Peter Haynes wrote to the editor on July 12 http://nzherald.digitaledition.nzme.co.nz/ Our response published in the Herald July 14 Peter Haynes, the chairman of the Albert-Eden Local Board, should spend more time listening to what the voting rate payers say rather than firing off letters to the editor criticising the likes of Stanley Palmer for having a different view. In fact, it is his failure to listen that has forced a group of Auckland citizens, including non golfers like Stanley, to take action against the Council. Whether the number is $13 million or $30 million this is still a lot of money to redevelop one of the busiest golf courses in Auckland and one that makes a profit – in the 2015/16 year it made a surplus of more than $200,000. While Peter Haynes might now want to distance himself from the $30 million figure, they are the Council’s numbers not ours. I note also that budgets tend to blow out on the upside. Finally, it should be noted that restoring the polluted Meola creek, part of which runs through Chamberlain Park, is a Council initiative and will happen regardless of Peter Haynes’ plans. Save Chamberlain Park Inc supports the restoration of the creek. There are many examples of golf courses fostering natural habitat and bird life and for providing public thoroughfare and access. Why not make that a starting point Peter Haynes instead of asking rate payers for money. Geoff Senescall Chairperson of Save Chamberlain Park Inc Photo of polluted Meola Creek from www.meolacreek.org.nz