Letters to the editor: Call for referendum on Tauranga rubbish collection

A reader believes the rubbish collection should be the subject of a referendum. Photo / File

With regard to the Tauranga City Council's newly proposed rubbish collection system, I would like to make a suggestion that could perhaps prove a point to both the TCC and the ratepayers.

While the TCC is maintaining that those against the new system are in the minority it appears that many ratepayers are actually objecting.

Here is what I suggest that may settle the matter: As there may be a referendum coming soon to decide on a Māori Ward at a cost of around $220,000 (BOP Times, January 30, $220K Ward Referendum).

Why not, at no extra cost to the ratepayer, add to the voting pamphlet a 'Yes' or 'No' to a question of 'Do you wish to have the new Rubbish system or a Pay as you Throw?' ( Same system as adopted by the Western Bay Council).

Bear in mind the TCC new rubbish collection system is not scheduled until July. This allows plenty of time to make a possible change.

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James Newman
Mt. Maunganui
(Abridged)

Roading holdups frustrating

I have just read about roading holdups by the side of Baypark and how long they are taking. What about the Northern link? Western Bay of Plenty District Council wants housing developments at Omokoroa, Katikati, but the road infrastructure is not there.

A 16km journey is taking over an hour because of the volume of traffic and lowering of speed limits.

There is another very large retirement complex due to start building shortly in Omokoroa, think of the number of cars from that development alone. I have lost count of the number of times we have been told the Northern Link is going to start, lots of men in Omokoroa are shovel ready as our Prime Minister says this road is.

A few local residents have even suggested making a roundabout at Omokoroa Rd and SH2, using a couple of tractor tyres. That us how frustrated we are.

Wendy Galloway
Omokoroa

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