Letters to the editor: New bins 'absolutely ridiculous' for retirement village residents

A retirement village resident is not impressed with the size of some of the new bins. Photo / George Novak

Over the past few weeks, I have read many issues regarding the change in rubbish collections.

I understand the reasons for this massive Tauranga City Council change.

However, I was totally horrified when the new bins were delivered to our retirement village on Friday.

The actual sizes of the red-lid bin and, most importantly, the yellow-lid bin are absolutely ridiculous for all residents in the Bay of Plenty to handle, let alone those living in a retirement village.

How are so many residents in villages expected to take the large yellow bins when even half full and totally full out to their villa kerbside from their back garden?

The instructions clearly read: "Do you need help getting your bins to the kerbside? Anyone who is unable to take their bins to the kerbside due to physical disability or ailment is encouraged to contact the council to see if they qualify for an assisted service, which will be free of charge."

Almost half of village residents would be unable to take the large yellow bin out without assistance.

Maybe the council needs to reconsider village residents in this instance.

Sue Hatchwell
Pāpāmoa

Toll to get TNL done

I am equally disappointed about the no-progress on stage 2 of State Highway 2 - the TNL.

I would welcome another toll road to get it done, where people who live outside the city area pay a higher rate and an even higher rate for government vehicles to give the message to Government.

I am sure it would make our roading network self-supporting and hopefully not need so much from the rates base.

Graham Holloway
Gate Pa

Mix of elected and appointed members best

I must say that I agree with Dr Meg Butler in her letter of June 11.

In my view, the commissioners are doing a much better job.

What will be done to ensure future councillors have the right knowledge and skills?

Maybe three elected and three Crown-appointed councillors would be a good option, with the Crown appointing the chair, who has the casting vote.

This keeps the numbers of appointed down, ensures elected councillors are at the table but also ensures the gains in effective governance of our city are not lost.

Andrew Sommerville
Bethlehem

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