Wonderful job MY wife and I had the privilege recently of viewing the newly renovated Hillview and also a look at the new duplex units that are under construction. What a wonderful job that has been done at Hillview. We commend the board, general manager and staff, who have all had some input into this project. Te Kūiti, you are very lucky to have such a wonderful facility available to your community, we were very impressed. We believe that funding is still required to complete this project, please consider making a donation to this worthy cause. John Oliver Ōtorohanga
Wait and see THE demise of the Resource Management Act has been a long time coming. The Natural and Built Environments Act and the Spatial Planning Act have been introduced to Parliament to replace it. National’s simple test on the reform is whether it will make it easier to get things done — like building the houses we desperately need and pragmatically protecting the environment. We are taking the time to go through the 800+-page Bills in detail, but I have to say we are doubtful Labour’s reforms will meet this test. Our main concerns are that these replacements will create more bureaucracy, more complexity, additional uncertainty and take too long to implement. So yet another case of wait and see. Barbara Kuriger, MP Taranaki-King Country
Cash is still king FOLLOWING on from a King Country News editorial on the ‘digital push’, the writer highlights manoeuvres made by banks and organisations. Some banks now will not open a branch account for you unless you agree to internet banking. You are obliged to undertake a ‘consultation’ with their area office, there being such poor counter/teller service available here in Te Kūiti. Motorists here are also aware that some firms refuse cash payments for their service/insurance. Strangely, every time the Reserve Bank endeavours to enforce a cashless society, according to mainstream press, the quantity demanded of circulating cash in New Zealand increases. The writer would contend that those traders who refuse to accept coin of the realm payments should have their trading/business licenses removed/suspended until they conform with the premise that cash handling is an essential component/risk of the standard accepted business practise. A R Baker Te Kūiti
No co-governance I WISH to comment on Barbara Kuriger’s item in King Country News Nov 17. I find her comments to be very accurate, especially her references to the way this government is undermining democracy in New Zealand. I feel the general public is blind to what is happening behind the scenes and hope that people take her comments seriously, I also wish to add that for the last 50 years I have voted Labour, but not the next election. K G Mackinnon Ōtorohanga
Pro co-governance I have just read the National party MP’s race-based objection to co-governence. National should look how poorly the previous system has worked for the last 150 years. That system was set up to solely benefit a certain sector of society. Hence the reason 10% of the population has 90% of the wealth and the environment has been trashed. The local river care organisation has been a huge success due to being open to co-governance. New Zealand needs to move forward, not dwell in the past. Ms Kuriger should look at her own current situation with MPI as this is an example of the entitled to expect different outcomes to the rest of society G Walker Piopio
Thanks for the kai THUMBS up to The Cottage for their generous donations of kai, which has helped us to provide many food parcels to those who need it in the community. Te Kūiti Foodbank Journey Church Te Kūiti
Pro dogs IN reference to the article on November 10 “Call to reconsider dog ban”. I agree with Mr La Varis that the law to ban dogs in Rora St is outdated. As long as the dog is on a leash and in the hands of a responsible owner, why not allow it? For safety reasons though, dogs on a busy street should be on a lead at all times. Cafes in larger towns encourage dog owners to sit outside and even provide them with a designated area to enjoy their coffee with their dogs. They even provide water bowls and sometimes little treats for these pets. It’s time for a change. I Seymour Te Kūiti
