Letters: Mount track costs outrageous

The Mauao base track could be repaired for less than what the council is proposing, says a reader. Photo / File

I was aghast to read about the latest estimate of nearly $7 million to re-align the Mount pathway (News, June 25) . This is outrageously scandalous.

I have spoken to reputable contractors involved for many years building large-scale retaining walls who have viewed the site damage.

Their considered opinions are that the present track could be safely resurrected and stabilised by utilising the same principles applied to any large retaining wall.

Their estimate for materials, machinery and labour would be well under $500,000 and the whole job could be completed in under a month.

Therefore full restoration could be achieved at just a fraction of the shocking cost proposed by Tauranga City Council in completely re-aligning this popular pathway.

Tony Fellingham
The Lakes

Hosking, Stewart praised

Thank you Mike Hosking and Rachel Stewart for balanced, mature treatment of current contentious issues.

Pointing out that we don't have to agree on all things, but can still respect and defend the rights of others to differ.

No heat, no smoke, no unnecessary legislation.

People first; belief-systems somewhere second.

Brent Chambers
Matua

Museum money

I see the museum discussion has come up again, how many times is this? (News, June 27).

Each time it is rejected.

Ratepayers of Tauranga cannot afford a museum.

Why not use a portion of the money the museum would cost and repair the Mount base track, more people use that than would go to a museum.

Wendy Galloway
Omokoroa

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