Charity collectors just as bad
The on-the-street homeless person is asking for $4 or holding a sign with what they want and letting you know they are homeless, asking for help. I go to Pak'n Save and get in my face a colourful banner with two smiling, well-dressed ladies asking
if I would like to donate, and yes, I get a sticker for my donation. I go off to The Warehouse and get asked: "Would you like to contribute to "Women's Refuge?" I say 'not today' and get greeted with a scowl, which I choose to glare back at. I then meet up with a young guy by Burger King walking toward me: "Kia ora whaea, I am homeless, have you got $2?" I give him my change, about 80 cents. He says: "Thank you, have a nice day." What is begging or asking? Who are the real beggars on the street? Our charitable organisations can be just as aggressive on the street or in stores as well.
Gail Hamilton
Ohuaiti
Improvements needed
There are two main routes going north out of Tauranga. One is via Waihi and Karangahake Gorge, the other is the road over the Kaimais. Road traffic in and through Tauranga, especially commercial, will only increase in future. Any attempt to widen the road and increase the traffic through Karangahake Gorge will destroy this beautiful, already stressed asset. Which leaves going over the Kaimais. The logical through connection coming from the south on SH2 is via SH29A, so avoiding Hewletts Rd which is already overloaded with local traffic. I have run the SH29A route from Pāpāmoa to Tauriko many times and find it relatively easy to travel, with the exception of the stretch between Barkes Corner and the Tauriko roundabout. It is contorted and, in my mind, dangerous, not suited to any sort of heavy traffic flow, especially after dark and in the wet. I strongly recommend that any changes to Barkes Corner include straightening out, levelling and double-laning the stretch of road to the Tauriko roundabout. We need to look to the big picture, easing of the traffic flow around the city centre must be a high priority. This will help to relieve congestion in the city's commercial areas.
Chris Pattison
Pāpāmoa
