Tauranga City Council building. Photo / File
Judith Collins, in her recent electoral visit to Tauranga, stated that she wanted to see elected councillors in 2022 and that people wanted democracy (News, June 5).
However, we have experienced the results of the democratic process with the demise of the Tauranga City Council and witnessed the ugly infighting.
As reported, some businesses thought the commissioners are doing a much better job and are grateful for the stability the commissioners are providing.
This raises the question as to how in a democracy can we ensure that prospective city councillors have the appropriate knowledge and skill set needed, to provide direction and leadership for this rapidly growing and complex region.
Dr Meg Butler
Mount Maunganui
I object strenuously to the heading you used in my letter published Wednesday 9. It implies that I find te reo Maori tedious. That is not what I was trying to say.
My point, all along, has been that if anyone is going to deliver an address to any gathering in a language not all will understand and the contents of it has any importance at all, it is incumbent on the speaker to make sure all present understand what is being said.
If that necessitates a translation into English, or whatever mother tongue prevails, then so be it. To do otherwise will cause those of the audience who do not understand to lose interest and, yes, they will probably feel the address is a tedious waste of time.
I quite expect the heading you chose to use will be seen as provocative and I, very likely, will be unfairly branded as racist.
Ian Young
Pāpāmoa Beach
Yet again I have gone into the CBD to do some shopping at key stores and there are no parks. When I had to pay for parks, I could always get one.
On talking to shop owners, it is obvious that workers from larger organisations are parking in the main streets and moving their cars every few hours taking car park spaces away from actual shoppers.
It's time to bring back paid parking so we can support the shops instead of giving up and going home or elsewhere.
The council needs to address this issue and make a decent attempt to fine workers taking up public spaces. The shop owners I spoke to said they have bought up the issue on many occasions and have been ignored. Action required.
J Baker
Bethlehem
I agree with everything that Merepeka Raukawa-Tait said about Judith Collins (Opinion, June 9) and it's about time she got some positive publicity.
The papers have been running her down ever since she was elected leader of the National Party.
Anyone with half a brain can see she's made of the right stuff to be leader.
I have to congratulate Raukawa-Tait on her column, especially as they are both on the opposite sides of the political table and yet they can sit down and have a meal together with quality conversation.
That's what I call respect for each other and to be able to put your political views to one side and have an enjoyable evening is true mana.
Gavin Muir
Springfield
It disappoints me to see people my age not keeping up. Please, dear friends, enrol in a free te reo course near you and be welcomed into the wonderful world of Māori.
Sue Drummond
Welcome Bay
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