CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 1
THURSDAY APRIL 15, 2021
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APRIL 15, 2021
Council staff backed By Roy Pilott
Garry Dyet
Waipā District Council chief executive Garry Dyet says the exposure given in last week’s News to abusive on-line comments prompted an outpouring of support. Cr Susan O’Regan prefaced a discussion on plans for Te Awamutu’s
Memorial Park by reading some of the abusive and hostile messages which had been posted on social media. “Since Cr O’Regan made her comments, we have received very welcome messages from people who are horrified at what has been reported. We really appreciate those, and I’d like to thank the people for taking the time
to send those in,” Mr Dyet said. The story prompted the Te Awamutu Grapevine to review its monitoring of posts – but while all readers who contacted the News expressed negative views about the comments, some also suggested it was a consequence of frustration in dealing with the council. Much of the recent criticism has
It’s 105 for Millie The quite remarkable Millicent (Millie) McComb celebrated her 105th birthday last month with a special family lunch enjoyed at Henley Hotel. The Cambridge Resthaven resident celebrated her March 19 birthday a day later with her son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Janet McComb, five grandchildren and nine of her 10 great-grandchildren, a sprinkling of nieces and nephews and some of their children. Delighted and ‘amazed’ at the family turnout, Millie is now looking forward to her 106th. Pictured with her is her son Bruce McComb.
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centred on plans to rejuventate Te Awamutu’s Memorial Park. The council is also in the process of going through public consultation on its latest Long Term Plan – and is also weighing up whether or not to introduce a Māori ward at next year’s local body elections. Mr Dyet said he welcomed undertakings from social media page administrators adding “Waipā is much better than this”. Cr O’Regan told residents at last week’s meeting staff were leaving because of the abuse. Mr Dyet told the News he accepted some people will not always be happy “and they have every right to share their view”. “In fact, we bend over backwards to help people share their views... but that does not give a green light to abusing our staff or making outlandish, untrue claims.” He said in the “old days” editors used their common sense, ensuring claims made by letter writers and others were factually correct and that even strongly expressed views were fair and courteous. “It’s not like that anymore. The rise of social media has unleashed a level of vitriol not previously seen. People seem to think they can say anything they like on-line, without consequences. But there are consequences.” He said it was a shame that many staff chose not to engage in social media on council matters because they found it too destructive. “People need to remember that Council staff are like anyone else. We live in this community, our kids go to school here, we play in the same sports teams, we’re your neighbours.
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