Letters, November 20: Bad ruling on refugees

The decision by Prime Minister John Key's Government to refuse Australia's request to accept some of the Sri Lankan asylum seekers fleeing from the repression in their home country is not only disgusting but inhuman.

Taking in Afghans from the Tampa in 2001 boosted our reputation as fair-minded Kiwis. What makes this present decision so bad is the fact Mr Key's mother was a refugee, a fact that was milked for all it was worth throughout the last election by the National Party. It's amazing how soon some people forget their roots.

The history of refugees in Aotearoa is one of immense success. Many former refugees have contributed to the welfare of our country, plus the Sri Lankan community here are known for their industriousness and excellent behaviour.

They also contribute to the diverse cultures that are making Aotearoa the wonderful interesting multi-cultured place it is becoming.

T JOHN MARSHALL

Cambridge

Pollution facts

The article "District councils our biggest polluters" (November 17) contained serious errors of fact about Lake Rotorua. The Rotorua District Council is not the "biggest polluter of the lake" and is responsible for about 8 per cent of the phosphorus and 4 per cent of the nitrogen loads that enter the lake. The council has adopted a world-leading land-based effluent treatment system to meet strict resource consent limits and is now rising to the challenge of treating additional effluent from outlying communities previously using septic tanks.

Pastoral farming in the catchment of Lake Rotorua contributes about 46 per cent of the phosphorus and 75 per cent of the nitrogen loads to the lake. The nitrogen from this source has doubled since the 1970s as a result of intensification of agriculture and has progressively enriched groundwater.

Hence it is no surprise the regional council seeks best practice when dealing with effluent discharges – from all sources.

It is evident a recalcitrant minority of farmers have continued to pollute the environment while the majority are genuinely engaged in seeking ways to mitigate their impact.

Our challenge now is to ensure compliance with effluent standards by this resistant minority, while providing the scientific advances and dissemination of knowledge required to soften the footprint of agriculture on the landscape and to protect our key waterways.

DAVID HAMILTON

Lakes chair

Waikato University

Sour letter

I was gob-smacked by R A B Wiberg's sour letter slating Waikato Museum staff, the siting of an exhibition and the display Never a dull moment – Hamilton stories (Waikato Times, October 29).

For someone who has lived in Hamilton 57 years to be unsure of the museum layout is strange, to say the least, and, in going to the lower gallery, there are the waka and magnificent wall carvings en route to add zest to one's day.

Considering the confines of the exhibition space available downstairs, museum staff had to carefully select their items and format.

The displays show flair and imagination. I had to tear myself away after two hours and make a further visit.

I am only a five-year resident but I have spoken with long-term residents who have been as engaged as me in the imaginative and excellently curated display. To compare with other permanent museum displays is to compare apples with oranges: this one has a finite life, then the work begins all over again on a new display.

We can be proud of our museum's staff and their displays in recent years. (Abridged)

DUNCAN McCORMACK

Hamilton

Variation 21

I am disgusted at the Hamilton City Council's move to restrict the rights of ratepayers to make business decisions that meet the needs and wishes of the greater community, as opposed to the historic tunnel vision of council planners and councillors.

I commend Tainui for the way they have developed the Base; it offers a diverse competitive range of businesses and lots of free parking with a practical ground plan and an attractive presentation of grounds and buildings.

The development has met the needs of the community and clearly the popularity of the development with the public speaks for itself.

The Variation 21 proposal would write off millions of dollars in some ratepayers' portfolios, and would obstruct the will and needs of the people. The central city's woes stem from:

Inept council governance and planning tunnel vision over time.

The lack of parking in the central city, parking charges and privatisation.

The monopolisation of business space by non-retail businesses.

The fruit produced from liquor and food outlets.

JOHN LUDBROOK

Hamilton

Reunion

A luncheon celebrating the Hamilton Spinners, Weavers and Dyers 40th anniversary is to be held at the Lyceum Club, 58 Anglesea St, Hamilton, on Saturday, December 5, 2009.

The rooms will be open from 11am, with lunch served noon-1.30pm; lunch costs $20 (pay on the day). Members who do not wish to attend the lunch are welcome from 1.30pm. There will be a "Blast from the past" fashion parade, so bring garments, etcetera, from earlier years or articles to display with the owner's name and a short description. All past and present members are welcome. Those attending the luncheon should RSVP by the end of today. Contact Daphne Caddie at: geocaddie@xtra.co.nz, phone 078241720; or Carol Oldfield at: carolo@xtra.co.nz, phone 078297278.

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