Letters to the editor: Tauranga could be a great place to live

Tauranga could be a great place to live but it needs a heart. Photo / NZME

The Tauranga Ratepayers' Alliance pamphlet delivered to my letterbox had the startling headline, Take back control of our city.

Control, as such, had in my opinion already departed from the Tauranga Council which is why the eventual appointment of commissioners to run our city was necessary.

Tauranga could be a great place to live. It certainly has the weather and the sea. But people need more than that.

We need to feel we all have a place here.

We need cultural assets such as a museum to understand our city's history, we need large venues to celebrate our city's Māori heritage, we also need a heart to the city - not the empty shops and cafes presently occupying the main street.

All these things take time, and a will to make changes.

Rates will have to increase if we want a city that is vital and welcoming to all.

(Abridged)
Sally Quaddel
Tauranga

Separation not so bad with modern technology

In 1942, I wonder how my father felt when he boarded a troop ship bound for Egypt and later on to Italy.

He carried ammunition into the battle of Casino.

He wouldn't have realised that he would be away from family for at least 1460 days.
As well as ammunition, he delivered supplies to the front line. There was infrequent communication with the home country.

So why does the media publish so many hard-luck stories of families being separated by Covid when with modern technology they can be in constant communication, both orally and visually?

There must have been other families in New Zealand who were in a similar situation as ours during World War II.

Being a 2-year-old, I didn't recognise my dad on his safe return four years later.

Gaye Wilson
Ōhauiti

Moving council wouldn't please Te Puke

Re, the story, Future vision 'vital' for Ōmokoroa (News, May 12).

In the article, the Ōmokoroa Residents and Ratepayers Association hoped that if the Western Bay of Plenty District Council moved, it would do so to Ōmokoroa.

In my opinion, that would not please the good folk of Te Puke.

(Abridged)

Peter Turmer
Pyes Pā

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. No correspondence will be entered into.

Email editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz