Letters to the Editor

 

Service should be free for all
I've read with some dismay in your paper (MF, June 24) that the local ambulance service St John Bream Bay and Plunket are working together to provide a year's free membership for local families with newborn babies registered with Plunket.

As someone who spent many years working with families with babies and young children mainly in the Otamatea area I feel disappointed. Why? Because it should be for all families with newborn babies. What about the babies who are cared for by other organisations and medical services whose parents may also find the St John fee daunting? Please be inclusive and make this free for everyone.

B. Leslie
Kaiwaka


Get on the ratepayer roll
In October we elect the councillors and mayor who will guide Kaipara over the next 3 years. It is in our collective interest for all those entitled to vote to have their say.

In addition to resident ratepayers, many non-resident ratepayers are also eligible to vote – but ONLY if they are on the ratepayer electoral roll. To be on the roll a non-resident ratepayer has to actively apply to enrol. It doesn’t happen by default.

Mangawhai has a very high non-resident population which has a significant influence on the needs of the area. Non-residents who want to have a say on who represents the new Kaiwaka/Mangawhai ward on the Kaipara District Council for the next 3 years need to be proactive: enrol, be informed and vote.

Check out the Council website www.kaipara.govt.nz/council/local-elections , download the non-resident ratepayer enrolment form and apply to be on the roll. You must do so by 16th August 2019. Time is running out.

Belinda Vernon
Mangawhai Heads