6 minute read
Puhoi 74
Ban dredging
Reports from local divers that scallop beds off the Mahurangi Coast area already suffering the ill-effects of commercial dredging operations so early in the season are cause for justifiable anger (see page 9). That it should have happened is entirely predictable given dredging operations have been banned off the coast of the Coromandel but there has been no corresponding reduction in the 50-tonne quota that commercial operators can take from the Hauraki Gulf as a whole. That means the devastation that has been wrought by dredging near the Coromandel is now inevitably going to be more concentrated off the coast of Mahurangi . Of course, commercial fishers need to earn a crust like everybody else, but they should not be allowed to do so at the expense of local businesses in Mahurangi and our fragile marine environment. The Hauraki Gulf is already in dire straits. In this week’s Hauturu column (see page 27) Lyn Wade points out the dramatic, visible decline in sea life that has occurred within just the last 10 years, and she highlights the knock-on effect to other parts of the environment. For example, when fish are depleted around Little Barrier Island, seabirds must fly further to find food to feed their chicks. Therefore, they rear fewer chicks. Restoring the Gulf represents a mammoth task ahead that will no doubt take years. But the least we can do in the meantime is not make the situation worse. Dredging, both commercial and recreational, should be banned.
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Marvellous Mahurangi!
Any doubt about whether Mahurangi is the best place to live in NZ was dispelled late last month, when a Mahurangi Matters reporter decided to treat himself to a coffee at the Fresh Café in Warkworth. Fumbling to find his debit card with which to pay, a smiling staff member assured him that would not be necessary. Early that morning, another customer had paid for the next 50 coffees for those who came in afterwards. Such unwarranted kindness brought a lump to our reporter’s throat. In these times of Covid, what an act to lift the spirits? Thank you, thank you, whoever you are.
Giveaway winners
The winner the Yates Veggie Hamper was John Frengley. The winner of the Yates Kids Hamper was Chara Chia, and the winner of The Other Side of the World by Jenni Francis was Glenda Came. Congratulations to John, Chara and Glenda. See story page 9
YouSay
The mobile vaccination team ready for action in Glorit.
Surging vaccination
Loved seeing the picture of the Wellsford Coast to Coast Vaccination Van grace the last cover (MM Oct 25). It’s true we were lagging behind here in the north, but since the great turnout for Super Saturday, and several pop-up centres in the area, our vaccination rates have climbed up steadily. The Hibiscus Coast Mobile Vaccination Outreach team based in Orewa has been supporting our area, too. They have been busy vaccinating in several areas of the electorate and administered about 50 doses in the Glorit Community Hall last month. They will be back soon, returning to Glorit on November 12,13 and 14 and vaccinating at the Port Albert boat ramp on November 13 and 14. Looking at the latest numbers, with two out of three Auckland DHBs achieving well over 90 per cent first vaccinations, and Counties Manukau having hit 90 per cent by the time this gets published, we are well on our way to start making summer plans. It will remain important for all of us who are vaccinated, to keep encouraging friends, family and workmates to get their vaccine, too. Getting vaccinated isn’t just about keeping our community safe – although that’s a big part of it. Getting vaccinated means you’re less likely to pass Covid on to your loved ones and people who can’t get vaccinated, like young children. However, being fully vaccinated will soon open up more opportunities for us and our local businesses with the new Covid-19 Protection Framework. Under the framework, people who are fully vaccinated will be able to do more, like visit their favourite café or go to the gym. Businesses that require people to show they’re fully vaccinated before entry will be able to operate with fewer restrictions. This means that just like you need to show your ID to enter a bar, you’ll need to show you’ve been fully vaccinated before you can enter places like restaurants and cafes – and if you’re not fully vaccinated, there will be everyday things you miss out on. Marja Lubeck, MP Legendary loop
I was reading the latest Mahurangi Matters a couple of days ago and saw the piece regarding the quarry track record (MM Oct 11).
Contributions to Your opinion and Off the record are welcome, to submit email: editor@localmatters.co.nz That Quarry Loop is a bit legendary with all sorts of speedsters talking a big game. Stoked to see that a young girl Freya Beaumont has done 13 laps around the quarry loop. That’s hard going and a massive effort. There’s been a few stories of lap numbers and times round that loop. I did hear of a young guy completing 22 laps and one woman said she did 20 laps regularly, but who really knows. Bit like the guy who sailed in circles in the southern Atlantic then said he’d been round the globe. I do know for sure that 15 laps under 40 minutes is a regular number for a few of the local old boys, and it’s a good workout – especially if you can throw in a sub twominute lap during it. Depending which direction you run it, there 100-odd stairs up and about 75 down. It’s worth noting that Stu from Auckland, at 62 years old, did 18 laps of the track in 48:52 mins in 2020 when he and I ran it a lot. Fastest 15 laps I know of is 38:52. Pretty sure there’s some younger runners who have smashed out more laps and at a faster pace. I think Will Cashmore has done a single lap in 1:42. Used to be a bit of competition down at the quarry in the evenings. They should make it an event Dave Stewart, Ruby Cove No rubbish on rates
Thank you Greg Sayers for taking an early stance for the continuation of a pay-as-you-use-it rubbish collection service, rather than Council changing it to a fixed annual charge added on to my rates (MM Oct 25). As a pensioner on a fixed income, I want to keep my costs down. I produce very little rubbish and want to continue the practice of paying for my rubbish only when I put it out for collection. Also thank you for returning my call clarifying that you want to see the option of bins included for this service. Bags may suit some households, however the added option to use a bin instead would suit my desire to be more environmentally friendly. And yes, I will be giving my feedback to Council about their options during the public consultation process early next year. Alan Kendall, Snells Beach Push to privatise
There appears to be one aspect of the Three Waters “reforms” which has not been addressed (MM Oct 25). The supply and disposal of water, a monopoly, is being parcelled up and gift wrapped ready for privatisation or so it seems. The speed at which it is rammed through against all opposition is alarming. There is a precedent for this: the creation of the Auckland Supercity included council-controlled organisations that were ripe for sale. Only the failure of John Banks to be elected mayor saved us. We are now left with council departments which are
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