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• Published date: 02 February 2021

As you attended the car fire at Heath Rd, Waiharara, on January 22, you would have experienced the corrugations.

The driver frequently travels that way, and we believe the rough state of the road was a major contributing factor in the fire, as the constant jarring had dislodged part of the wiring, causing an ignition source that started the fire.

The road itself has had a huge amount of traffic, not only from locals but tourists as well.

I have tried for many years to get council to do something about it, maintenance, etc, even a petition with 2000 signatures given to council via Mate Radich, and was told that because they are not residents council would not act on the condition of the road.

The historic site that is Gumdiggers Park has for years been greatly impacted through loss of business because of the condition of Heath and Paparore roads, with the visitors who do brave them complaining about their shocking condition, many turning around upon experiencing the first few metres.

I know that we are not the only ones with metal roads that are impacted by lack of maintenance, dust issues, etc, but having a business and historic site that is losing revenue through council’s inactions is a tragedy.

Our rates have gone up but the road maintenance has stayed the same.

So this car fire, was, I believe, a direct result of council’s lack of maintenance that could have had far worse consequences had our wonderful fire brigade not turned up when they did.

John Johnston

Gumdiggers Park

ED: Heath Rd is reportedly to be graded today, Johnston saying he had lodged a request for service on January 22, hoping that it would be done before Anniversary weekend.

Disaster looms

It is in absolute horror and fear that I view the incredible risk in which the FNDC has placed the population of Kohukohu.

Every day for the last two months I have questioned the capacity of our district council to realistically do what they have been elected to do: ‘New Zealand local government authorities have wide duties and powers to improve, promote and protect public health …’, clearly stated in both the Local Government Act and the Health Act.

We are now in a total fire ban here in the Far North, due to the high risk of fire. However, the below-described situation severely reflects the lack of responsibility when observing the state of the public road verge surrounding the beautiful Hokianga harbour, and the main gateway into one of New Zealand’s most important historical and cultural towns...