The severe Canterbury storm should remind energy planners of the need for back up when wind turbines cannot contribute to our energy grid mix.
For the past two days there has been minimal input from wind because while turbines do not turn when wind is too low, they also do not operate when it is too strong.
On May 31, diesel/oil burn was also added to the coal and gas mix to boost back up.
Nick Nicholas, Greenlane.
Riding wrongs
Bevan Woodward's letter (NZ Herald, May 31) proclaiming the rights of cyclists and their plans to claim their entitlement to use the bridge reminds me of a 1970s union leader with clenched fist upraised and proclaiming a win for downtrodden workers.
The reality was the union leader was announcing the overpaid and underworked Cooks and Stewards' Union had once again gone on strike preventing the Cook Strait ferries from sailing during the school holidays.
Because Woodward and co have used the media well in promoting their cause does not give their claim to use the bridge validity. Nor does it mean Auckland citizens, especially commuters north of the bridge, agree with their argument.
The traffic congestion on Sunday and last year after two lanes were closed due to a weather event are surely sufficient evidence that congestion will increase with the concomitant increased fuel use adding not decreasing the fossil fuel being burned. Efeso Collins is right to point out this overwhelmingly white, middle class action would not be tolerated from any other group.
Patrick Grant, Stanmore Bay.
Keeping updated
There have been a lot of letters concerned about the vaccine roll-out and I can understand the anxiety.
I've taken to checking the Covid website once a fortnight and whoever is putting that together is doing a great job. Mid-May, Group 3 was asked to expect an update around the end of the month; today I received the seniors newsletter (also very well done) telling me there had been an update. I now know I'll be invited to book an appointment.
On the back of the good news about storage, I suspect that will be through my GP and I have a number to call if I think I might have been missed.
The only thing I would have liked to see is an idea of when the invitation process is likely to complete.
Tell us when to expect an update and tell us what you know on that date. Great communication practice, team – congratulations.
Mike Diggins, Royal Oak.
Pedalling dissent?
As mayor Phil Goff says, councillors are supposed to be role models for the people of Auckland. Yet councillor Pippa Coom incited hundreds of people to follow her lead in bringing traffic on the busiest part of SH1 to a standstill. Instead of apologising to the people of Auckland, she is doubling down.
I was arrested last month for protesting about a lack of quality information given to the community I'm elected to represent, Auckland Central. I was protesting untimely, inaccurate and incomplete information being provided. I had tried to bring my concerns to the CEO of Auckland Council, even instructing a QC to write to try to get a meeting with him. I tried every legal avenue to serve my community, do the job ratepayers pay me to do. I didn't encourage any others to break the law.
Mine was a peaceful, two-person protest that attracted more police than I saw for the 1000+ people who rode illegally over the harbour bridge. The police wagon was ready and waiting for me and the Police National Command Centre on standby.
I was held to account through my arrest, and I expect Coom should be as well.
Sarah Trotman, Waitematā Local Board member.
In response
I went to the Liberate the Lane rally, certain that I wouldn't be taking part in a ride on the Auckland Harbour Bridge as I had in 2009. Bike Auckland, the event organiser, didn't promote a ride nor did any of the speakers, including myself, call for the storming of the bridge.
The day before the rally, Auckland Transport advised of lane closures being put in place. This created an expectation that authorities were anticipating the rally extending on to the bridge. After the official speeches concluded in Pt Erin Park, many people flocked down to the bridge access road. I went to take a look, expecting to continue riding along Westhaven Drive. When I got to the on ramp, there was no police line, there were no officers giving instructions to not access the bridge. It was an orderly queue of riders, walkers and people moving peacefully and excited at the prospect of a Waitematā crossing on the 62nd birthday of the bridge.
I don't condone the actions of those who breached police lines with force or ignored police instructions. I certainly didn't lead the charge or encourage anyone to storm the bridge.
Pippa Coom, Auckland Councillor, Waitematā and Gulf.
Footpath felony
There has been a lot of commentary regarding the use of cycling as an alternative means of transport. Yet there has been minimal use of the dedicated cycleways which have, at ratepayers' expense, cropped up throughout Auckland.
The recent harbour bridge crossing protest has not drawn the support that many cyclists may have expected.
My personal concern is the use of footpaths by many cyclists when it is clearly stated in the New Zealand code for cycling, that footpath use by cyclists is deemed illegal, yet is not enforced by any authority.
The New Zealand code for cycling states: "It's illegal to ride a cycle on footpaths unless you're delivering mail or the cycle has very small wheels (wheel diameter less than 355mm). As well as people walking, footpaths can be used by people on push scooters, e-scooters, skates, skateboards and other similar ways of getting around."
Dick Ayres, Auckland Central.
No kidding
Re: Emmerson's cartoon (NZ Herald, May 29) promoting David Seymour as the Greatest of All Time (Goat).
He elevates Seymour to the same level as Ritchie McCaw when all Seymour has done is point out what most New Zealanders already know – the Government is utterly incapable in delivering any of its election promises.
Peter Mayall, Tamahere.
Crazy paving
Lindsay Andrews wrote ( NZ Herald, June1) about the disparity in council road maintenance between urban and rural areas.
I live near One Tree Hill, where we are in the midst of having footpaths, driveways and guttering replaced. There was nothing wrong with the footpaths prior to the work being done.
We have been scratching our heads to work out why.
K. S. Agar, Onehunga.
Pressed to answer
I am an avid sports fan but that does not mean I want to witness the often futile questioning of the losing combatant from any game.
Having already listened to the differing standards of various commentators, why the need to witness one of the lowest moments in a player's career? Partly to satisfy sponsors while pandering to the ghoulish amongst us.
That ridiculously oft asked question "what does it feel like?" has now been answered. Let's respect it.
John Norris, Whangamata.
Short & sweet
On Corrections
Why does this residential facility to house sex offenders have to be built in South Auckland? And why between two schools? Come on Corrections, do the maths. Marie Kaire, Whangarei.
On buses
Who on earth will park between moving buses and moving traffic? It is so absurd to promote a traffic jam in the busiest part of Henderson. D Hamilton, Glen Eden.
On Osaka
Naomi Osaka could solve her "interview dilemma" by making a compromise, and taking our PM's lead; only talk to friendly interviewers who don't ask the hard questions. Philip Lenton, Somerville.
What about the big wig from Roland Garros who fronted the media to advise what had happened with Naomi Osaka, and why, then refused to take questions and got up and left. What was he trying to prove? Phil Chitty, Albany.
On rates
I agree with Christine Fletcher (NZ Herald, June 1). In Brisbane, average rates for the 2020/2021 financial year are $1313. In Auckland, average rates sit around $3500. Where is the money going? Allison Kelly, Mt Roskill.
On cup
Auckland Council has been very quiet on the actual dollar value of holding the last America's Cup. Perhaps, because of Covid-19, it was a financial disaster. Bruce Tubb, Belmont.
It might be cheaper for the Auckland ratepayers and the taxpayers of New Zealand to pay the America's Cup sailors to go elsewhere. We might then have the money to fix the sewers overflowing into the harbour. Gillian Dance, Mt Albert.
