Q.  Comments in the media quote other towns having problems with 
      sewage discharge, whats different with Whangarei?

A.  Most towns discharge treated sewage into harbours or      
     waterways, Whangarei District Council has applied for resource 
     consent to discharge UNTREATED RAW SEWAGE. There is  
     a vast difference.


Q.  How can we make a change to this request for resource 
      consent to discharge UNTREATED RAW SEWAGE?

A.  Find every opportunity to express your opinion to influence the 
     decision makers in our town. Especially take advantage of the 
     submission process to be released shortly by both the Northland 
     Regional Council and Whangarei District Council.


Q.  Is there any other way to stop this happening?

A.  Yes, write to or phone your councillors who have been elected to 
      listen to you.


Q.   Where to from now?

A.  The group is actively gaining support from interested parties to  
      challenge the WDC if a resource consent is granted.


Q.  How often does your group meet?

A.  The people available at the time, meet every fortnight to discuss 
      our way forward and we utilise other forms of communication to 
      keep informed. 


Q.  Is your group just Maori stirring it up?

A.  This is not about 'treaty claims' - it is about cleaning up the     
      mess in the Whangarei harbour and waterways and holding the  
      council to account and commit to their responsibilities of 
      providing good basic infrastructure. Many are supporting our 
      policy of Zero tolerance to the discharge of raw untreated 
      sewage to our harbour and waterways.


Q.  How bad is raw sewage as a health risk?

A.  A more technically qualified answer to this is being obtained but 
      in the meantime - Raw untreated sewage is not just poo and 
      wees. It contains the basics and also blood and we all know how 
      much bacteria and viruses can be in that from the many 
      medical  outlets and homes. Business premises can also have 
      contaminants that leak into the troublesome sewage system. We 
      just don't know what people put down the dunny.


Q.  Do you think the figures quoted by council regarding the  
      number of spills and quantities to be correct?

A.   A more technically qualified answer to this is being obtained but 
       in the meantime - If we were only having TWO spills a year as 
       they claim do you think as many people would be concerned.


Q.  How does one join your group?

A.  Contact anyone from the Contact List and details can be 
      obtained.