Wairarapa Times-Age E-Edition

It’s not a dictatorship yet

I am only a simple man and am asking by what right SWDC requires registration of those potentially attending public meetings, as they say, to manage the numbers who can legally attend them.

Outrageous. We are not in a dictatorship yet and if at a venue there is only standing room it will emphasise the dissatisfaction with those we gave stewardship to. Rex Thetford

Featherston

UN climate targets

According to the United Nations Environment Programme, despite climate targets being ramped up, the world is set to increase the production of fossil fuels until 2040 and beyond.

Using the projections of governments around the world, the UN report noted that fossil fuels would be generated at a rate almost three times higher than the level needed to stop global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The report said that global coal, oil, and gas production must start declining immediately and steeply to be consistent with limiting long-term warming to 1.5C.

Which all nicely overlooks one simple thing – what can viably be used to replace the energy provided by fossil fuels? Other than hydro, most other power generators are not consistent or particularly powerful generators and nuclear power is shunned.

It’s time the leading nations of the world got together and spent a lot of money inventing/ developing a viable energy generator such as nuclear fusion. Until that is done, the world is simply chasing its tail ... and getting hotter every day.

Allan Kirk Masterton

Three strikes

In three strikes our Mayor and chief executive have delivered to our communities a cynical and insular series of deceptions and fabrications which defy awareness of the communities they serve. In an egotistical macho display of ‘never admit a mistake’ they are impacting communities across the board with excessive hidden rates increases, illegal camp closures and trampling on Community Board powers reportedly along with a dollop of mocking misogynist asides.

First, the rates deceptions — four of them. Culminating in a Rates Resolution on 30 June of 29.6 percent. Throughout Consultation and through July and August the Mayor maintained that the rates increase was 14 percent. On 3 September in the “Explanation” they were forced to admit it was 29.6 percent. and that $2.03 million was hidden from the Consultation Document and process. Arguably this makes the Rate Resolution illegal or fraudulent. ‘Not so — the Office of the Auditor-general is endorsing us’ says the “Explanation” — we doubt it!. Who pays? — all of us!!

Second, the chief executive has asserted powers to close the Tora and Te Awaiti camping reserves at night for labour weekend - denying campers who have a 40 year history. The trouble is he has no such powers - the Notice is illegal. With one day to go he is enabled by the Mayor who steadfastly refuses to reveal the source of their legal advice or to reveal his plan to deal with the illegal Notice. His practice is to stare it down. Who pays — his community and weekend campers.

Third, at its meeting of 22 September the Greytown Community Board asserted its power under its Terms of Reference to consult with officers on the West St consultation paper. The Chair sought a meeting with officers through the chief executive officer (standard procedure) who has refused - the reason is not allowed to be disclosed but is reportedly facile. Meanwhile Cr Plimmer is reportedly incensed at his Chair’s actions and supports his chief executive extensively — seemingly unconcerned about his Greytown constituents So much for local representation and local democracy. Who pays — all local democracy.

They hide behind their archaic Code of Conduct bullying, deceiving, mocking and threatening with impunity. It is not a worthy culture.

Three strikes Mr Mayor, Mr CEO — how long do we have to put up with this desolation. Why must we become obsessive to get any answers? Refer Times-age, 20 October for more.

John Norton

Greytown

OPINION

en-nz

2021-10-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://times-age.pressreader.com/article/281994675692301

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