Letter to the Editor: Thursday December 22, 2016

One man, one vote

While there is much in John McMahon's article that I agree with, especially the inordinate amount of time it has taken to get a response from the council, I feel that to hold (community board) Atkinson somehow personally responsible for this state of affairs is both unwarranted and unfair.

The gentlemen who sanctioned this agreement to allow camping on part of the reserve was in fact Te Hiku Community Board, of which Laurie is simply one voice.

In my brief association with Mr Atkinson as a member of the local R and R Association, he has been an invaluable source of information, and in fact most of the improvements in this area are down to his ceaseless efforts on behalf of the community.

We really need to put the petty politics and finger-pointing behind us, and focus on the future use of this valuable piece of land.

Here are the facts as I see them.

The reserve comprises one hectare, and, notwithstanding the current messy situation, the public have unrestricted access to the area.

The Holiday Park owners will put forward a proposal to lease part/all of the reserve, at which time it will go to public consultation.

Some things to bear in mind. Other than the DOC camp at Maitai Bay, there are two camping grounds on the peninsula, and one is on the market.

When sold it will disappear under houses. That's just what happens. Remember the old Cooper's Beach camping ground?

Accommodation is already at a premium, so the likelihood is that the travelling public will either spend their money somewhere else, or spread themselves and their rubbish over the other reserves, or on the roadside.

My point is that we are writing a community development plan, and trying to expand the local economy, so when this proposed lease comes up for discussion we need to keep in mind that any decision made could have very real consequences.

BRIAN PAGE
Tokerau Beach