Te Awamutu Courier - August 18th, 2011 - Te Awamutu Online

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2 TE AWAMUTU COURIER, THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011 YOUR LETTERS We need to be conscious of economic realities If we were sitting in good economic times, or even stable economic times, Don Buchanan’s letter ‘Small price to pay for great facility’, would seem reasonable, all pie in the sky claims of the velodrome garnering a wave of commerce and wealth into the region aside. But we are not in good economic times, and even the apparent short-term recovery of international stock markets is simply reactive economics, hardly likely to hold up once the economies settle back to a natural level for the world circumstances. Here in New Zealand, our local bodies, especially in the Waikato, 8290454AA are sitting on the twin horns of a financial and ecological dilemma relating to our existing fiscal and ecological debt on the one hand, and our core facility maintenance and growth, which is needed just to get them up to scratch for the existing population and commerce requirements, on the other. Then we have to cater for the growth factor. It is quite clear from what Government spokesmen have said about how the rebuilding of Canterbury, and the style that businesses and others are wanting for their city (Christchurch), that insurance and the Earthquake Commission fund will come D day soon for velodrome project funding answer D day looms for the velodrome complex at St Peter’s School. It has been an interesting debate with strong views on either side. It’s not that Cycling NZ won’t get their velodrome, it just means it may be at another venue — Palmerston North or Auckland. Waipa voted 12 to 1 in favour of granting $1,000,000 to the velodrome complex with four conditions that must be met before the money is given. The original conditions cannot be addressed or altered. I say original because there has been some variance on the wording of them. Whichever way you look at it, we would be giving away $1,000,000 and increasing our borrowing and debt by that amount. As for the Waikato Regional Council, you would have thought granting money to sporting clubs was outside their normal spectrum of operation. One concern is some of the submissions may be from students or from outside of the area. Although this is not illegal, you would have thought only those directly affected could put in submissions. Sporting events and venues have a long history of losing money, the same type of presentation on how beneficial they will be to communities has been heard many times before with disappointing outcomes. VERN WILSON The Last Ever BIKE SALE 11 days only - ends August 28 25%-50% off bikes UP TO 70% OFF BIKE PARTS & ACCESSORIES • BMX parts • Handlebars • Stems • Grips • Cranks • Chain rings • Derailleurs • Bearings • Pedals • Chains • Shoes • Shifters • Saddle • Helmets • Wheels • Tyres • Lights • Pumps • Tools • Clothing • Gloves • Jackets • Hydration Te A’Cycles nowhere near accounting for that cost. It will eventually come upon the taxpayer and possibly ratepayers as well. In the need to cut spending for the projected cash strapped economy of the next few years, Government is already focussing on ways to take back welfare spending, by targetting benefits and what they can be spent on. Local ratepayers have yet to feel the weight of the fiscal debt we have for ‘legitimate’ ratepayer needs, but once they do, the wants of Mr Buchanan and co will be no small thing, as far as ratepayers will then be concerned. DENNIS PENNEFATHER Velodrome a vote for youth of future Waipa/Te Awamutu is a great place to live. How lucky we are to live here when we see the turmoil going on around the world. We can justly be proud of our community and appreciate the work done by our elected local government. An important part of their work is continuing to go through the due process of improving the infrastructure and facilities for us and opportunities for our youth to excel, as they do in all directions. One of the most exciting opportunities to do this is the proposed Cycling Centre of Excellence. Cycling is not a sport we are particularly passionate about, however, it seems there is a tremendous amount of good will by the Government, corporate sponsors and St Peters School in funding 75% of the cost of the Centre. Is an extra $6 per ratepayer per year too much when we could be building an ongoing asset that will attract national and international competitors to our district. We should not be swayed by those with their own agendas or the negative brigade but place our faith in our youth — as we live in Waipa, The Home of Champions. JOHN and JODY OBERLIN-BROWN Case of crying over spilt milk? The Government decision to hold a Select Committee inquiry into the retail price of milk after a Commerce Commission finding that there are no grounds for such an inquisition, is just populist, poppy-cock politics. Yet another example of politicians’ cavalier attitude towards spending other people’s money for political purposes. In response to an ill-informed public outcry, the Government obviously believes it ‘must be seen to be doing something’, especially in election year. No matter that the considerable expense and time involved will prove a waste of money. After much huffing and pounding of chests, not to mention endless talk and political grandstanding, the outcome will be yet another lengthy report, quietly shelved and discreetly forgotten. Dairy farmers have good reason to believe politicians are using them as scapegoats for political purposes. They are being poorly served by a supposedly proenterprise government. VINCE ASHWORTH Ongoing costs associated with a velodrome The Home of Cycling Trust has run a very strong advertising campaign in the press and on radio asking for support for the velodrome. Many of these advertisements do not tell the whole story, such as that in the Courier on August 16 which stated that the velodrome will be a community asset — it will not, as it will be owned by the HOC and built on private land. They also fail to mention that all the proposed programmes will cost the user at least $15 per hour or an annual subscription of between $150 to $350 (Rob Waddell’s figures). Then how do the general public get out to this velodrome? Hitchhike? I don’t think many parents would like their children biking out to St Peter’s on such a busy state highway. If it is such a good idea and as profitable as they state, why do they need ratepayers’ money? B.P. MORRISON Race in for great deals 240 Sloane Street (Opposite Countdown) Phone 871 4816 www.teacycles.co.nz
Goff impressed with youth employment initiatives Election battle will be close: Labour Leader WAITOMO NEWS PHOTO LABOUR Leader Phil Goff meets students hard at work at the Wintec Otorohanga Trade Training Centre. BY GRANT JOHNSTON Labour Party Leader Phil Goff was in the area last week visiting Otorohanga employment programmes which are getting youth off the streets and into workplaces. Mr Goff visited Otorohanga Mayor Dale Williams, whose district council and employer assisted youth trade training programmes are seen as a model for the rest of the country. ‘‘One of the keys to what is making it work in Otorohanga is an experienced mentor who is ensuring that the distractions for youth that often interfere with their ability to train effectively for employment are dealt with,’’ Mr Goff told the Courier. ‘‘To have that mentoring and support that Ray Haley (‘Camp Mother’ to students at Wintec Otorohanga Trade Training Centre) is providing has been a key factor in the far better outcomes that are happening in Otorohanga, than we’re getting elsewhere in the country. ‘‘(Mayor) Dale is a down to earth guy with a remarkable life story to tell. He is absolutely passionate about making sure kids don’t fall through the cracks.’’ Mr Williams is chair of the Mayor’s Taskforce on Jobs, a local government initiative that is having positive spinoffs throughout the country, including in Waipa. Mr Goff says there has been too much emphasis on university education and New Zealand is producing too many lawyers and accountants, for whom there are limited jobs, while undervaluing trade training. He told the Courier he has a daughter currently living in Clapham, which is in the centre of where the riots were taking place. ‘‘When a community starts to lose social cohesion and youth are out of work and out of hope with no motivation and no aspirations, it is a recipe for disaster.’’ Mr Goff says in New Zealand there are a large number of youth, including an over representation of Maori and Pacific people, ‘locked out of society’ through unemployment. ‘‘There are 58,000 people aged under 24 not in work and not in education or training. The longer they are in that situation the harder it is to get them reengaged. ‘‘Every young person counts. We don’t want to run the risk of losing a generation of youth.’’ Mr Goff believes the Otorohanga ‘model’ would work well anywhere in New Zealand. ‘‘I think we’ve got to apply those sorts of models across New Zealand in the school to work transition.’’ Labour spokeswoman for employment and youth affairs Jacinda Ardern, who accompanied Mr Goff on Friday, has been a familiar face in Otorohanga as Labour develops its policies in these areas. Meanwhile Mr Goff, whose appetite for work is legendary has his sights set on a new job for himself — Prime Minister. The 30-year MP (15 of those as a cabinet Minister) does not believe pollsters who say this year’s election looks a foregone conclusion. Mr Goff says he is getting up early and working seven days week because he believes he can lead Labour to victory in November. ‘‘We are finding more support than polls would indicate ‘‘I want to live in a New Zealand where there are opportunities for our young people to stay and work. ‘‘I want to see the economy grow through a fairer taxation system and retention of State Owned Assets in New Zealand. ‘‘The cost of living is an issue affecting so many New Zealanders and something that needs to be tackled.’’ Waikato Science Fair a showcase of young talent This weekend is the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) Waikato Science and Technology Fair, what is hoped to be inspiration for students to take up a career in science. NIWA’s education coordinator Dr Julie Hall says NIWA sponsors science fairs around the country and says it is the students who participate who will go onto help drive New Zealand’s economy, in the future. The Fastest Fermenter, Bubbles vs Bacteria and Chromatic Cabbage are just three of the science projects produced by students in the annual NIWA Waikato Regional Science and Technology Fair at Hamilton Gardens Pavilion, Cobham Drive. There are more than 270 projects from students in Years 7 — 13 from 29 schools throughout the Waikato region. Today a team of 36 judges, all professional scientists and educators, will interview the students and select the best projects in each of the five age classes. The prize winners will be announced at tomorrow’s official prize giving ceremony held at the Waikato University, L1 Lecture Theatre. ‘‘NIWA is proud to sponsor this event as part of our commit- ment to fostering scientific excellence and knowledge among young people. The Science and Technology Fairs are a great way to get school students to think about and engage with science. As well as gaining knowledge of science and the scientific process, they develop critical thinking skills that can be applied in all walks of life,’’ says Dr Hall. Students are competing for over $4000 in prizes, with a number of special prizes also donated by a range of businesses and science organisations. Public viewing is free from 9am — 10pm tomorrow and 9am — 2pm Saturday. Prizegiving is tomorrow at 7pm. 8290459AA 8290446AA TE AWAMUTU COURIER, THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011 3 Proven Orthotic Relief THE ORTHAHEEL FOOTWEAR RANGE IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO OFFER SIGNIFICANT PAIN RELIEF. ✔ Combining Comfort, Functionality & Style ✔ Helps Reduce Foot/Leg/Back & Hip Fatigue ✔ Stabilising In-Sole ✔ High Quality Construction ✔ Ultra-Comfort Sole ✔ Ergonomically Designed ✔ Comfy Selection of Slippers Winter range now available at: Ph: 871 4918, 156 TEASDALE ST Off-street parking at rear Email: marshallspharmacy@xtra.co.nz PEPPY! 2006 HOLDEN BARINA 1.6 MANUAL The heading says it all with this nifty little car. Popular, Economical, Practical, Perfect and Y-wait for this fantastic opportunity. 5-Speed manual and only 6.9L/100km. The money you will save in fuel, combined with the low price tag, could allow you to save for that special occasion. 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Te Awamutu Courier - August 18th, 2011 - Te Awamutu Online

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