sad story/mistreatment
Our dear neighbors we would like to share our sad story with you. We are not a rich family, we can't afford to hire people, therefore we build everything ourselves. Few years ago we decided to build a swimming pool with our own hand. This swimming pool fulfills all council requirements with one exception. The gate does not open away from the pool area. The reason for that is the nature of the land. Our land is on a relatively steep slop and this prevents us from having a gate which can be opened on the other way. In order to comply with the buildings Act we have, however, placed the locking system on the interior of the gate and the gate can perfectly close automatically. In order to open the gate from outside the person needs to be at least 1.75 m tall. The Building Act requires restricted access to the pool for unsupervised children under the age of 5 years. After many correspondence with the council they want now to prosecute us and we feel this is not fair. Because we have done everything to comply with the purpose of the law.
The issue here is not our gate or our specific problem with the council. The issue is that those who are elected by us do what ever suits them. They never need to really consider us. They interpret the laws according to their own taste. They pass laws and regulations in an emergency style behind closed doors. AND, if we object their position they reply to us to take the legal procedure. We all know, too well, how expensive that can become. Here is the sad part of the story: We are marginalized to be only the source of income for the government without having any real voice.
Please send us your story if you have experienced similar injustice. Your story might give us some strength to cope with the situation. We can be strong together.
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.4% Yes
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8.1% No
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0.5% Other - I'll share below!
Whangarei Film Society - screenings for Thursday May 9th
Good People
Please note: There are NO screenings by WFS at Forum North on Thursday 2nd May due to the venue being unavailable.
But on Thursday, 9th May at 6pm, WFS will be screening a behind-the-scenes doco on the greatest racing driver of his time, Sir Jackie Stewart.
Our 8pm screening will be the film version of the best-selling book, Are you there God? It's me, Margaret.
JACKIE STEWART
UK, 2023, Documentary, 95 mins
This documentary shines a light on Formula 1 World Champion, team owner and legend of the sport, Sir Jackie Stewart.
Using previously unseen footage, Sir Jackie’s life is detailed from his early years in Scotland, to the rush of his first F1 World Championship title in 1969.
Stewart's fame and success was followed by tumultuous times when, despite opposition from those who wanted F1 to be ‘gladiatorial’, Stewart set out to improve racing safety for drivers and pit crews.
"Whether you're a new fan or a lifelong F1 fanatic, this stunning documentary is worth your time." - Race Fans Magazine
View the trailer at: www.youtube.com...
Tickets: Door sales only. Price: $10 for WFS members, $15 for non members.
Cash only please - no Eftpos/credit card services available.
Visit whangareifilmsociety.org and sign up for our free weekly email for information on the rest of our films and screening dates for 2024.
Lest we forget...
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.
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