Benefits aplenty: Letters, 7 February

The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters and comments from readers. Here you can read the letters we have published in your newspaper today.

Benefits aplenty in Clarkson home bid

I would like to personally thank Bob Clarkson for his proposal to develop affordable housing in Tauranga for young families. We and many other young families are facing the prospect of permanently renting or relocating to other areas offering affordable housing (a quick Trade Me search for housing in the $300,000 and below price bracket results in substantially better value for money outside of the Bay).

The current market price is unattainable for many and mortgages unserviceable with the price of living. There are subsidised housing options for a number of groups meeting specific criteria, ie individuals living with disabilities, students, beneficiaries. However, there is currently very little aimed at young working families, either on single or double incomes.

Furthermore, housing that is warm, dry, safe and affordable contributes to the health, well-being and quality of life for young families and future generations. The benefits of this proposal would extend far beyond a few urban zones.

NATALIE ROBERTSON, Ohauiti

Creative success

A sunny Sunday, now that's a rarity. Or should I say a sunny summer's day has been a rarity full stop, so well done weather gods for giving us a great weekend. What was even more rare than a sunny Sunday was a Waitangi weekend where finally Tauranga Moana could celebrate our diversities and the fact that Maori and non-Maori have far more in common than we do differences.

The summer festival held at Blake Park, with all of its hot sounds and cool vibes, was a winner for a Waitangi weekend and not a flag of protest anywhere. Surely this wonderful family event is a showcase of how we can come together to celebrate each other one day of the year (for a start) as fellow citizens of the planet, who all lucked out by being able to call this country home.

Tu meke Creative Tauranga and your team of sponsors, helpers and musicians for giving the Bay plenty to celebrate over Waitangi weekend. Let the good times roll and the flags of protest be more of remembrance than of grievance.

T KAPAI, Te Puna

Magical waters

Re Medical profession disputes "quack potions" (News, Feb 4). If Clive Stuart and Kerry Clancey wish to treat their patients with magic water, then so be it - let the buyer beware. However, could they please refrain from suggesting that it has a scientific basis - it does not. There is no evidence that there is any therapeutic "electromagnetic charge" generated during the process nor are there any reliable and valid scientific papers supporting it as a therapy that has more than a placebo effect.

Research shows that more than 90 per cent of New Zealanders do not realise that most homeopathic remedies contain nothing but water. I assume that Mr Stuart and Dr Clancey tell their clients this, in the spirit of all that is scientific and ethical?

Dr MICHAEL EDMONDS, Christchurch