The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters and comments from readers. Below you can read the letters we have published in your newspaper today.
TODAY'S LETTERS:
We know problem, but what's the answer?
I've read dozens of letters from Laurie Loper espousing change in the education system. The latest one notes in the last paragraph
that the sector ignores known facts.
Forget the pleonasms and prolixity of expression. What's the remedy in layman's language? Strangely, I don't recall responses from anyone identifying themselves as a teacher.
Alastair Jones, Bellevue
Real world
Frothing union leader Kate Gainsford describes the Cambridge exam preferred by Auckland Grammar as "colonial" and attacks the board of Auckland Grammar for marketing and promoting themselves as "better than everyone else".
Gainsford calls in the cavalry, principals of two secondary schools, who will march lockstep behind the union leader baying, "Cambridge bad, NCEA good".
Well, Ms Gainsford, did it occur to you that perhaps Auckland Grammar School is better than other schools?
Marketing yourself as better than the competition is what happens in the real world.
In the world of private enterprise, where people should be free to make their own choices of how, where and what to educate their children (instead of the false, government-manufactured world where you are told where, how and what your children may be taught) you would have a choice.
But then, being a left-wing trade unionist protected by extensive pro-union legislation, what would you know about open competition or free markets?
Graham Clark, Lower Kaimai
Follow local rules
In response to James Imlach, NZ Motor Caravan Association, (January 24) and Michael Batchelor (January 25). It appears both men have missed the point.
Thank goodness for the Tauranga City Council, which did get the point and has now erected signs pointing out to the illegally bludging campers, the terms and conditions of staying at Fergusson Park (none of which these campers were adhering to).
As resource management co-ordinator of the NZ Motor Caravan Association, I would have thought Mr Imlach would prefer his members to abide by local authority rules; rules the seven vans mentioned in my original letter, were not.
As for Mr Batchelor calling me a "sad sack" and telling me to "get a life", when he visits Fergusson Park this weekend to enjoy its beauty, I hope not only does he have somewhere to park along the waterfront, free from illegal campers, (as I'm sure he will now thanks to the city council), but also that he leaves his immature name calling and bad manners behind; two traits that are unbecoming for any adult.
As law-abiding citizens of Tauranga, my friends and I follow the rules, obviously Mr Batchelor moves in different circles to us.
L Drummond, Tauranga
Cops on cells, too
Regarding your item on Bay motorists using cellphones while driving (January 26). Recently. I was driving on Dive Crescent and the police officer in front of me was using his cellphone and pulled into the vacant area to the side of the harbour bridge to continue his call. Is there one rule for them and another for us?
Patrick J Thomas, Tauranga
Action correct
Re: Buddy's castration "matter of life and death".
Buddy's owner should look at her own responsibilities before "considering taking legal actions" against her neighbours. Without a collar or microchip, there is nothing to say the cat was not one of the many ferals around. Patty appeared to do the right thing by contacting the SPCA for a cage and a microchip would have answered all the questions immediately.
Tomcats are a menace in a neighbourhood of neutered cats and the results of their spraying is disgusting. I am a huge cat lover myself and applaud the neighbours for their compassionate handling of the situation.
Ms Curtis needs to be grateful that Buddy wasn't dealt to by one of the endless supply of animal cruelty lowlifes we have around.
Jean Managh, Greerton
Yes, beach pretty
Re: First impressions (January 26).
I was visiting Coopers Beach last week.
The waves were absolutely massive, more than 2m high and pounding on to the beach.
There were surfers out there and the waves were well over head height, so, yes, you do get big waves there.
The Mangonui fish shop in my regard is not the best chippy either. If you enjoy being squashed up next to American bus tour groups, paying a large amount of money for the tiniest portion of fish then, please, go ahead.
The fish and chips do taste good but, honestly, most places they do. It's fish and chips ... how much cooking is involved?
All I want to do is inform readers on the reality of this location. It is a beautiful beach, which is correct.
Chris Garside, Taranaki
TEXT VIEWS
* Gosh, I must be psychic - told you someone would've neutered that cat because it had been being a peeing pest. Didn't take a genius. Oh hang on, maybe it did.
* Sumthin funny about that speyed cat. Y let ur source of breeding income stray and mate with other mongrel moggies? Ask more questions pls. Christine
* As a city we must save money but by just delaying so many projects will only mean that future councils will face exactly the same problem. Is it a good outcome?
* re k toll route. cr stewart inflation has not 50% in last 8 yrs. if this the way u think u shud get out an get a real job. peter
* Did a rival (or jealous) cat stud owner rob poor Buddy of his family jewels?
* How does k j mcsweeney suggest we protect young children and decent members of the public from the disgusting language heard coming from groups of young people standing around in groups on our public streets. That disgusts me. Leave our well known high profile people alone.
* Re route K toll decision the "fools" on council have once again proven how out of touch they actually are. Get real you pack of losers
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