12 <strong>Selwyn</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Wednesday <strong>December</strong> <strong>13</strong> <strong>2023</strong>
Wednesday <strong>December</strong> <strong>13</strong> <strong>2023</strong> <strong>Selwyn</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz LETTERS <strong>13</strong> Mana whenua reps ‘best practice’ I WOULD LIKE to reassure <strong>Selwyn</strong> residents that the presence of a Taumutu Rūnanga representative at the council table is not something I have any issue with, and my colleagues and I benefit from their presence. Mr Wade (<strong>Selwyn</strong> <strong>Times</strong>, <strong>December</strong> 6) fears an appointed member might not be accountable or responsible; they most certainly are, and those who do not perform their duties can be removed or replaced at any time, not just once every three years. This applies to any appointee, whether they are a rūnanga representative, a member of the audit and risk committee, or an RMA commissioner. To Mr McKim and Mr Evans: An advisor cannot participate in discussion in the same way as a committee member, and all appointments are based on qualifications and experience – not just ethnicity. That means they often seek more precise answers and contribute specific insight to debates, particularly in their respective areas of expertise. <strong>Selwyn</strong>’s elected representatives do a great job for our residents, however appointees help us to be better and do better as a collective. Failing to support such roles – which are best practice across New Zealand – would be both backward and insular. -Sophie McInnes, district councillor, Rolleston Ian Evans states “our whole country was established on a democracy that was fair and free for all who wished to take part”. Our whole country is in fact established on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, which is a partnership between two sets of people – tangata whenua and tangata tiriti. It is the foundation for all democracy, which includes elections and traditional methods of consensus communication and decision making. Mana whenua are not token puppets – as our local hapū, Taumutu is entitled to be consulted, heard and have a direct role in contributing to decision making. If we do not honour the treaty, we leave the door open for anyone with more money and power to come here and take over our country. -Stephanie Pearce, Darfield Library security As a regular user and a ratepayer of the Rolleston Library, I would appreciate knowing why it is necessary to have a security heavy stationed inside the library at 10am on a Monday morning? Intimidating and unsettling. Does not contribute to a nice atmosphere at all. -Claire Struthers, Prebbleton Council community services and facilities manager Denise Kidd responds: We introduced security staff for the whole town centre area in June while we investigated an altercation between two members of the public. The security was arranged through the council’s contracted security provider and continued during a period when we had lower staff numbers at Te Ara Ᾱtea. We are regularly reviewing this service. Te Ara Ātea is a busy and vibrant hub that is enjoyed by hundreds of people every day and we are proud of the work our team does to create a positive atmosphere and welcome everyone who visits. Lincoln business park plan I am a Barton Fields landowner and resident. Mr Townsend asks (<strong>Selwyn</strong> <strong>Times</strong>, <strong>December</strong> 6): “Did Barton Fields new residents really expect that rural land to the west would stay that way forever?” Yes, that’s precisely the SDC designation in the land use plan upon which people based and continue to base their purchasing decisions. I’m not against development DEVELOPMENT: The boundary between Barton Fields and the proposed business park will have a greenspace and shared pathway. PHOTO: DANIEL ALVEY nor Mr Townsend (and his group). However, there is clearly the perception that this request for a change in zone designation has not been done with full transparency. The opinion that Lincoln needs commercial zoning is without any evidence to back up this assertion. Given how storage companies, fencing companies and small warehouses operate, the number of jobs created will be small. The argument the rezoning is viable because businesses will come because of ‘visibility’, when the frontage along Springs Rd is the shortest of all sides, is plainly illogical. -Neil Bleasdale (abridged), Barton Fields We want to hear your views on the issues affecting life in <strong>Selwyn</strong> Send emails to: barry@ starmedia.kiwi Letters may be edited or rejected at Star Media’s discretion. Letters should be about 200 words. A name, postal address and phone number should be provided. Please use your real name, not a nickname, alias, pen name or abbreviation. 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