Crossing chaos
Recent articles re the Tongariro Crossing make one suspect that the Lord of the Rings really does live in New Zealand.
We seem to be able to find hundreds and millions of dollars to fund overseas film productions but only a pittance to find the necessary infrastructure to cater for the hordes that these movies, and promotion by tourism New Zealand, bring.
Closing down car parks at track ends, negotiation with iwi to provide "charge for service" car parks even further from track ends, or -- even worse -- forcing NZ taxpayers to take an expensive shuttle to do their own walk is not acceptable.
However, the fault is not the underfunded DoC.
In my opinion its the responsibility of our Deputy Prime Minister, Paula Bennett, who also happens to be the Minister for Tourism.
With a little work (and a fair share of tourist dollars) the crossing, access roads and parking can be brought up to the necessary standard.
Yes, we may even need to boardwalk most of the crossing to minimise the impact of so many bare, Jandaled, sneakered, booted feet, but at least they won't get lost if there is no crowd to follow.
DoC could even set up airport-style gates to charge for car parking and fund everything themselves, but let's get Paula to be accountable for "her" tourists as well.
Please all write or email p.bennett@ministers.govt.nz and demand she finds the money. Remember it's election year.
TERRY O'CONNOR
Whanganui
Velodrome roof
I have just read through what can best be described as an entertaining, all-encompassing rant by Jay Kuten (Chronicle, May 10) where he tackles topics as diverse as having a swipe at long-departed Michael Laws (get over it, Jay; he's gone!) to the Oz government returning our crims and sending a rust fungus with them, to a relocation proposal for the library and somehow weaving this melange into his lifetime of medicine and psychiatry.
But he strays from his area of expertise when he questions the returns to the ratepayer from a contribution of a million dollars to roof the velodrome.
He would be wise to investigate the enormous contributions that come from the many sports and other events already held in Whanganui, from the Masters Games every other year to the annual Cemetery Circuit motorcycle racing in December. In between there are numerous events, from cricket to skating, motorcycle rides to vintage cars and many, many more. The contribution of all of these adds millions of dollars of revenue to Whanganui businesses every year.
Adding an all-weather cycling track to the range of options available to sports organisers provides a quality alternative venue to a major sport which can only be beneficial to the city. A million dollars pales into insignificance when compared to the really big dollars wasted in the sewerage plant.
THEO PERRY
Whanganui East
Too much detail
Disgust is the word that came to mind when I read the article headed "Three died after mum was distracted" in the Wanganui Chronicle of May 5, and that was after also featuring as a "highlight" on the front page.
Did you really have to document this in such detail for all to read? Hasn't this family been through enough already?
Heartless!
SHELLEY CLEVELAND
Whanganui
Police handcuffed?
Relieved to see common sense prevail over the "driving offence" alleged against our local MP. What a waste of law enforcement and Justice Department time and (our) money.
Recently I occupied a seat at a well-attended meeting to discuss the installation of resident-funded security camera systems to monitor rural roads.
Many people had tales of markedly increased criminal presence and activity in rural areas. A good deal of this toxic waste seems to be seeping into our area from the Manawatu.
A sobering fact that did emerge was that increased and improved surveillance would be pointless without a much invigorated police game plan. A game plan that clearly law enforcement politicians presently lack the testicular fortitude to promote.
Most present went away with the impression that local residents would apparently have to do all the work necessary to present a watertight case for any prosecution to eventuate! Presumably, there would be cost involved. I would imagine that, in town, review of security camera evidence is an integral part of the police investigation / prosecution process!
In the past, I have submitted photos and videos of both individuals and vehicles recorded on site within time frames related to trespass and poaching incidents to police, and requested identification of individuals recorded so that trespass orders could be issued. The response to my requests has been minimal in the extreme. Even an appeal to the highest local office remains unacknowledged.
However, rather than vilify the men and women in the Holdens, serious pressure needs be brought to bear on those of a revenue-gathering mindset in head office. (Edited)
JOHN THURLOW
Whanganui River
Not covered
"Stop!" Don't volunteer to save a life? If you are not a "professional" called to the scene, you are not covered by ACC? Especially if you suffer mental trauma as a result.
But if you are a tourist or migrant to New Zealand and you have an accident, then the state will pay.
Let me guess who orchestrated this farce. The politicians and their lawyers who constructed this scheme, all paid for without choice by New Zealanders.
Next these Members of Parliament will want your votes to re-elect them.
Let's see if they can pass this test of English by a District Health Board: What is a "consumer experience facilitator"? Why, a "complaints desk", of course. It's all in the wording!
KEN CRAFAR
Whanganui
He lost an arm and a leg in a crash that killed three friends.