I don't visit Kaikohe very often these days, as I once did, but recently while there I lost count of the friendly greetings and conversations in shops and on footpaths.
Sitting on a seat resting I was included in a conversation on the selection of the All Blacks by twolocals I had never met. The 'kia ora' greetings were refreshing, as were the smiles.
Driving around, there were plenty of well-tended homes and gardens to admire. The soil and climate are perfect for gardening types. Yes, the town has some problems, as most towns do, but proper employment and a decent wage would fix most of them.
Our Prime Minister maintains that's over to private enterprise. He's wrong there.
Government is required to look after the welfare of the people any way it can. A concerted, massive programme to assist people kick the drug habit should have been rolling years ago.
Crime could be drastically cut if schools were given the staffing and support needed, with proven, successful teachers in control of the ministry decisions.
There is nothing wrong with Kaikohe that big slices of aroha can't fix.
This applies to Kaitaia as well. There is a cause for the anger, mixed with booze and drugs in most cases. Professional help plus employment and a leg up is needed.
