Expressway access
The site at the end of Tīrau Road where proposed on-off ramps would be built. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
As I’m sure will many residents, I agree fully with the opinion of the Cambridge News that the decision of the Transport Minister Chris Bishop is short-sighted and begs the question as to the accuracy of the information he has received from NZTA officials.
The population of Cambridge has increased significantly over the past 15 years, with more or less half living in Leamington. Commuters here rely largely on a 100-plus year old narrow two lane bridge accessed only through the Cambridge township. This sees traffic almost at a standstill at peak times not only within the township but some significant distance along Hamilton Road and Victoria Street. Traffic through the Victoria St-Queen St roundabout is also now back to pre-bypass levels.
By any sensible measure the present roading options to Leamington are not fit for purpose and this will exacerbate over the next five to 10 years, even if all housing and other developments are placed on hold in this part of Cambridge.
As unpopular as this may be, this is a question that may have to be addressed by the new council later in the year. Cambridge quite clearly must have a solution to its roading situation quickly and not in another 30 years’ time. With the failure of Chris Bishop’s colleague and local MP Louise Upston to secure agreement to this measure council must up its tempo in dealing more directly and assertively with the transport minister.
I suggest Cambridge voters support only those candidates standing in the soon to be held local body elections who are committed in next three years to either pursuing the option of access to Leamington from the current bypass, or perhaps more preferably supporting a third bridge north of the township. It has to be one or the other.
Alan Hayward
Cambridge
Letters to Editor. Photo: Pixabay
Māori Wards
I take issue with much of what Maria Low (letters, August 21) says. Maria agues two points, one that Māori have a different perspective on our district, and it must be heard, and two, we who are not Māori, are visitors to her land. She is wrong on both counts, we all came to New Zealand, either by boat hundreds of years ago, or more recently by plane, even if we arrived yesterday if we become a New Zealand citizen then we all at that point, have the same rights. That is the strength of this country.
Of course, we may have a different perspective, as a member of the older age group mind would be different to a 50-year-old, or a 20-year-old, or indeed a woman. Or indeed those from other cultures who call New Zealand home. We don’t, neither should we, have a ward for each of these groups, that would be foolish. As for Māori not being able to be elected, if they wish in general wards, that is also not correct. We have currently more Māori in Cabinet, and in the government than ever before in our history. They had no problems getting people to vote for them. On the point of non-Māori being visitors that is downright insulting. My father was born here, I was born here as were my seven children and 16 grandchildren. This is our country, as much as yours. None of us own New Zealand, we occupy it while we are here and we pass it on to the next generation. Stand for a general Ward and convince people of your views – that is the way to be heard, Maria.
Dennis Catchpole
Te Awamutu
Growth questioned
The Numbers Up reported in last week’s briefs raise some concerns for me. It states since 2016 the population has grown by 18 per cent from 52,000 to 61,400. The District Council staff numbers have increased by 54 per cent from 222 to 343. The council capital spend has increased by 363 per cent from $43.6m to $158.4m.
We used to have one council worker per 234 residents but now we have one per 179 residents. And the capital spend used to be $838.46 per resident but now its $2579.80 per resident.
Why has the council staff increased by 54 per cent when the population has only increased by 18 per cent? Why has the capital spend increased by 363 per cent when the CPI inflation has only risen by 133 per cent over the same period of time? Can someone please explain?
Tony Gibson
Cambridge
Park lament
The original steel and mesh fence that bounds part of Mutu St War Memorial Park has had vegetation removed from around it and now stands ready to be removed and replaced by a $21,000 post and two rail fence.
The council reason for the destruction of this fence was given as “it has now reached the standard age where it needs to be replaced. We do not repair, we just replace with new”. No report was tabled assessing the actual state of the fence.
The RSA proposed to repair and restore the fence for $600 with some donated materials, expert skills and labour, having assessed that the basic steel was extremely sound. The new wooden fence would last 30 years. The old steel fence had lasted 70 years without repair. With repair, it should last at least another 30 years.
The War Memorial Park Maintenance Group record that the council senior staff Community Services Team continue promoting their policy of destroying another original War Memorial Park Asset and replacing it, rather than restoring it for a fraction of the cost. The Community Board worked hard to have this decision changed and money saved. Which team do you trust?
Murray Downs
Te Awamutu
