MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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Ed Said - Typical of politicians Our newest northern politician bleating on about this area of the country being ignored has proved good to his word in earmarking $17 million for distribution in the area, but is it all it appears to be or is it simply point-scoring by Shane Jones? Just where is the value in $8 million going to a series of tourism and cultural hubs, including a $4.6 million centre in Opononi that will focus on Kupe's voyage to Hokianga back in the 10th Century? The largest chunk is $9 million for upgrading the Waipapa intersection on State Highway 10. Really?
“We desperately need a roundabout at the intersection of SH10 and Waipapa Rd," Jones said. "SH10 is part of the Twin Coast Discovery Route providing access to significant tourist destinations and essential to a better transport system.” So a new roundabout will bring more tourism and trade to the north? I doubt it. Strangely enough these schemes are all happening in his home area. Interesting huh? Considering both Jones and NZ First leader Winston Peters campaigned to overcome the poverty of the north, also endorsed by our Prime Minister, from this package I see not one new house being built and not one more child being fed or clothed adequately. Consider this. There are many companies now building small houses. Small is the operative word, but they are new, insulated, warm and costing anywhere between $30,000 - $150,000. Add Jones’ $17 million to the hundreds of millions already paid out in Treaty settlements and there is no reason any family should be living in sub-standard accommodation. There are thousands of acres of Maori land lying fallow and vacant and surely available for any sort of housing scheme. I suggest that rather than rail against the Government, Maori should rise up against their own leaders and demand they get some benefit from these settlements which are simply failing to fulfil their commitment to their people in most need. Living in cars or lounging in motels for weeks or months on end at a cost two or three times that of rent – plus free power and no rates or upkeep charges yet still collecting their full benefit entitlement – is nothing more than a drain on the taxpayer which simply continues the vicious cycle. Jones also (he may have had a valid point castigating Air New Zealand for taking the provinces lightly) opened his mouth before he put his brain into gear having already accepted an invitation to a free sumptuous feed with Barak Obama largely sponsored by Air New Zealand. Of course he can justify his stance while his boss (Ms Ardern) has to cover for him. The mark of a true gentleman I don’t think. As expected the NZ First leader backs him up but then Winston has been strangely silent on the return of Mangawhai’s millions which he promised on two occasions would happen were he elected to Government. Since the election six months ago I can find no mention anywhere of him even uttering the word ‘Mangawhai’ once. Is Kaipara not part of his constituency? Fairly typical of politicians wouldn’t you say? But then, for those who are critical of past Kaipara Councillors, these are also people that most of the country didn’t vote for. Just saying. Rob |