Letters to the editor: SH2 decision shows Govt letting councils down

Western Bay of Plenty District mayor Garry Webber at the Ōmokoroa Rd and State Highway 2 intersection. Photo / George Novak

OPINION

Central and local government are meant to work together to plan for the development of this country.

Tauranga has the best port in the country, so logic would tell any central government decision-maker that with our huge growth in population, transport corridors are fundamental to the economic wellbeing of society.

Our two State Highways are far from fit for purpose in the 21st century.

As far back as 2008, there was an agreement that the growth node for the sub-region would be Ōmokoroa, with 12,000 residents, and SH2 would be four-laned at least that far by 2015.

Since then the port has continued to grow, and although the two state highways are the lifeline to Tauranga and beyond, central government has failed to plan for this growth.

What goes through the minds of those in Government when they decide to put a cycleway across Auckland harbour, and wipe out the SH2 second stage to Ōmokoroa?

Leaving the mayor to beg for funding to complete the exit from Ōmokoroa is just deplorable.

Councils have a right to expect better of central government.

Margaret Murray-Benge
Bethlehem

Credit to hospital staff

Regarding recent remarks regarding the lack of healthcare in Tauranga (Premium Debate, September 17) - the reason I am in a position to write this letter, having lost three of my allotted nine lives, is due entirely to the expertise, skill, dedication and caring attitude of the hospital staff and support persons over a period of 12 months.

They managed all this while also having to deal with Covid 19.

(Abridged)

Robert England
Pāpamoa

Match venue immaculate

Congratulations to Tauranga Sports for their victory over Whakarewarewa in the Bay of Plenty Premier Senior 1 rugby final.

However, may I congratulate Whakarewarewa for the superb presentation of the field and its layout for the occasion.

It's a wonderful venue, excellent for the event. Especially for its marking and contained venue under level 2 restrictions. It's immaculate and a delight to watch the game there.

May the Whakarewarewa Sports Club enjoy future success and participation.

PS Whakarewarewa won the second half and a silver medal!

Alan Lord
Rotorua

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