02/05/2006

Favourite camp

In response to the informative article in your newspaper of April 18 re the Kiwitown Holiday Park, by Any Thomsen, may I elaborate by pointing out the holiday park is unique and caters for travellers from most countries throughout he world.
With few exceptions these people express their delight at the peaceful tranquility and informal atmosphere of the camp, interspersed with the delightful bird calls and songs not experienced when camping elsewhere.
To close the camp would be a disaster.
The remark attributed. to council's chief executive David Hall, to the effect the town could be serviced by the new camp on Huipatea Drive is misleading, for he is fully aware of the unsuitability of this facility because of the disturbingly high noise due to the close proximity of the railway on one side and the heavy traffic bypass on. the other.
This latter will increase for it is difficult to see why the heavy trucks and others are not banned, like most
towns, from the central business district - not only because of the congestion but more so because of the
pollution caused by the poisonous diesel fumes to which the townspeople are exposed.
This could seriously affect their health in years to come. This risk is accentuated by the low terrain thus having a lingering effect of these poisonous fumes.
These lumbering vehicles detract from the pleasant, aesthetic appearance of the town.
Lastly, as a returned soldier of two years active service, may I commend your newspaper for the display of photographs and articles of the soldiers of past conflicts, commemorating Anzac Day. It was very much appreciated.
AA Pip Willis
Tauranga

Put park to better use

Re the Otorohanga Holiday Park: does the town need this small amenity which only caters for a small number at a time?
We as ratepayers do not own the land, but no doubt it is costing us to administer it.
Being next to the tourist attractions of the Kiwi House and aviary, it could be put to better use, by extending the park for the comfort of the large numbers who visit.
We already have a more accessible modern holiday park, so it would not be missed.
Who would sign the petition to continue it? Perhaps the camper from Tauranga would be better to stay where our costs would not be affected.
Practical Onlooker
Otorohanga

Oto board stands by its decision

Otorohanga's local authorities will meet this week to decide whether the proposed Habitat for Humanity land will be gifted to a needy family.
Otorohanga District Council recently issued the community board a "please explain" when the latter said they would give the Christian organisation a piece of 50/50 council and community board owned land at no cost.
The decision to meet this week came at Wednesday's Otorohanga Community Board meeting.
"I guess the fact that the land is half owned by council was overlooked," said board member Andrew Ormsby.
"But I don't see it as giving the land away, because Habitat still have to pay the costs.
"And, think about the land we are talking about. I mean, the [Merrins Rd] land was up for sale about 10 years ago, and you couldn't get $1 for it. I would still like to support our half."
Other board members said they too, would like to stand by their decision to gift the land.
"They are a well-established organisation with a lot of credibility," said board member Liz Cowan.
"They are genuine about what they are doing. As a board we discussed it very fully, and wanted to make sure Habitat felt welcomed into our community.
"I'm still happy with this gesture of support from the board. I think we need to have a bit more faith in Habitat for Humanity."
Otorohanga mayor. Dale Williams said he felt the board needed to meet with council to get the relevant background information and history.
Habitat for Humanity works to eliminate substandard housing by building and selling simple, decent homes on a no interest, non-profit" basis.
They have previously carried out projects in Putaruru, Tokoroa, and other towns.
An undisclosed family with five children has been chosen as recipients for the organisation's assistance in Otorohanga.