Letters: Infrastructure projects should focus on the now, not future

In your paper (News, March 4), a shopkeeper tells of his business being threatened due to proposed works under the Crown Infastructure Partners economic stimulus shovel-ready project in Cameron Rd.

In my opinion, it is beyond belief that in the same news item, a council employee states "we need to act now to meet future needs" by 2062 -- 41 years from now.

Ok - we take this free $45m but it will clog Cameron Rd with cars and more empty buses for up to 20 years.

The money should have gone to a second bridge crossing at Turret Rd.

Doug Morris
Tauranga

Kiri Gillespie's editorial (Opinion, February 27) may be construed as grossly offensive to Māori voters.

You have written (in part) that the decision to halt the local referendum "...isn't about equality. It's about equity. It's something we already practise by creating mobility carparks in prime positions at supermarkets and malls - to help less able people access the same amenities as people who are more able."

By association you assert that Māori voters are less able. The context in this case presumably means that Māori voters are less able to access the voting procedure. I think this allegation is insulting to us all - but in particular to Māori voters.

(Abridged)
Mike Houlding
Mount Maunganui

In Tuesday's Rotorua Daily Post, you mention that most of the licensed premises in the town are suffering and are several thousands of dollars down on their takings.

At the risk of sounding like a party pooper, is it not a good thing that people are not able to drink so much?

The CBD is surrounded by alcohol outlets and bars.

It is little wonder that drivers are so erratic and that so many people are unwell in the town.

Jim Adams
Rotorua