Letters: Tauranga motorists have had to endure lengthy delays

Motorists have had to put up with lengthy delays, a reader says. Photo/File

Here we are, six months or so since the closure of Welcome Bay Lane.

After many letters, the intention of a local to move the barriers himself, site visits by the mayor and several councillors, statements from several people that it may be too dangerous for it to be reopened, it just took a quick visit from city's CEO to sort the matter. Good on you Marty, it seems the lane could open soon (News, March 26) if everyone else gets stuck in.

My problem is that council staff seemingly had the authority to close the road but could not recognise a simple solution that begged to be utilised.

The result was that thousands of motorists were inconvenienced every day. (Abridged)

Dan Russell
Tauranga

Spare a thought for residents

I was interested in Merle Bray's suggestion (Letters, April 1) that Carmichael Rd be opened up to alleviate traffic delays in Bethlehem.

I wonder how many other people who have chosen to build in nice quiet, peaceful outlying new suburban bliss think inner suburban roads should now be opened up, made bigger and better to carry more traffic so they can "get there quicker" at the expense of the peace and quiet of those choosing to live closer to the city?

It seems somewhat unfair to me.

Russell Wenn
Oropi

Aotearoa

Bryan Johnson objecting to the use of the name Aotearoa (Letters, March 12) is 140 years out of date.

The current official Māori version of our national anthem, using Aotearoa for New Zealand, was authorised by Prime Minister Sir George Grey in 1878.

Aotearoa is a beautiful and unique name that describes our country better than the name New Zealand does. Using both names should upset nobody.

Peter Dey
Welcome Bay

Great column

May I congratulate you for publishing Stuart Pedersen's excellent, sensible, rational and thought-provoking column (Opinion, April 2).

It deserves to be reprinted in bold, large font and nailed to the desks of every person who occupies a seat in central government. Just like the tragic events that occurred in Christchurch last month, I hope Stuart's message will be remembered for a long time with far-reaching consequences.

Ian Young
Papamoa

Christchurch - what next?

The Government, in my view, is failing to deal with the measures which must be taken to reduce the risk of the Christchurch massacre happening again.

New Zealand has been brought into the worldwide terrorist-type violence whether we like it or not.

A few years ago our police were not armed, there was a fuss about a month ago about Christchurch police being armed because there was a fugitive on the loose. Now it is regular for police to be seen running around with sub-machine guns.

Police resources would have been very stretched over recent weeks resulting in much routine police work being neglected.

Are there terrorists lying low until the heat comes off? Or was this massacre a one-off? No one knows.

The mosques are at risk. Surely they should be allowed to employ armed guards for as long as they feel threatened. There would need to be training and an approval system. It follows that any other religion that so wishes should be able to do likewise.

We need to provide armed guards at larger public events to enhance the security which searches bags, etc.

I accept that none of these suggestions is very palatable. However, the police need relieving, and our Government's current neglectful inaction shows a lack of real leadership. (Abridged)

Bill Capamagian
Tauranga

The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters from readers. Please note the following:

• Letters should not exceed 200 words.

• They should be opinion based on facts or current events.

• If possible, please email.

• No noms-de-plume.

• Letters will be published with names and suburb/city.

• Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only.

• Local letter writers given preference.

• Rejected letters are not normally acknowledged.

• Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the Editor's discretion.

• The Editor's decision on publication is final.

Email editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz

WHAT DO YOU THINK? SEND A LETTER TO THE EDITOR