Let's save tree
The NZTA are about to continue their work on State Highway One.
The next major work is going to be at the intersection of Maunu Rd, also a state highway and well inside the 50km an hour limit, and Western Hills Drive.
The people of Whangarei have asked for this intersection to be a roundabout and been ignored.
They are also going to remove the landmark oak tree that gives so much guidance to emergency services and has a beautifying effect on that strip of road. The native trees on the opposite corner are coming out too.
Trees give a sense of place and are environmentally useful and pleasing.
NZTA has a policy on trees. Removal.
Last year, they removed our beautiful 100-year-old trees from Mander Park.
The cheap and easy option.
We need our district council to stick up for the people of Whangarei before we have another NZTA mistake as we have at the Rewarewa Rd intersection, and the lights instead of a roundabout at the entrance to the by-pass at Kensington.
This all needs to be reconsidered, before the trees come out.
I wonder if the oak tree will be found to be "unstable". If so, we should have an independent evaluation.
The NZTA has unlimited power through the Public Works Act. The more reason for them to use that power with care and responsibility.
They can build the roads round the oak. It would just take a little imagination. Even if it costs more, the value of the oak has to be added to the balance.
- M McDonald, Whangarei
Moral standards
The Ruskins deserve credit for standing up for their moral principles (Advocate, May 25), which I believe would be supported by the majority of Kiwis.
Our Parliament passed a law in defiance of public opinion and would now deny our right of personal belief.
I for one do not believe that it is a natural act and I would not allow it in my home. How many others would tolerate it?
It is time the average Kiwi woke up and did something about our way of life. I always thought we were a Christian nation, but now we cannot ever have prayers in our schools and the sign of the Christian cross is offensive to a minority group and cannot be displayed. No, I am not a religious nut, but I do believe in moral standards.
Let's give the Ruskins all the support they need and deserve.
- Don Nightingale, Whangarei
Pizza pleasure
On Friday, May 24, on a day trip north to discover the Whananaki coast we detoured through a small town called Hikurangi.
There was a lovely, well organised, fascinating Coalminer Trader antique/collectable shop attached to a Miner's Cafe. We stopped briefly had an adventure through the labyrinth of history, bought a great coffee and said we'd return in the evening for a pizza.
Later that evening, on our return trip, we stopped again at the Miner's Cafe for pizza and certainly weren't disappointed. We ordered the Gum Digger ... the best kept secret for a small town is their awesome pizza, great service and cosy country atmosphere with touches of the local history in the surrounds. We heard they were new in town and just getting known.
Perhaps it's time the Whangarei people took notice of their small town folk who are having great visions for the future of their community. I will certainly be telling my friends here in the Big Little City to take that detour to Hikurangi.
- Kathryn Atkinson, Te Atatu South, Auckland