Rodney District Council

CEO's email "inaccurate and condescending"

A 'standard letter' sent by Rodney District CEO, Rodger Kerr-Newell to chemically sensitive Residents has raised a storm of protest.  Writing on behalf of Mahurangi Landcare Group and others, chairman Alex Rodgers, considered the letter "disturbingly inaccurate and condescending."

While accepting that others could be responsible for this misinformation he believed it important for Rodger Kerr-Newell to know the total facts.

Alex Rodgers replied:  "Thank you for you reply dated 13 May 2008 (we only received it on 19 May) relating to future spray control of our district. To be honest I found your letter disturbingly inaccurate and condescending.

"We are very glad that public concern has led to a more stringent regulation of agrichemicals in the type of chemicals used but this can only be advantageous if the council is prepared to listen to the concerns of affected residents and not be influenced totally by the propaganda and other misinformation that seems to always block the facts when dealing with the council on these issues..

"To set the records straight Rodger council did not as you state carry out trials with Organic Interceptor in 2005 that I am aware of – but a group of concerned residents commissioned an independent scientist to do so in 2003. This was led and paid for by myself and my wife. Up until now the council has insisted that it has never seen the results. Details can be provided.
 

"You state that these trials pointed to Interceptor being five times more expensive and less effective than other products you currently use.
Please show me any result which backs this statement because this is absolute rubbish!
I arranged this trial, had an independent expert carry it out and produce totally unbiased results which were given to RDC. It eventuated that, when applied as per manufacturers recommendations by the appropriate equipment and in the correct season, it was extremely effective against weeds and the difference in cost was minimal if at all. Unfortunately the contractors that RDC has seen fit to use seem determined to undermine its effectiveness and continually use it in such a way that effectiveness is reduced because it is applied incorrectly.

"Nobody is arguing against protecting our asset, the roadway, this has to be done but not at the expense of our health. The continual damage　caused by the heavy lorries carrying building supplies to various locations along the road by far outstrips any damage caused by weeds.　 The Interceptor spraying　has been　successful along most of the road　and there does not appear to be any substantial regrowth.　 In the same period maintenance to the holes and other damage to the tarmac, caused by heavy　rain and heavy traffic, has not been as successful and there are a number of areas where further maintenance is required and that has little to do with weed growth.

"When you say that people who have adverse health effects from spraying or are opposed to the use of chemicals can sign an agreement with council to maintain their own road frontages this just proves to me that you have very little knowledge of the health problems encountered by hundreds of residents. We do not object to chemical sprays because we have nothing better to do. We object and have gone to the expense of running a trial and giving the council a viable alternative because we care about our family’s health and our environment. I always understood this was also a council priority?

"Rodger this is serious! This is why some years ago I personally surveyed Mahurangi West Rd in its entirety and presented the council with a petition from virtually all residents wanting a stop to toxic spraying. This is the only way to ensure we do not get affected.

"Rodger I accept that your subordinates and not yourself, may be responsible for this misinformation and I believe it is important for you to know the total facts.

"If Organic Interceptor is used as intended it does work effectively, it does not harm residents and it is cost effective. On this note, because of the lack of maintenance on our roads between arguments about what chemicals to use each time we have got the road to a position whereby it is under control and lesser amounts of organic spray can be used." It seems unbelievable that "the council has again decided that it wants to revert to the original dangerous chemicals that have been used before.

"Both Mahurangi West Rd and Krippner Rds have been controlled by Interceptor and mowing now for some (10) years now and we request that this method continues.

"I will be very happy to meet you so we can work together towards a healthy environment that is both cost effective and appropriate for those concerned and affected residents.