Common sense should prevail over Base Track, a reader says.
It is encouraging that [Tauranga City] council and Heritage New Zealand are working on a plan to make public the result of Mauao archaeological investigations. Many historical findings are already well documented and studied by those with an interest.
Areas of Mauao have always been prone to slippage.
Given the publication of escalation costs to re-route the base track, could common sense not prevail, thus avoiding further delays?
If city libraries, tourist facilities, streetscape and roading projects, water treatment, art galleries, museums, emergency housing and a plethora of other financial demands are indeed those most sought by the public, then there is a need to focus on reality.
What the public wants is for the existing base track to be restored without delay.
Regardless of age, personal or physical status, people would again be able to circumnavigate one of New Zealand's most beautiful short walks.
Restore the track to what it was two years ago. Deal with other improvements as city finances allow.
Ray Malcolm
Mount Maunganui
