Latest news with #Oratia
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Letters: We should hang our heads in shame at the state of Auckland's CBD
Complex problems can take time to solve but we could be exploring immediate, relatively cheap short-term options. Figuratively speaking, one or two fewer road speedbumps would go a long way towards restoring a sense of civic pride and economic wellbeing. Perhaps it is time for the famed and under-utilised creatives of New Zealand to play a part. Vacant shop windows could be brimming with hired paintings and sculptures. Ugly external walls – think globally, think Italy and Singapore – could be plant-adorned hanging gardens. Street art could be part of the mix. Think nooks of pavement planters – Dublin-style multi-layered planters of riotously coloured cascading blooms. Think No 8 wire mentality! But also think of putting it out there to the Auckland community – some of whom may want to financially contribute to this essential CBD recovery. And we are the ratepayers – let's insist to our council through the upcoming elections that it has to do better. Angela Yatri, Oratia. Luxon's turnaround job Warren Cossey's letter (August 6) defending Christopher Luxon from the criticism of him and his coalition is timely, given that the previous Government spent six years destroying the economy and causing social division that has only worsened. During those six years we were constantly told to be kind to one another as if we were children in need of some sort of patronising reminder on how to be an adult. Then, when Labour ministers were asked about particular pressing issues, such as migrant exploitation and ram raids, a lot of the time their inevitable response was a rather lame, 'we're looking into it'. At least Luxon and his team appear to be far more forthright and proactive in what they are doing rather than acting like a possum caught in the headlights. Bernard Walker, Mt Maunganui. Razor needs to find innovation Not long ago when the scribes got together to pick their top 15 rugby players for the year, it was dominated by All Blacks. If they were to pick a squad this year, not many All Blacks would be in the running. Ardie Savea and Tamaiti Williams might get a look-in for the forwards and maybe Cam Roigard and Will Jordan in the backs. The All Blacks have certainly gone backwards, and our new coach is struggling to improve the situation. Razor needs to be a bit more innovative like Rassie if he is going to improve. The next few weeks will show if he is on the right track. Jock MacVicar, Hauraki. Tunnels to nowhere? It must be particularly painful and galling for our older residents who have been waiting for years for urgent surgery to observe how $5.5 billion of public money has been squandered on the rail tunnels to nowhere? It is patently obvious that this emerald-plated project has had no independent fiscal scrutiny or cost-benefit analysis. This has allowed a phalanx of assorted consultants and contractors to have a field day paid from the public purse. The pigs-in-the-trough syndrome still appears to be alive and well in Aotearoa. For example, how much has been paid to Mana Whenua in consultancy and other fees? Bruce Tubb, Devonport. Alternative to butter Unlike Wendy Galloway (letters, August 3), I have no qualms about using an alternative to butter to make a white sauce. Indeed, my granddaughter once announced, to her mother's chagrin, that I made the best cheese sauce in the world. Mind you, she was only 4, and hasn't repeated that in the 20 years since, so maybe her palate has become more refined. Or perhaps she was simply currying favour. Peter Jackson, Kaitaia. Not all doom and gloom What a balanced and thoughtful piece by Liam Dann (August 3). In particular it was interesting to learn that Paul Bloxham, HSBC Australia-New Zealand chief economist, while negative about Australian growth, is one of the most positive economists about New Zealand growth. As we continue to consider our economic, political, social, cultural and environmental future, we always need to be mindful of the way in which social and other media distorts the picture of where we are heading. Dann's piece shows the important role of the media in political reporting. As Sir Geoffrey Palmer wrote, 'The media plays a vital role in sending communications from the governors to the governed.' Glennys Adams, Oneroa.
RNZ News
28-07-2025
- RNZ News
Six-metre sculpture disappears from artist's West Auckland studio
Chris Moore's stolen sculpture which is part of his 'Introduced Species' series. Photo: CHRIS MOORE An Auckland artist who's huge galvanised steel sculpture was allegedly stolen last week believes it was targeted by thieves who thought it was more valuable than it is. The near six-metre sculpture went missing from an artist's studio in Oratia, West Auckland early on Friday morning. Artist Chris Moore said the sculpture, created as part of his 'Introduced Species' series, would have cost him more than $50,000 in time, materials and labour, but is likely to be worth less than $50 as scrap metal. He told Morning Report he was stunned to learn the sculpture had been taken. He said his neighbour had spotted the thieves early that morning, and tried chase after them as they fled the scene. "It's just bizarre," Moore said. "It's just something I never in a million years thought would have happened." The sculpture, a large plant, was the last piece in a series inspired by the idea of early settlers introducing different species to New Zealand, and the impact this had. "I'd love to get it back," he said. "I made it throughout the year, but I estimate it'd be just around two months to make it." The thieves targeted the statue believing it to be made of valuable bronze, Moore believed. "Even though it's just steel, it was painted and it resembled copper or bronze, the same as rest from the same series," he said. "I think that they must've just thought that it was bronze, because then it's easy for them to melt down, and it can't really be traced, and then they're able to sell it to scrap dealers." Bronze was worth a lot more than steel, Moore said. "I'm kind of hoping they realise before they cut it all to pieces and, maybe, try and dump it." Police said there had been no arrests and the investigation was ongoing. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
19-06-2025
- RNZ News
West Auckland teenager missing since Monday found
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller A West Auckland teenager missing since Monday has been located safe and well. The 15-year-old from Oratia was reported missing about 8.30pm on Monday, after he failed to return home from school. Although the teen was competent in the outdoors, police were concerned given his age and the weather. There was a possible sighting of him on Monday at 9am on Forrest Hill Road , near the intersection with Pine Avenue. Police said on Friday they would like to thank the public and media for their assistance. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
18-06-2025
- RNZ News
Possible sighting of missing teen Alexander in Auckland's Henderson
Photo: Supplied / NZ police Police have issued another appeal for missing Auckland teen Alexander after a recent sighting placing him in Henderson. They said there was a possible sighting of him on Monday at 9am on Forrest Hill Road, near the intersection with Pine Avenue. Alexander was seen wearing dark shorts, brown tramping boots and carrying a dark-coloured tramping pack. Although the teen is competent in the outdoors, police are concerned given his age and the weather. The 15-year-old from Oratia was reported missing about 8.30pm on Monday, after he failed to return home from school. Police asked for anyone who sees Alexander to call 111. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
17-06-2025
- RNZ News
Police concerned for missing teen Alexander who may have gone camping
Police and family have concerns for Alexander, who has gone missing. Photo: Supplied / NZ police Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of Alexander, who is missing in the Waiatarua area in west Auckland. The 15-year-old was reported missing about 8.30pm on Monday, after he failed to return home from school. Alexander was dropped off at Henderson High School where he was last seen at about 8.15am that day. Police have since established he did not attend school that day. They believe that since Alexander was last seen, he has returned to his home address in Oratia and taken camping equipment and other necessities. He did not show up to a planned meeting with friends on Monday night. Photo: Supplied / NZ police Search and Rescue staff are deploying to carry out searching around parts of Waiatarua where he frequents. Alexander is an avid outdoor adventurer and loves spending time in the bush, police say. It is out of character for him to not return home or let his family know of his whereabouts. Police and Alexander's family have concerns for his welfare. He is described as 180 centimetres tall, of medium build with light brown straight hair. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact police immediately on 111. People can also update police online or call 105 using the reference number 250616/4732.
