Letters to the editor: Decision-makers' grievances should be laid aside

The catalyst to a recent verbal explosion was an invitation by councillor Andrew Hollis to discuss difficult issues over coffee. Photo / File

In among the recent stories leading to the fearsome experience of lockdown, there was one about a sharp interaction between two of our decision-makers: one a councillor, the other the mayor.

The catalyst to that verbal explosion was an invitation by Councillor Andrew Hollis to Mayor Tenby Powell to talk about some difficult issues over a cup of coffee.

I have no doubt the mayor's explosive reaction disrupted the proceedings of the council and his subsequent called-for apology was in order.

I commend the prompt way in which the council dealt with his lapse.

I also commend Councillor Tina Salisbury for drawing attention to provocative comments posted on social media by Councillor Hollis.

Open up the latest news from Bay of Plenty

Get daily Bay of Plenty headlines straight to your inbox.

Please email me competitions, offers and other updates. You can stop these at any time.

Email address

Sign Up

By signing up for this newsletter, you agree to NZME’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

All Access. All in one subscription. From $2 per week

Subscribe now

All Access Weekly

From $2 per week

Pay just

$15.75

$2

per week ongoing

Subscribe now

BEST VALUE

All Access Annual

Pay just

$449

$49

per year ongoing

Subscribe now

Learn more

30

The part that concerns me deeply is another reported comment that this exchange may have destroyed the new council's ability to act productively in the best interests of the city. At this extraordinary time of critical decision-making, it is imperative that personal hurts and grievances among decision-makers are truly laid aside.

Did these two men ever get to talk and listen to each other over a cup of coffee (virtual of course)?

(Abridged)

Mary Rose
Tauranga

Mangrove expansion leads to flourishing birdlife

I am pleased that the expansion of mangroves in the Waikareao estuary has led to a more flourishing birdlife (A Graeme, March 24) and I am sure that all residents in this area will support A Graeme in her efforts to encourage mangroves in this estuary.

However, I would like to point out that the situation with regard to the Welcome Bay estuary has been quite the reverse.

As the mangroves expanded here from the late 1970s, the birdlife declined steeply. However, the efforts of residents from the early 1980s onwards to keep the mangroves in check and the more recent decision to reduce the area of mature mangroves have resulted in a significant and important increase in birdlife, an increase that has been verified and measured by Dr Meg Butler in her two (so far) major bird surveys, which are available to anyone who is interested in the fauna of the Welcome Bay estuary.

I would be very interested to read any similar surveys that A Graeme or her associates have carried out in the Waikareao estuary.

R Rimmer
Welcome Bay

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