Sophie Handford - Poplar Avenue Stormwater Culvert
In a year in which there have been more brickbats awarded to local and central government than bouquets, it is heartening to send a huge bouquet to Councillor Sophie Handford. Why? For her sterling efforts in co-ordinating action to address the problem of stormwater flooding that plagues many residents of Poplar Avenue, Raumati South. After almost four years of inaction by various powers-that-be, we approached Sophie for help. She has managed to initiate dialogue and facilitate action amongst stakeholders in less than eight months. Her persistence will realise the installation of a stormwater culvert on Poplar Avenue in the coming summer. Sophie’s persistent desire to support local residents will ensure: greater safety for the public, school students in particular; reduction in the tens of thousands of dollars of damage and repairs shouldered by flood-affected residents; controlled maintenance of wetlands where native flora and fauna flourish. At every stage of the process, Sophie has been realistic, positive and reassuring. From chasing up contractors’ quotes to helming on-site meetings with HUD representatives; there has not been a task too small to warrant her pro-activism. She has fulfilled her role as local councillor with genuine care and professionalism. We are sure other residents can attest to Sophie’s contribution to other projects such as the provision of care packages and services to those in need during trying COVID times, the pedestrian crossing at the entrance to the QE11 Park walk and cycleway, and eco-action conservation. Sophie, we look forward to celebrating the installation of the Poplar Avenue stormwater culvert and your re-election, with pizza and coffee. Many thanks for your mahi. Best wishes and kia kaha! Poplar Avenue Residents (99-103)
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
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36.2% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
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63.8% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
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