Just Trev
2003-11-12 02:01:53 UTC
12th November, 2003
Dear Sir Barry,
I write to you as a Manukau City rate payer, who is not only concerned about
how the Manukau region is quickly deteriorating into a crime riddled slum
area, but also as someone who wants - and intends - on doing something to
help turn it around.
My Wife and I are Aucklanders at heart, though we were both born in
Wellington we grew up in Auckland. My Wife being a true 'South
Aucklander' - growing up in Mangere East, and I in Mt Roskill.
We lived away from Auckland for some years, and returned nearly two years
ago, buying the house we now live in (in **** Rd) about 16 months ago. In
the few years we were away from Auckland, to the present, I have noticed a
disturbing change in South Auckland.
Years back (only around 15 years) South Auckland, or at least parts of it,
certainly had its problems. Violence, crime, and alcohol abuse was not
uncommon, but it was still adjusting to changes in its culture, and it
seemed as though once the many new immigrants had 'settled in', things would
improve.
The South Auckland I see now and experience, is different. The violence,
crime, and serious drug problems we now see are part of the so called
"culture", and if you don't like it - then you are considered an outsider
who shouldn't live here.
Recently you made a public statement about "taking our city back" from the
criminals and the drug dealers. Although I applaud your comments, I feel
that this occurring without a fundamental change in the belief system and
culture of the younger people, will never happen. I have seen my own son in
the period of just over 12 months change from being a polite friendly and
caring boy, to being on the verge of becoming a violent, self-first,
aggressive young man. I manage to prevent him from falling into the 'South
Auckland Abyss' by prompting him why we (as in we Human Beings) have morals
and socially acceptable behaviour, and having self esteem and self-worth.
When my son can (almost) change so quickly in such a short time of being in
contact with just a few of the 'true' South Auckland kids, what chance have
those who are born here, and destined to spend most of their lives here, and
do not have a Father with the same beliefs and attitudes as I?
At times, I love living in the house we bought. We continually do the
D.I.Y. thing, improving it as we can afford to. We have some good
neighbours, with a others having a few issues which I will mention a little
later. However, at times, living in this area is nothing short of a living
hell. Take the following regular occurrences as a sample of what we live
with:
1) Stereos/parties blaring out at top volume, all night long, up to five
times a week.
2) So called "boy racers" racing up and down ****Rd, and other Rds nearby
from 11pm to sometimes 5am most nights.
3) Dogs barking (sometimes up to 12 or more), at times most of the night, as
well as continuously ripping rubbish bags open.
4) The path being strewn with broken beer bottles, and rubbish.
5) Graffiti on anything that does not move, day after day after day.
6) Domestic disputes in nearby houses, usually audible at least once to
twice a week.
7) Cars parked all over the path, grass verges, etc.
Now I know what you will be thinking right now Sir Barry, "Why doesn't he
call the Police, or us at the council?" Well, the answer to that is I do,
or have done numerous times.
Let me address some of those issues I mentioned.
* The stereos and loud parties - I have called noise control numerous times,
particularly about one particular house (**** Rd). Many times I have
watched to see if anyone actually came, on each occasion I did do this - no
one came, yet on each of those occasions I received a letter saying "Noise
was not excessive". I.e. - no one came, and they just sent through a
'default' letter. So - my two kids who sleep in a sleepout, and my young
baby have restless nights, as do my Wife and I, listening to the horrendous
noise. Last weekend, I was amazed as my latest complaint about the same
house again (whose noise is so loud it can be heard sevearl houses away) was
answered by the Coucil telephonist saying "Well, if they cant hear it from
the RD, they wont do anything!". I explained the house is down a very long
driveway, and traffic noise (incredibly) would block the stereo noise. She
answered, "there's nothing we can do about that, its against the law for
them to go on their driveway". This despite the fact I was told numerous
times in the past that they do in fact go down the drive to check the noise
level.
* Dogs. Every single Wednesday morning (yes EVERY one - no exception yet)
my Wife and I, and the elderly neighbours, end up clearing up ripped rubbish
strewn over the path from dogs ripping it open every Tuesday night when it
is put out for collection. Yet we have complained FOUR TIMES about the same
two dogs who live in a neighbouring house (**** Rd) to Animal Management.
They roam freely from their yard, no registration - in fact no collars. One
is a bull-terrier and is often walking the path when school children go to
and from school. Nothing has ever been done about these dogs. Our elderly
neighbour says she has phoned about dogs in the St. maybe 50 times in the
last few years, she says never has anything been done, and she has given up.
Just last week my Wife and her were chatting when they saw another
neighbours dog, with no collar, walking along the road by itself, when a
Animal Management van drove past it! Taking absolutely no notice! This is
what really annoys me, Animal Management vans use **** Rd as one of their
main routes for traveling to and from their headquarters in Roscommon Rd,
yet they still ignore these dogs.
*Cars on the paths. I have called the parking control only once for this,
thinking this would be sufficient. I complained about cars being on the
path and grass verges (mainly around **** Rd). The lady did call us, and
say she had spoken to the people. Yet that evening they were all back
again, and have been there ever since (and for months before). I also
frequently see cars on the actual path, let alone the 'council grass verge'
on numerous other South Auckland streets, including **** Rd. If this
happened in Auckland City, they would be towed or ticketed within 24 hours.
Here it seems many have been doing this for years, and nothing is done.
So what is my point you ask? My point is, if people are allowed to get away
with small breaches of bylaws, of course they will adopt the "Who gives a
****" attitude about everything else. A am professionally qualified in
behavioural management and modification. I can advise you this much, unless
punishment is immediate, clear, and consistent, it has no effect on
modifying behaviour at all. So - fines, or towing, or written warnings must
be carried through with any and every breach of bylaws. New York city
claimed back its streets by Zero-tolerance by Police and council. It is now
a much safer (though hardly 'safe') place to live.
I feel for people who are blind or have other disabilities who often use
**** Rd. They have to negotiate cars on the path/verge, rubbish, broken
glass, roaming dogs, and more. I feel for the home owners (like ourselves)
who consistently clean off graffiti, pick up glass, nappies, and all other
types of rubbish on weekly (if not daily) routine. Moreso, because it seems
like we have been abandoned. Phone calls to the council get the same polite
"yes we will send someone out" reply, but 50% of the time (at least) no one
ever comes, and the other 50% nothing happens.
Your employees, dare I say, need a kick up the butt! Yes that does sound
harsh, but unfair? If you were to ask say 250 ratepayers, I think they
would agree with me almost resoundingly. Sure they do their surveys, they
wear their uniforms, they write their reports, but when nothing is happening
out there - what are they really doing? When many of them no doubt have the
same attitude as many of the less-than-desirable-residents of South
Auckland, they are hardly likely to be 100% committed to their duties.
My suggestions (which I fear will be taken notice of as much as a phone call
to council usually is - which is almost not at all) are:
1) Staff who are responsible for cleaning, traffic/parking, animal control,
graffiti cleaning, and supervision of all these services, are brought
together for one meeting. You personally tell them of these problems,
outlining you will no longer accept less than 100% application. That Zero
tolerance is now in force - no more 'its ok cousie-bro' attitudes. There
will be NO more cars on paths and verges. There will be NO more unregistered
or unaccompanied dogs roaming around. There will be NO more rubbish and
glass left lying on streets for weeks on end!
2) You, or your deputy personally drive along some of the South Auckland
Streets once every week, questioning and holding responsible staff who have
not followed these standards, from what you see on the roads.
3) By-laws introducing the banning of any paint cans being carried on any
street in Manukau is enforced. I realise the banning of selling them to
under 18 year olds is not 100% effective, but to the carrying of them on a
street would be. And - it is followed through, in other words parking
wardens enforce this bylaw as well as the parking bylaws.
Finally, the culture (and I use the term 'culture' loosely, as it seems to
have become more of a term for excusing peoples attitudes and socially
unacceptable behaviour rather than its original meaning) needs to change in
our schools. Anger management, self confidence and a sense of self worth
need to be drummed into these kids. The "I'm cool cause I'm tough" or "I'm
cool cause I tag things, and I wag, and I steal and use violence" attitudes
need to disappear.
I personally am offering to run anger management and self esteem courses in
all the South Auckland schools!
I currently work as a ****** with people who have severe disability and
severe behavioural problems. I specialise in anger management, as well as
some other issues. I am no wishy-washy counselor type who achieves nothing
but a fat pay packet for no results. I am 100% committed, and more often
than not a very successful **** who often works with those - many others
will not work with! I am willing to leave my job I am in now, and work
whatever hours I need to - to change South Auckland's kids! No, I am no
'messiah', no 'miracle worker', and no 'big headed know-it-all'. But I am
determined and experienced, and I will make a difference. If you Sir Barry,
would give me three years funding, I will change South Auckland's kids! I
want to see them successful! I want to see them see what life is about! I
want them to learn self management, to be able to 'walk away from' rather
than 'run to' a fight, and know that's what makes them 'tough', not
"chicken".
If you wont provide this funding Sir Barry, as I fear you wont even
consider, I wont give up. One way or another I will make a difference in
these kids, and subsequently a difference to South Auckland.
Sure, we can keep having the speeches about "taking back our streets" we can
keep talking about pride, and our "unique culture" - but at the moment this
pride is for what? Proud of being able to get away with breaking bylaws,
thinking you must be really tough cause no one does anything about it - they
are "too scared to". Our "unique culture" - a culture of "its ok to hit ya
kids, we got hit - its part of our culture". A culture of "yeah bro, its ok
to race ya cars on the Sts, the Council and the cops are too scared of us".
That's the culture that now exists, and a culture that will mature into
daily murders within 18 months. Drive by shootings weekly, within 24
months. Streets and neighbourhoods that no one enters accept the residents,
within 24 months, in fear that they will not return alive. Exaggeration? I
don't think so, not if we don't act now with the suggestions I made earlier
(or similar) and with a program in our schools, that isn't run by just
another Maori or Pacific Island Trust - trying to show the councils
'politically correct attitude' - and who is just out to make a fast buck,
and it all ends in disaster as they almost always do, but a program run by
someone who is not only professional, proven, and qualified, but who is also
100% committed to the cause, and will not stop until the goal is reached!
I look forward to your reply, or maybe I hope I do get a reply, or will I
just get another "Your email has been passed on" reply as to the last
complaint (my fourth about the dogs) I made via email. I am serious about
running this program in schools, and when I say "funding" I am talking
minimal, enough to pay my costs and costs of the program - ******** - which
would see every (yes EVERY) South Auckland school, and every South Auckland
kid receive ways to change their current likely future of crime and violence
and drug abuse.
Yours faithfully,
******
(as from the www.kiwinews.co.nz website)
Dear Sir Barry,
I write to you as a Manukau City rate payer, who is not only concerned about
how the Manukau region is quickly deteriorating into a crime riddled slum
area, but also as someone who wants - and intends - on doing something to
help turn it around.
My Wife and I are Aucklanders at heart, though we were both born in
Wellington we grew up in Auckland. My Wife being a true 'South
Aucklander' - growing up in Mangere East, and I in Mt Roskill.
We lived away from Auckland for some years, and returned nearly two years
ago, buying the house we now live in (in **** Rd) about 16 months ago. In
the few years we were away from Auckland, to the present, I have noticed a
disturbing change in South Auckland.
Years back (only around 15 years) South Auckland, or at least parts of it,
certainly had its problems. Violence, crime, and alcohol abuse was not
uncommon, but it was still adjusting to changes in its culture, and it
seemed as though once the many new immigrants had 'settled in', things would
improve.
The South Auckland I see now and experience, is different. The violence,
crime, and serious drug problems we now see are part of the so called
"culture", and if you don't like it - then you are considered an outsider
who shouldn't live here.
Recently you made a public statement about "taking our city back" from the
criminals and the drug dealers. Although I applaud your comments, I feel
that this occurring without a fundamental change in the belief system and
culture of the younger people, will never happen. I have seen my own son in
the period of just over 12 months change from being a polite friendly and
caring boy, to being on the verge of becoming a violent, self-first,
aggressive young man. I manage to prevent him from falling into the 'South
Auckland Abyss' by prompting him why we (as in we Human Beings) have morals
and socially acceptable behaviour, and having self esteem and self-worth.
When my son can (almost) change so quickly in such a short time of being in
contact with just a few of the 'true' South Auckland kids, what chance have
those who are born here, and destined to spend most of their lives here, and
do not have a Father with the same beliefs and attitudes as I?
At times, I love living in the house we bought. We continually do the
D.I.Y. thing, improving it as we can afford to. We have some good
neighbours, with a others having a few issues which I will mention a little
later. However, at times, living in this area is nothing short of a living
hell. Take the following regular occurrences as a sample of what we live
with:
1) Stereos/parties blaring out at top volume, all night long, up to five
times a week.
2) So called "boy racers" racing up and down ****Rd, and other Rds nearby
from 11pm to sometimes 5am most nights.
3) Dogs barking (sometimes up to 12 or more), at times most of the night, as
well as continuously ripping rubbish bags open.
4) The path being strewn with broken beer bottles, and rubbish.
5) Graffiti on anything that does not move, day after day after day.
6) Domestic disputes in nearby houses, usually audible at least once to
twice a week.
7) Cars parked all over the path, grass verges, etc.
Now I know what you will be thinking right now Sir Barry, "Why doesn't he
call the Police, or us at the council?" Well, the answer to that is I do,
or have done numerous times.
Let me address some of those issues I mentioned.
* The stereos and loud parties - I have called noise control numerous times,
particularly about one particular house (**** Rd). Many times I have
watched to see if anyone actually came, on each occasion I did do this - no
one came, yet on each of those occasions I received a letter saying "Noise
was not excessive". I.e. - no one came, and they just sent through a
'default' letter. So - my two kids who sleep in a sleepout, and my young
baby have restless nights, as do my Wife and I, listening to the horrendous
noise. Last weekend, I was amazed as my latest complaint about the same
house again (whose noise is so loud it can be heard sevearl houses away) was
answered by the Coucil telephonist saying "Well, if they cant hear it from
the RD, they wont do anything!". I explained the house is down a very long
driveway, and traffic noise (incredibly) would block the stereo noise. She
answered, "there's nothing we can do about that, its against the law for
them to go on their driveway". This despite the fact I was told numerous
times in the past that they do in fact go down the drive to check the noise
level.
* Dogs. Every single Wednesday morning (yes EVERY one - no exception yet)
my Wife and I, and the elderly neighbours, end up clearing up ripped rubbish
strewn over the path from dogs ripping it open every Tuesday night when it
is put out for collection. Yet we have complained FOUR TIMES about the same
two dogs who live in a neighbouring house (**** Rd) to Animal Management.
They roam freely from their yard, no registration - in fact no collars. One
is a bull-terrier and is often walking the path when school children go to
and from school. Nothing has ever been done about these dogs. Our elderly
neighbour says she has phoned about dogs in the St. maybe 50 times in the
last few years, she says never has anything been done, and she has given up.
Just last week my Wife and her were chatting when they saw another
neighbours dog, with no collar, walking along the road by itself, when a
Animal Management van drove past it! Taking absolutely no notice! This is
what really annoys me, Animal Management vans use **** Rd as one of their
main routes for traveling to and from their headquarters in Roscommon Rd,
yet they still ignore these dogs.
*Cars on the paths. I have called the parking control only once for this,
thinking this would be sufficient. I complained about cars being on the
path and grass verges (mainly around **** Rd). The lady did call us, and
say she had spoken to the people. Yet that evening they were all back
again, and have been there ever since (and for months before). I also
frequently see cars on the actual path, let alone the 'council grass verge'
on numerous other South Auckland streets, including **** Rd. If this
happened in Auckland City, they would be towed or ticketed within 24 hours.
Here it seems many have been doing this for years, and nothing is done.
So what is my point you ask? My point is, if people are allowed to get away
with small breaches of bylaws, of course they will adopt the "Who gives a
****" attitude about everything else. A am professionally qualified in
behavioural management and modification. I can advise you this much, unless
punishment is immediate, clear, and consistent, it has no effect on
modifying behaviour at all. So - fines, or towing, or written warnings must
be carried through with any and every breach of bylaws. New York city
claimed back its streets by Zero-tolerance by Police and council. It is now
a much safer (though hardly 'safe') place to live.
I feel for people who are blind or have other disabilities who often use
**** Rd. They have to negotiate cars on the path/verge, rubbish, broken
glass, roaming dogs, and more. I feel for the home owners (like ourselves)
who consistently clean off graffiti, pick up glass, nappies, and all other
types of rubbish on weekly (if not daily) routine. Moreso, because it seems
like we have been abandoned. Phone calls to the council get the same polite
"yes we will send someone out" reply, but 50% of the time (at least) no one
ever comes, and the other 50% nothing happens.
Your employees, dare I say, need a kick up the butt! Yes that does sound
harsh, but unfair? If you were to ask say 250 ratepayers, I think they
would agree with me almost resoundingly. Sure they do their surveys, they
wear their uniforms, they write their reports, but when nothing is happening
out there - what are they really doing? When many of them no doubt have the
same attitude as many of the less-than-desirable-residents of South
Auckland, they are hardly likely to be 100% committed to their duties.
My suggestions (which I fear will be taken notice of as much as a phone call
to council usually is - which is almost not at all) are:
1) Staff who are responsible for cleaning, traffic/parking, animal control,
graffiti cleaning, and supervision of all these services, are brought
together for one meeting. You personally tell them of these problems,
outlining you will no longer accept less than 100% application. That Zero
tolerance is now in force - no more 'its ok cousie-bro' attitudes. There
will be NO more cars on paths and verges. There will be NO more unregistered
or unaccompanied dogs roaming around. There will be NO more rubbish and
glass left lying on streets for weeks on end!
2) You, or your deputy personally drive along some of the South Auckland
Streets once every week, questioning and holding responsible staff who have
not followed these standards, from what you see on the roads.
3) By-laws introducing the banning of any paint cans being carried on any
street in Manukau is enforced. I realise the banning of selling them to
under 18 year olds is not 100% effective, but to the carrying of them on a
street would be. And - it is followed through, in other words parking
wardens enforce this bylaw as well as the parking bylaws.
Finally, the culture (and I use the term 'culture' loosely, as it seems to
have become more of a term for excusing peoples attitudes and socially
unacceptable behaviour rather than its original meaning) needs to change in
our schools. Anger management, self confidence and a sense of self worth
need to be drummed into these kids. The "I'm cool cause I'm tough" or "I'm
cool cause I tag things, and I wag, and I steal and use violence" attitudes
need to disappear.
I personally am offering to run anger management and self esteem courses in
all the South Auckland schools!
I currently work as a ****** with people who have severe disability and
severe behavioural problems. I specialise in anger management, as well as
some other issues. I am no wishy-washy counselor type who achieves nothing
but a fat pay packet for no results. I am 100% committed, and more often
than not a very successful **** who often works with those - many others
will not work with! I am willing to leave my job I am in now, and work
whatever hours I need to - to change South Auckland's kids! No, I am no
'messiah', no 'miracle worker', and no 'big headed know-it-all'. But I am
determined and experienced, and I will make a difference. If you Sir Barry,
would give me three years funding, I will change South Auckland's kids! I
want to see them successful! I want to see them see what life is about! I
want them to learn self management, to be able to 'walk away from' rather
than 'run to' a fight, and know that's what makes them 'tough', not
"chicken".
If you wont provide this funding Sir Barry, as I fear you wont even
consider, I wont give up. One way or another I will make a difference in
these kids, and subsequently a difference to South Auckland.
Sure, we can keep having the speeches about "taking back our streets" we can
keep talking about pride, and our "unique culture" - but at the moment this
pride is for what? Proud of being able to get away with breaking bylaws,
thinking you must be really tough cause no one does anything about it - they
are "too scared to". Our "unique culture" - a culture of "its ok to hit ya
kids, we got hit - its part of our culture". A culture of "yeah bro, its ok
to race ya cars on the Sts, the Council and the cops are too scared of us".
That's the culture that now exists, and a culture that will mature into
daily murders within 18 months. Drive by shootings weekly, within 24
months. Streets and neighbourhoods that no one enters accept the residents,
within 24 months, in fear that they will not return alive. Exaggeration? I
don't think so, not if we don't act now with the suggestions I made earlier
(or similar) and with a program in our schools, that isn't run by just
another Maori or Pacific Island Trust - trying to show the councils
'politically correct attitude' - and who is just out to make a fast buck,
and it all ends in disaster as they almost always do, but a program run by
someone who is not only professional, proven, and qualified, but who is also
100% committed to the cause, and will not stop until the goal is reached!
I look forward to your reply, or maybe I hope I do get a reply, or will I
just get another "Your email has been passed on" reply as to the last
complaint (my fourth about the dogs) I made via email. I am serious about
running this program in schools, and when I say "funding" I am talking
minimal, enough to pay my costs and costs of the program - ******** - which
would see every (yes EVERY) South Auckland school, and every South Auckland
kid receive ways to change their current likely future of crime and violence
and drug abuse.
Yours faithfully,
******
(as from the www.kiwinews.co.nz website)
--
Just Trev
( any spelling errors in the above information is no responsibility of the
author, but merely due to a malfunctioning keyboard)
Just Trev
( any spelling errors in the above information is no responsibility of the
author, but merely due to a malfunctioning keyboard)