I am writing to pass on my thanks to the staff at the Whanganui Pound. Especially to Bernie and Marieke.
As a rescue we are often in touch with them and value their advice and expertise. One recent dog was actually fostered by Marieke and brought back to health while being socialised. These guys work so hard for the very best outcome for every dog surrendered to them.
I am so sad that some dogs must be euthanised. However if the team at the pound have to make that call it is not because they want to. I have seen for myself how hard they all work for the dogs alongside Aran Dog Rescue.
I want to publicly acknowledge the kindness and support which we have experienced. The after hours people are always prompt and efficient as well. I cannot imagine anywhere in New Zealand which offers better customer service and outcomes for animals.
Joy Zillah Clark Little Critters Rescue
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Dead duck? Just a week ago (February 9) I read an article which headlined as "Future of geothermal in doubt". Then in the Chronicle's business section (February 16) is the article from Jamie Gray about "Contact Energy raising $400 million to build new geothermal station". What is happening here? Are these people doing their homework?
Your letters.
The Climate Change Commission's advice to the Government, as clearly reported in the article, states that "although considered renewable, geothermal electricity generation does create carbon emissions as gases which cannot be turned into liquid and are released into the atmosphere".
The question is, can the new geothermal plant be designed as low (or high) emission?
Why is this even being considered, when the simplest answer for NZ is to include solar power installation into every new house being built. This would halve any future generation required from day one and possibly negate the need to build more power stations in NZ.
Cost-wise it would be a winner, consisting of about four per cent of the total cost ($400,000) of building a new house (retrofitting costs more) and will halve the power usage and the power bill for that house.
But, maybe the power authorities don't want this to happen as it could be detrimental to their profit line. Just a thought.
G SIMPSON Whanganui
Māori wards
Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta has announced that the Labour Government will change the law to stop local ratepayers being able to ask for a poll on Māori wards.
The law currently allows for a local referendum to be held if at least 5 per cent of local ratepayers sign a petition on this issue. Twenty-four referendums have been conducted on Māori wards in New Zealand. Twenty-two have voted overwhelmingly to reject the appointments.
The Ratepayers Association supports Māori representation and will actively encourage and support local Māori or other individuals who wish to stand at local body elections.
Democracy and diversity is the key to a vibrant council elected by local ratepayers. The Ratepayers Association urges the Whanganui District Council not to disregard the democratic wishes of the people who elected them to their positions.
If Māori wards are on the agenda, we challenge council to designate this proposal as an election issue at the next local body elections to ensure appointments are made in a constitutional manner.
RAY BRIGHTWELL Chairman Whanganui Ratepayers Association
