Vote against safety plan not unanimous Children

In your 16 June edition, you reported on a special meeting of the Devonport Business Association (DBA)/Business Improvement District (BID) about the Auckland Transport (AT) zebra crossing upgrades in Devonport, and that the members “voted unanimously against the plan”.

I don’t know if you attended the meeting or if you read the minutes, but I did attend and the voting was not unanimous.

The voting was by show of hands for and against each of the proposed crossing locations. I voted for (not against) several of the crossings to go ahead as planned, especially the one on Victoria Rd just before Calliope Rd, where the school crossing is set up every school day.

I think this is called a “majority” vote. Even then, it can hardly be called a majority of the membership of the DBA, when only 20 per cent of members attended the meeting.

You call the vote on these resolutions “something of a rearguard action” and I agree.

The DBA with its BID has been missing in action for quite some time.

Perhaps they could focus attention on getting Auckland Council to increase the frequency of clearing the drains around the village before the next deluge? That way, business members who pay the targeted rate each year could at least say that money was going down the drain in a good way.

Peter Raos

DBA stance puts local loyalty at risk

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent stance of the Devonport Business Association (DBA) on the proposed traffic-calming measures in our neighbourhood. It is disheartening to see its opposition to these safety improvements, as it seems to prioritise financial interests over the well-being of our community.

By rejecting the project in its entirety, the DBA is opposing the safe crossing across Kerr St for the children of Devonport Primary School. Surely, this is not its intention?

We have all heard stories of close calls and near accidents around the crossing adjacent to the Patriot. It is unfortunate that the DBA appears to disregard the potential risks, as if death and serious injury are mere collateral damage in the pursuit of profit.

As members of this community, we should strive for a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

By opposing these safety measures, the DBA risks eroding the loyalty and support of local residents. Personally, I find it disappointing to witness such a disregard for our well-being, making me question whether it’s worth supporting local businesses when I can find better prices, quality and variety elsewhere.

I urge the DBA to reconsider its position and prioritise the safety of our community, especially our children. Together, we can create a neighbourhood that thrives both economically and in terms of safety and well-being.

Chris Werry

miss out due to Navy pool unavailability

The Devonport Navy Swim Club operated for over 25 years at the Navy Base without incident. With so many drownings in Auckland, this (“Swim Club told to look for alternative to Navy pool”, Flagstaff 2 June) is such sad news for our community .

I note that for the most part it is our children who are missing out. A healthy number of adults now swim from our beaches.

The club provided quality lessons for our local children, which were affordable, accessible and convenient.

Jenny Le Noel

Thanks for winter dip and great day

I wanted to publicly thank Devonport Peninsula Trust (DPT) for the midwinter-swim event on Sunday. Well done to everyone.

We came over from Waiheke. It was a great day out and all credit to the DPT.

If wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have visited Devonport and had such a lovely day. We enjoyed Vondel’s coffee and the pub lunch at The Patriot. The discovery of the fire in the library was a real treat.

Thank you DPT and may you continue to host many more perfect village events.

Andrew Crawford