Town Hall is no safety concern
Regarding the letter from PJR Dunford (May 1), I’d like to reassure the public that the Town Hall foundations were considerably more than “patched over”. A network of approximately 1100 jet grouted columns to a depth of nearly 10 metres was installed under the buildings to prevent the sort of soil movement that happened in 2011. After which the existing foundations were carefully integrated into a heavily reinforced concrete raft foundation that links the buildings.
The city council at the time had the vision to place faith in the people who said it could be repaired and international reviewers were brought in to verify their work. The geotechnical and structural engineering work was later internationally acclaimed, with the Supreme Award from the Institution of Structural Engineers in London.
All of the work I describe was delivered within the budget that was set for it. A quick look at the cost of the new public buildings now should be enough to convince people that the $150 million would not have delivered a town hall of anything like the magnificence of our original, with memories intact. Gerry Brownlee was eventually right – humble pie tastes good… there may be some left. John Hare (structural engineer), Governors Bay
Street trial
One wonders what council staff think may change following the delay in their submitting the results of the Gloucester St “trial” to the council (‘Temporary’ redesign of city street remains, for now, May 1).
There have been absolutely no sustainable positive outcomes from the $1 million investment. I live in the affected section, and based on my observations over the course of the trial there have been no more people using the street, very few people using the provided seating, no-one has used the stage area in six months, and no-one observing the 10kph speed limit.
The money has already been spent. Reposition a few of the central planters to enable a better flow of traffic and let it be. A vanity project that has not been successful – own up to that and move on. Chris Murphy, Christchurch Central
Housing crisis
We are disappointed by comments yesterday by Councillors Pauline Cotter and Yani Johanson that show a lack of understanding of the housing crisis faced by many Christchurch residents.
Cr Johanson claimed building “expensive townhouses” doesn’t increase affordability. This is a misconception. Research has shown new homes are typically purchased by people from within the surrounding area, which in turn frees up homes for others, a process known as “filtering”.
Both councillors also claimed there is an oversupply of feasible housing capacity (zoning). Christchurch does not have an oversupply of housing capacity; this is evidenced by the average Christchurch rent increasing 9% in the past 12 months, with the average rent-to-income ratio higher here (22%) than in Auckland (19%) or Wellington (18%). With the ratio of average house price to household income at an already severely unaffordable 6.6, the council should be doing everything it can to try to increase supply.
The council has already taken its time in voting not to publicly notify the original plan change in September 2022. By delaying decisions on housing intensification yet again, the council is punishing Christchurch residents struggling with the cost of housing. Jono de Wit, Harrison McEvoy, Greater Ōtautahi
Parking prognosis
The uncompromising approach of Wilson Parking is not new.
In the 1980s I lived in Hong Kong and one time, when parked in a Sun Hung Kai parking building, my car developed a flat battery. I had to call the AA Hong Kong breakdown and the parking company insisted the AA vehicle pay the one-hour entry and exit fee to attend my vehicle.
I felt it unreasonable and, always knowing the link with Wilson Parking and its overly tough approach here in Christchurch, have refused to frequent their parks.
Mind you, the fees for over-parking on a Christchurch City Council meter have also got tough recently. I worry what will happen when the Court Theatre moves into town.
Graham Densem, Upper Riccarton
On your bike
The Arts Centre is in financial difficulties. The A&P show is in financial difficulties.
Orana park is in financial difficulties. The cathedral rebuild is in financial difficulties.
Many public and private projects are in financial difficulties.
But at least we have $200 millions worth of cycleways.
So on your bike, Christchurch.
John Edgar, Spreydon
Schoolyard bullying
In the UK’s House of Commons, a white line divides the chamber into two, originally to prevent sword fights between opposing members. No-one is permitted to cross this.
In light of the recent incident in our debating chamber, perhaps members could be issued with Tasers so they could stick to the letter of the law?
I have never heard of such a serious breach of protocol as that of Julie Ann Genter, which will no doubt earn her a well deserved slap on the wrist, rather than the ban which should be imposed.
Do MPs expect agreement with their opinions?
We are entitled to expect better than schoolyard bullying tactics from our elected and paid representatives!
Vic Smith, Halswell
Backwards step
Natural environments have huge value: fast-tracking mining is so backwards.
Reading Does mining fit the bill for fasttrack consenting? (April 30), I was shocked by the list of destructive ventures selling “raw product” in one-off sales to overseas companies.
How ironic that a PM who has many assets wants the county to sell its assets in a fire sale. This thinking is so backwards.
A Bill that gives three people power over our beautiful country should never be law. They can say yes to the destruction of ecosystems that support life. This is an arrogant and dangerous proposal that will leave us poorer.
Reconsidering projects the Environment Court has rejected makes no sense. It undermines our processes and laws - a bad look for our Government here and internationally.
Let’s trade smarter, consider our emissions, think of future generations. Let’s honour The Treaty, respect the protections the law and democracy bring to decisions.
Fay Brorens, Dallington [abridged]
MPs’ salaries
With 123 Members of Parliament, including 51 list MPs, it could be fair to say we are over-represented in Parliament.
In our Banks Peninsula electorate alone, we have four members, the National MP who actually won the seat and three others. How ludicrous.
I do not decry pay increases on a reasonable scale but I hope the National Party members take the lead from their PM and donate their increase to local charities that are desperate for funds. Who knows what other parties will do?
Then come the list MPs, many of whom received very few votes in the election. Do they need more money? I barely think so. Perhaps this could be a way for list MPs to lead from the top and gain some credibility and respect from the public? Brian S Keeley, Sumner
History woes
Professor Paul Moon’s opinion piece New history curriculum is failing our students (May 2) makes depressing reading.
A few years ago, when introducing New Zealand history as a core element in our schools’ curriculum was first mooted, I had a letter published explaining why, of course, our history should be taught.
Prompted by Professor Moon’s opinion piece, I’ve just had a look at the new curriculum online. It’s depressing.
The central “Big Ideas” assert that our history is essentially a story of colonial oppression of Māori.
Perhaps that is an understandable overreaction to previous narratives but it is only a part of our history.
Where, for example, is the discussion of the extraordinarily rapid adoption by Māori of beneficial new technology, literacy, fruit and vegetables etc?
How about the struggles and achievements of settlers?
David W Collins, Governors Bay
Autumn splendour
Thanks to The Press (May 2), for the article Love Autumn? Here’s how the leaves change colour, which was timely and informative as to how the leaves change colour and finally fall to earth.
It seems right to be grateful for the profound beauty of the trees as we enjoy the final days of this exceptional autumn weather. Visitors to the Botanic Gardens may take in all this beauty, and be thankful for the wisdom and vision of those who planted the trees and shrubs many years ago.
It truly reminds us of the blessings we have in living in cool, temperate Christchurch.
Ron Elliott, Casebrook
Illusion of victory
Like a broken record, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swears to achieve victory. What illusion does he live under?
All this latest aggression on Palestinians has achieved, apart from destruction and murders, is that it has sown hatred, lots of it, and not only in his country.
He may not live to see it, but the children of today will be the revolutionaries of tomorrow.
As for US president Joe Biden, easily shown as the Israelis’ lap dog, he can surely see the mayhem he already caused with the extreme protests in US universities and abroad. What is “horrific” in this, to use Netanyahu’s term, is the response of the authorities.
Supplying weapons on one side and feeding its victims on the other. If it sounds ridiculous, that’s because it is. If only Biden accepted the need to untie himself from the US-Israeli lobby and stop the arms trade, the world and the Palestinians would feel safer.
Félicien Forgues, Woodend