Catrina Jones

Thank you to the Beacon for its opinion/letters column.

Opinions are subjective beliefs or judgments/viewpoints that individuals hold about a topic, and can vary widely.  

Because they are based on personal feelings, experiences and perspectives, opinions cannot be classified as strictly “right” or “wrong” in the same way that factual statements can be.

There are two sides to an opinion, and both are entitled to look at the situation differently.

There have been some outstanding letters contributed to the Beacon over past months, in particular by S Chapman, V O’Brien, P Jacobs, S Williams, S Milne, G Tee, P Mitten and D Dawson, on a variety of topics.

Although I  am against  any spending  on an Arts Centre presently, I sincerely commend Sue Whale’s exceptional  letter (October 1) on behalf of Arts Whakatāne supporting an Arts Centre development .

In many of my Beacon letters,  I  have urged Whakatāne District Council to put on the back burner the Arts Centre and full Rex Morpeth Hub upgrade. I consider infrastructure is a priority need and we should wait for better economic times to address the “wants”.

I have not said outright “no” to these projects.

In P Jacob’s letter (October 9) he wisely explained that the council has already approved plans for a market  area with stalls, a new toilet block and playground in the Rex Morpeth Hub $7.8 million partial upgrade.

Whakatāne does not need/cannot afford two market areas. This double-up needs to be looked into.  

The Mitchell Park market plan has  provision for new lighting, walkways, better access etc. These are non-urgent  plans but seen as complementary benefits to incorporate while working in close vicinity to the other planned upgrades.

These could still be addressed independently.

Most correspondents expressed that the Sunday Market at Mitchell Park is  an asset to Whakatāne providing entertainment and income and the  upgrades would enhance the experience, however, others consider the market is a privately-owned entity and the upgrades are too expensive or unnecessary and the market will survive without the upgrades.

I suggest new toilets could be built in the vacated Credit Union building, which the council has purchased and where the council plans to build a plaza to help revitalise the flagging retail sector.  

Many residents have opinions on the importance and relevance of the Rex Morpeth Hub sport facilities and art centre for our future generations.

In my opinion, the most important legacy for Whakatāne’s future is improving our infrastructure, particularly water infrastructure, and creating a safe, healthy  environment.

Water resources and climate change present challenges.

We have an obligation to conserve resources such as fresh water, so they are available in the quality and quantity needed at a cost that is acceptable.  

The threat of climate change raises an important dimension threat to our water resources.

In fairness to future generations, we have to correct the environment neglect/abuse of present/past generations. Throughout New Zealand, water infrastructure has been neglected by most councils. It is no surprise to Whakatāne council that it has expiring water treatment consents and upgrades are needed.

Councils need to implement the Government’s new water service delivery models and standards.

We need to muster as much money, support and resources to address our water infrastructure.

I consider all councillors are concerned about the proposed boat harbour and the serious contamination effect on our environment.

Legal constraints are binding. I hope something can be done legally to prevent the excavation from proceeding.  

In New Zealand, we are fortunate that everyone has the right to freedom of expression, including the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and opinions of any kind in any form.