Letters: Concerns about drivers, Maori wards, wild weather

Concerns about drivers

I wish to air some concerns about roundabouts on our local roads.

First, to those drivers who think it is not necessary to indicate their intentions when negotiating a roundabout, I would remind them of the legal requirements as defined in the New Zealand Road Code.

If you don't know what these are or you choose to ignore them, you should not be driving on our roads.

Secondly, to those responsible for designing and constructing roundabouts, please do not have objects that impede a drivers' view in the centre.

By doing that it means that if an approaching driver is considerate enough to indicate their intention, other drivers cannot see that and have to second guess. That can be extremely hazardous.

Finally, to businesses, usually real estate persons, please do not clutter roundabouts with your signs. That has the same effect as any other visual obstruction as previously mentioned.

Ian Young
Papamoa Beach

Congratulations to the Western Bay District Council for a sensible consideration to ensure the council can maintain dialogue with our Treaty partners.

Maori are not being given any overriding voting rights. They are just possibly to have the right to explain their perspective from their cultural background.

It is nonsense for Don Brash and others to talk of such a move as undemocratic.

Yes, in a perfect world it might be, but over a century of history has left many unresolved problems for local government, which need a voice of Maoridom as part of discussion.

Central government has not yet subscribed to abolishing Maori seats. Leaders in both local and central government to date wisely understand the inequity of ignoring the Maori rights.
Godfrey Mackersey
Whakamarama

Wild weather
We have had some wild weather over the last week.

The day before New Year's Eve we drove up the Thames Coast Rd.

It was a beautiful day and someone commented: "We live in paradise".

However, a few days later that same coast was battered with strong winds and rain coupled with king tides which caused havoc to the road and infrastructure along both coastal roads.

Tauranga was also hard hit with flooding and strong winds and rain.

Today, I read Psalm 29:4,5: "The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, The Lord thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic."

I believe God is trying to get our attention through all these climatic changes and extremes of weather.

We need to be listening to what He has to say. He is in control of the weather – we cannot control the weather, only He can.

Sue Christie
Waihi