Andrew von Dadelszen Former Regional Councillor

As a host ambassador for a Christchurch family, as part of the ‘Ten Days in Tauranga' project, I got far more than I gave. This wonderful initiative, driven by Mayor Stuart Crosby and our local Member of Parliament Simon Bridges, has been a huge success – if my hosted family is anything to go by.

The generosity of Bay of Plenty people has been huge, and the appreciation of the recipients shows on their faces.

Maree and I have been privileged to look after the Maynard family; father Mark, his two daughters Molly (just 4) and Matilda (aged 2), plus Mark's niece Laura, who came up to help look after these energizer bunny (and delightful) children.

This is a family that lost their mother in the collapse of the PGG building, and their positivity is inspirational.

It won't be easy for Mark and his family going forward, and this interlude to Tauranga might have been just a small thing, but I am sure that it has helped to confirm his faith in humanity, and helped to cement his positive attitude.

We all owe a huge bouquet to Stuart and Simon, and to their wonderful staff, for making this all possible.

Tauranga City Council staff often cop flack through ‘letters to the editor', but I can tell you that Elizabeth Hughes and her team should be attributed sainthood for their tireless commitment to helping our newfound Christchurch friends.

Port dredging…

Changing the subject completely – I spent a few hours attending the Environment Court appeal of the consent for Port of Tauranga to deepen and slightly widen its shipping channel.

The Environment Court has allocated one month for this hearing, and I am sure that there will be little change out of $1 million by the time it is over.

This appeal is being heard by two judges and two commissioners and I am very concerned that local Maori are being given unrealistic expectations – making suggestions regarding future port ownership appears right outside the jurisdiction of this hearing.

I will read the final decision with interest!

If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email me.

Email: [email protected]