Speak up now
We need your help and support again to convince council that our community does want an indoor heated pool. They are asking for feedback on the Far North District aquatic strategy, and we are hoping you will give them the positive response that thousands of you have already signalled is the desired outcome. Ultimately, the community will decide if this project is to go ahead.
This latest submission form is much more specific than the previous submissions, and forms the basis of the FNDC draft aquatic strategy consultation. It asks questions such as, how much would individual ratepayers be prepared to contribute to a targeted rate to make the project happen, and which amenities are most important to them? The likely targeted rate looks to be in the region of $1 per week.
I saw a letter recently in the 'Northern News' from an elderly couple in Kerikeri saying they were against paying more on their rates as they would never use a pool. To people of Kaitaia and surrounding areas who might have expressed a similar thought, I would draw your attention to a letter of support we received during previous submissions.
The writer had suffered a stroke, and, by co-incidence, her sister-in-law in Australia had suffered an almost identical stroke about the same time. However, the writer had experienced quite a difference in recovery as a result of a lack of hydrotherapy facilities in Kaitaia, where there is a long waiting list for therapy. Unfortunately, most people have no way of seeing into the future as far as medical complications are concerned.
Te Hiku Sports Hub Inc. endorses Mayor John Carter's comments in the Northland Age on September 18 (with the exception of the 'nice to have') regarding community/council, partnerships and to this end has already begun various fundraising projects towards the goal of making an aquatic centre and sports hub a reality.
Submission forms are available from council at Te Ahu, or you can download one from:
http://www.fndc.govt.nz/communication/consultation/aquatic-strategy-consultation/Draft-Aquatic-Strategy-Submission-Form.pdf
Check out this link for more information:
http://www.fndc.govt.nz/communication/consultation/aquatic-strategy-consultation
Submissions must be in by September 30. We can accomplish great things, together.
YVONNE SMITH
Te Hiku Sports Hub Committee