Investing in arts and sports vital for community growth

Building a community means enjoying shared spaces and encouraging creativity, a reader says. Photo / Supplied

Your Monday editorial (Opinion, May 26) warns “tea and Tim Tams” councillors to rein in the spending on public art or face their voters’ wrath.

It’s the dog whistle to focus on the must-haves, not the nice-to-haves.

Building a community means enjoying shared spaces and encouraging creativity.

We need readily accessible and affordable sports complexes that encourage people to participate in community activities, just the same as we need inspiring arts, architecture and events that enrich our shared spaces.

I’ve never heard the cry “now is the time to spend”, only the catchphrase “it’s not a good time”.

As a community, we need to continually invest in creating and developing shared spaces that reward people with a sense of pride and belonging, enrich our lives and provide a strong foundation for future generations.

Councils play a vital role in how our communities develop, a healthy community needs more than the must-haves, they also need a sprinkling of nice-to-haves.

Neil Tyson, Tauranga

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I write in respect of the article in the Bay of Plenty Times (Opinion, May 24) on the extraordinary service, dedication and bravery provided by past Tauranga mayor, Tenby Powell, through his founding and leadership of the K.A.R.E organisation.

It is quite remarkable what he has achieved and the thousands of lives he and his organisation have saved.

As New Zealanders, we should all be proud of what Mr Powell is doing to further position our small country positively on the international stage.

We wish him godspeed during his return to Ukraine.

A. Dufresne, Tauranga

Positive spin on Seymour

It was totally refreshing to see a more balanced Herald (News, May 25) giving David Seymour, our soon-to-be Deputy Prime Minister, a positive spin.

At least Joseph Los’e gave Seymour a reasonable hearing and kept to the point.

Incidentally, I thought Nicola Willis looked very attractive and was appropriately dressed for the Budget release last week.

John McOviney, Mount Maunganui.

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