Disgruntled Tamahere and Matangi readers are going letter in hand to claim their last year of access to Hamilton city libraries.

Southern Waikato district residents who are regular users of Hamilton libraries have until September 30 to get a last 12 months of access after the Waikato District Council cut its funding of the long running arrangement.

The end of the deal has prompted a storm of protest, a line of grumpy district patrons at Hamilton libraries, and a petition (included) but little response from the district council.

The Waikato District Council wanted a cheaper deal for access to Hamilton city libraries, a move that axed the long running deal and caused an outcry.

District Council chief executive Gavin Ion told Tamahere Forum the Hamilton City Council didn’t agree with the proposed fee cut “so the negotiations ended unsuccessfully.”

But one city councillor maintains the district has ditched a good deal which was being subsidised by the city.

It botched the message and is actively working toward greater access to libraries not less, says one Waikato district councillor on the library debacle.

Waikato District Council councillor Dynes Fulton told Number8Network recent changes to access to Hamilton city libraries for Waikato district residents are a short-term move.

“This is all part of a process of council working towards developing a Waikato regional library facility for all,” said the Hukanui-Waerenga councillor who is also deputy mayor.

Tamahere councillor Aksel Bech has responded to the “very passionate and plentiful” outpouring following the Waikato District Council’s axing of resident’s access to the Hamilton city libraries.

In a lengthy reply to comments on this and other stories, and on social media, Bech wrote that “clearly the arrangement giving access to Hamilton’s libraries for the southern part of WDC (Tamahere and Matangi particularly) is dearly valued by many.”

“This was never in doubt and many, including myself, hold the view that as WDC ratepayers we actually need more and better access to library services locally.

Size matters, according to Waikato District Council chief executive Gavin Ion.

One of the reasons for controversially ending the council’s contract paying for district residents’ access to the Hamilton city libraries “is that it only benefits a small percentage of our residents,” he said in a statement today.

What percentage is too small to warrant the expense of allowing Waikato residents who are miles from a district library the ability to use one on their doorstep? He doesn’t say.

Today, like April 5, 2008, was a stunningly beautiful, warm, Waikato day with blue sky overhead and crunchy, autumn leaves underfoot.

Then the neighbourhood blew up, transformed in nanoseconds into a frightening, confusing nightmare of noise, chaos, roaring flames and a huge, black mushroom cloud funnelling high into the sky.

Ten years on, Tamahere School principal Waveney Parker has recalled the school community’s many courageous roles that afternoon, and in the weeks ahead.

Advanced voting has opened in the general election but for those still agonising over the decision on who to vote for help is at hand.

A number of organisations have stepped up to produce useful tools to help people navigate the welter of policies offered by political parties.

We’ve gathered the best of them here to help Tamahere and Matangi locals make an informed choice.

Avocados are making a welcome return to the Tamahere Market this Saturday, September 16.

But take note keen avocado on toast smashers and guacamole makers: stock up while you can.

“The avo season has been difficult due to low pollination so we are please to have them available,” said market organiser Jane Manson.

Tamahere’s Inspirit Gallery will be host to a whimsical, fishing-themed exhibition from Sunday, September 24.

In her second solo exhibition at the Pencarrow Rd gallery, popular artist Santie Cronje reflects on the art of relaxing in the great outdoors.

“Freshwater fishing has been a quiet pastime I’ve enjoyed since first arriving in New Zealand, not as a fisher but as a watcher as others cast their lines,” she said.

The 21st annual Red Cross book fair promises to be bigger and better when it starts next Friday.

There will be more than 60,000 books at the venue, the Te Rapa Racecourse, off Garnett Ave, Hamilton, from Sept 8 to 10.

They will range over fiction, romance, war, history, drama and non-fiction and will also include a large range of children’s books.