Council Chaos

WHANGAREI COUNCIL INSTALLS EV CHARGERS IN DESERTED LOT

Where the only thing parked is disappointment — a local's scathing take.

By Margaret Henderson, Senior Correspondent · Onerahi · 6 days ago

The Whangarei District Council has done it again, folks! In a move that has locals scratching their heads and muttering like my late husband Gerald after one too many gin and tonics, EV chargers have sprouted up in a lot where no car has ever thought to park. Brilliant, really. Who doesn't want to charge their electric vehicle while gazing wistfully at the long grass and forgotten dreams?

Ratepayers are set to lose their minds over this one. 'It's a bloody joke,' grumbled one neighbourhood watch enthusiast who wishes to remain anonymous. 'I reckon the muppets in charge must've been on a bender or something to think this was a good idea.' Meanwhile, the chargers stand there like silent sentinels, waiting for a car that’s as likely to arrive as the next Great West Coast Road proper weather forecast.

With the pace of change in Onerahi, one would think the locals would be in for a treat. Instead, they've been served a lump of coal disguised as a council initiative. What's next, I ask you? Charging stations for unicorns? Only time will tell, but I wouldn’t hold my breath — it might just be the best transportation solution we’ve got at the moment.

So here we are, basking in the glow of our new charging stations, while the actual parking space remains as empty as a council promises. Sweet as, Whangarei Council. Just keep the cones on standby; we might need them to navigate this latest head-scratcher.

Reader Letters

Trevor McLeod

Honestly, I can't imagine who thought this was a good idea. EV chargers in a deserted lot? Sounds like they were trying to find the perfect spot to win an award for most pointless innovation. I reckon I could charge my phone there and still see fewer cars than an empty garage!

Linda Chen

While I appreciate the push for green energy, this seems a bit misguided, doesn't it? Maybe the council should focus on making the roads more appealing for actual cars before sprouting chargers. I'm all for EVs but let's not put the cart before the horse—or in this case, the charger before the car!

Wayne Patterson

I thought only politicians could come up with such questionable decisions! It's like they're trying to win an award for 'most confusing public utility.' Are we sure the council isn’t just trying to bolster the great grass growth competition instead of actually helping EV owners?

Sharon Ngatai

I've seen some things in my day, but charging stations with zero cars around takes the cake! Maybe we should consider charging stations for bicycles next—at least they'd actually get some use. Just saying!