The back field is miles away from the beach
As an old old boy of Waitaki Boys’ High School (1967-71), I contend it is stretching the bounds of credibility to say my old school is under threat from sea level rise caused by climate change (ODT 12.11.24).
The school’s back field, on the same level as the main classroom blocks and the famous Hall of Memories, sits on cliffs at least 10m above a rugged and stony beach. Sea level rise will not threaten the school in any of our life-times.
However it is recognised that tidal erosion has been reducing the size of that back field for as long as any living old boy can remember. In my time there we had two rugby fields side by side. On my last visit there I remember it being reduced to one. I’ve been told 1m-3m is being lost annually because of the erosion and the school acknowledges it is under threat.
It is an issue common to many seaside areas on the east coast of the South Island and has been part of nature for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.
Peter Williams
Cromwell
Grass verges
I fully support the Dunedin City Council policy to mow a metre-wide strip of grass next to roads and leave the rest to grow long. If the grass is left to grow you will also find wild flowers amongst it. Many councils in other parts of the world have a deliberate policy of leaving areas of grass and wildflowers untouched for the benefit of bees.
I have just been to look at the grassy bank between Highgate and Cannington Rd and as well as several varieties of grasses I saw red and white clover, buttercups, daisies, forget-me nots, plantains, dandelions, hieracium and some small pink flowers and small orange flowers and two other unidentified plants, 11 in all.
Why do people want to get rid of these and yet are so supportive of planting more bushes and trees in open spaces?
Jane Campbell
Maori Hill
A couple of thoughts on overgrown verges. They probably house vermin and the council, as owner, is responsible for keeping its property vermin free. The easiest way to do this is to mow the verge. Another idea: get a Taieri farmer who has sheep or goats to hire them to householders on a daily basis. Drop them off in the morning, leave them tethered, collect them at night. Send the bill to the council.
Joan Mann
Forbury
We have had the same issue in Waikouaiti. My neighbour petitioned the council to get a contractor to top the long grass, then we have taken over care of the verges. It is time for people found their community spirit : you will most probably do a better job of it.
Nevin Gibbs
Waikouaiti
I have a challenge for those who think unmowed berms are "untidy". Plant them — make them things of beauty. Spring bulbs, summer daisies, wild flowers. Make them a work of art. Or you can just complain.
T Williams
Dunedin
Unhappy cyclist
I am outraged by the recent temporary restriction on using bus bike racks which, for the past several years, I have regularly used. I understand NZTA’s concerns regarding the possibility that some bike racks obscure bus headlights, but why then is the restriction being applied on bright sunny days? I also wish to protest the lightning speed with which this restriction came into effect. It completely caught me by surprise, and meant I had to cycle 18km home carrying around 8kg of groceries in my backpack. With even a week’s lead-in time Orbus would have had greater opportunity to notify customers.
Jennifer Anne Cattermole
Broad Bay
Safe student venue still remains a priority
Five years since the tragic untimely death of Sophia Crestani in an overcrowded unsafe flat and still no-one has been prepared to provide a large safe venue for our students and local young people to meet others, have fun and socialise.
Surely this should have been the number one priority for those who prepared Sophia’s Charter and those who belong to this charter group. Do they have regular follow-up meetings to evaluate progress? Student clean-ups and sponsorships are worthy causes but certainly will never save lives or prevent behaviours caused by drunken stupidity.
Sophia’s supportive parents and family want all students to enjoy their youth, education and successes in a safe, secure and happy environment in our education city.
The charter has valuable aims and plans for the welfare and safety of all students at all times and we expect safety within the university campus and students’ living quarters but what about safety in our city and especially at night?
Each year, I meet several excellent hard-working groups of students and most tell me that there is nowhere for them to socialise with others of a similar age group. Students should not need to go to adult night clubs for entertainment and no student should ever have to take on the responsibility of hosting large flat or street parties where young ones can drink or even take drugs in an uncontrolled environment.
Certainly no parent or grandparent wants their precious child to experience these so-called parties. Surely the education city can do better than this?
Bernice Armstrong
North East Valley
[Abridged — length. Editor.]
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