MRRA meeting well attended, opinions voiced

 

The Mangawhai Ratepayers & Residents Association (MRRA) held a well attended meeting for more than 250 at the Mangawhai Recreation Centre on Sunday July 7.

Personal invitations were extended to Northland MP Mike Sabin and Minister of Local Government Hon Chris Tremain though neither attended.
The meeting was chaired by Bill Bygrave, with members of the community tabling a number of issues.

Peter Grierson presented details on his private campaign to write to the prime minister, MP Mike Sabin, commissioner John Robertson and Chris Tremain.

Peter spoke of his not receiving replies or acknowledgements from the several people he has written to. His presentation was met with applause.

John Hale spoke of his endeavours to open dialogue with Mike Sabin and that Mike Sabin had suggested meeting with him in Kerikeri.
Graham Mackenzie presented on two issues: (a) The need for the community to make a submission to the Select Committee before July 25 asking to be heard and, (b) The continuing insolvency of the Kaipara District Council, and that the budget prepared by the KDC for next year is flawed.

An extended Q&A session was then chaired by Bill Bygrave, which included a wide range of questions and statements.

Two senior National Party directors – Beverly Revell and Craig Shearer – asked questions and made statements.

A number of new members joined the MRRA, and a substantial amount of money was also donated to the MRRA legal fund.