Mayor replies

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 9, 31 July 1984, Page 2

Mayor replies

In reply to the Wilde assertions yet again flying around the arena of town planning: as long as the development momentum of this town continues so, too, will pros and cons of town planning. Any necessary planning application is liable to attract opposition. All decisions, democratically, are open to appeal. With the recent hearing and four appeals out of the way Mr Wilde may now rest easy! Currently there are no applications in front of the Council, no further Tribunal hearings on town matters scheduled. I imagine the next flying of feathers and fur will occur when Council heeds local pressure and Tribunal prompting and changes the scheme to allow for the golden residential mile of Goldfinch Street/ Mangawhero Terrace to be opened up for intensive motel accommodation development. But, back to Mr Wilde's current concerns. Firstly, unless the gentleman is more privy to Tribunal decisions than he should be, I must point out that the council still awaits a fourth decision, that of the disposition of skihire outlets. Interim information suggests that on this crucial issue the Tribunal expect a compromise settlement acceptable to all parties as a real possibility and, more important, a settlement that does not disadvantage in any way the residents of the town. In the instance of the issue dearest to my heart; that of the availability of former Railway housing for use by local people with a very real need for low-cost rental housing, I will fully and personally shoulder complete responsibility. I admit to knowing full well the futility of expecting a judgement on the two houses in question being in favour of Council. All I earnestly prayed for was a decision that gave NZR pause and cause to consider how they may

dispose of the bulk of their housing stock in a manner which was of help to the people of this town. This, I consider, has been achieved in the judgement of the Planning Tribunal. I am truly tired, Mr Wilde, of your gratuitous attacks on Council and Councillors. A more hardworking, dedicated and sincere group of people would be hard to find. Your gratuitous advice is an insult to their integrity and ability. That their thinking infrequently parallcls your own is not jiecessarily to their discredit. They are representative of the whole community, their 1983 election shows them to be substantially so. They attend with diligence to the business of the community and are assiduous in their promotion of the town. My advice, sincerely expressed, is for you to attempt again to join their number at the earliest possible occasion and to work within the forum rather than carp from the sideline.

W.

Taylor

Mayor