Bay of Plenty letters: Talking and listening can lead to understanding

Councillor Andrew Hollis at the first meeting of the newly elected Tauranga City Council. Photo / File

A new mayor, new councillors: Talk of unity, a throw-away comment that hit the headlines, a call for resignation - what an awful start to our new council.

I am shocked.

Isn't there a better way of communicating differences?

How about trying to listen to each other before judgments are made and positions taken? Talking and listening can lead to understanding: surely a more useful starting point for a new council.

I respect the comment of one councillor who said he would not comment until he had spoken to the person concerned. Let's get the whole story before leaping into judgment. Let's not headline a hasty comment.

Let's be careful about making those hasty comments.

Perhaps the Bay of Plenty Times could find a role in helping talking and listening to happen?

Maybe our new mayor will demonstrate his reputed skill in relationships, thus contributing to unity even when there are strong differences.

I hope that peace and understanding will prevail.

Mary Rose
Greerton

Freedom of speech

Thank goodness we do not live in a police state.

Some people will agree and some will disagree with Andrew Hollis' comments but to the best of my knowledge we do still have freedom of speech.

My late husband fought in two wars for this choice and as the mayor is a returned serviceman I am surprised he has called for Hollis to step down.

Ida Davies
Pāpāmoa

Wet blanket over society

The controversy over comments made by elected councillor Andrew Hollis are the result of the denial of free speech that is the wet blanket now thrown over society.

It is not a crime for those who seriously research New Zealand history to hold differing views and to verbalise them.

(Abridged)
Maureen J Anderson
Tauranga

The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters from readers. Please note the following:

• Letters should not exceed 200 words.
•They should be opinion based on facts or current events.
• If possible, please email.
• No noms-de-plume.
• Letters will be published with names and suburb/city.
• Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only.
• Local letter writers given preference.
• Rejected letters are not normally acknowledged.
•Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the Editor's discretion.
• The Editor's decision on publication is final.
Email editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz