think not; or am I a voice in the wilderness?

This sort of thing has happened before and some of the past planter boxes, and indeed the trees, are but a memory thankfully, I say, when we see fallen leaves blowing randomly into shops and blocking gutters as nature does what it does.

Now getting back to recent improvemen­ts. Pray tell, with these obstructio­ns, how might a car door be allowed to open far enough to allow for an aged person, or for a wheelchair­bound person of any age, to be assisted into or out of a vehicle?

To allow the manouevre, clear access is needed. Not on your nellie will this happen with these “lovely” obstructio­ns in place.

I have been in an elderly assist position so know a little on the subject and say what is not needed is anything that makes life difficult.

More food for thought. When parking as close to the curb as possible does not one need to swing the rear of the vehicle over the said footpath to park in the expected space? If I am wrong about this I am sure pen will be put to paper, quick smart.

Panelbeate­rs, congratula­tions you are in for a bonanza as vehicles fall foul of someone’s “bright idea”.

And while on the subject, oh please will someone tell me why, when driving along Ahipara’s foreshore it is not the uninterrup­ted view of the ocean we see but are obliged to catch just an occasional glimpse through the ever expanding branches of trees. Not my idea of beauty; nor is it for those houses opposite. But hey, if

your view is from a lofty height — lucky you.

Beryl Curren

Kaitaia

Secular meetings sought

I am right behind the mayor of Kaipara when he asks that council meetings remain secular. I am deeply religious and prayer is the centre of my own life but I do not force it upon anyone else.

If any of the members want to pray they can gather a few minutes before the meeting and do so.

But why only a Mā ori prayer. As these things are never translated can we be sure it is Christian? If a Mā ori prayer is to be used, what about a Muslim prayer and one for the Jews, and what about some affirmatio­n from atheist. Where does it end.

As for labelling the the mayor racist, in my thinking he is being anything but racist and is being inclusive of every member of that council.

Sylvia Bryan

Northland

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 ?? Photo / Waka Kotahi ?? One of the slips hitting SH1 in Mangamuka Gorge since torrential rain struck the Far North in August. A letter writer expresses frustratio­n at the time it is taking to restore the route to Kaitaia.
Photo / Waka Kotahi One of the slips hitting SH1 in Mangamuka Gorge since torrential rain struck the Far North in August. A letter writer expresses frustratio­n at the time it is taking to restore the route to Kaitaia.

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