Alternative facts It is disappointing to have to respond to inaccurate statements by Colin Smith in his recent Viewpoint column (MM August 19). As a member of the Local Board for almost four years, he has been provided with the correct information. It...... Read More

We asked our Facebook followers if they are feeling confident with the way COVID-19 is being handled in New Zealand. Here are some of the responses: Chris Cruickshank I am totally happy with the way Covid 19 is being handled. This lockdown needs to happen,...... Read More

Penlink not a priority John Kirkham Manly (abridged) I moved up to Manly (from the North Shore) two years ago. Being more aware since moving onto the peninsula, of local issues and this Penlink project, I have asked many locals of their opinions, (especially...... Read More

In Mayor’s pocket So the Rodney Local Board supported a 3.5 per cent rate increase on the one condition that Mayor Goff added in $1 million for road sealing. Goff got through his 3.5 per cent rates increase but the extra money was not added. So...... Read More

Book bias alleged Jo de Joux, Yes for Compassion, Wellington (abridged) I am contacting you from [lobby group] Yes for Compassion. On 14 July, Hibiscus Matters posted an interview with Caralise Trayes about her book The Final Choice. She has written...... Read More

Heartfelt thanks Ellie and I would like to publicly thank all the people that have helped us in so many ways since we received the devastating news advising that Matthew lost his life on June 19, 2020, whilst working as a Police Officer, a career he...... Read More

Senseless spending on humps Chris Casey, Manly (abridged) As per your article (HM July 1) the $150,000 spent on this one road, Laurence Street, could have been used to help seal some of the loose metalled roads within Rodney. Now the speed bumps have...... Read More

Crazy spending In a time when Auckland Council is basically insolvent, we have our Rodney Local Board, who are totally controlled by Rodney First members Phelan Pirrie (chairperson) and his deputy Beth Houlbrooke, on their usual spending sprees on their...... Read More

Apartments too high Paul Evans, Orewa. I refer to the item in June 17 edition (Apartments proposed for Orewa, p6). The story is a reminder of the pointlessness of the so called intent of the Unitary Plan to conform with the general building stock in...... Read More

Landfills unnecessary Your newspaper recently published comments from Steve Goldthorpe (MM June 17) regarding my earlier column on Waste-to-Energy. Mr Goldthorpe argued some important negative points on the subject of WtE. I am glad he did so, because...... Read More