In my 30 years of daily work commutes down Fenton St, the gardens created by Garry Page and the artisans doing the spade work have been a constant source of pleasure. Out-of-town visitors would tell me that they always arrived early for their appointments just to enjoy the beautiful flowers and wonderfully tended displays. The skill and experience that Mr Page and his team, in the various organisational iterations they have worked within, have made an important, valuable and valued contribution to Rotorua.
I concur with your correspondent Catherine Watson (Letters, November 23) and the cynical quote (incorrectly) attributed to Petronius is so pertinent to our council administration and governance. Personally, I have formed the belief that if only those responsible for organisation restructure and the construction of follies (eg the city centre cycleway) had listened more carefully as their children tried to teach them to play Sim City, they would know the difference between "asset" and "asinine" when playing with the real thing.
JOHN PETRIE
Rotorua
I was unimpressed that so many comments on the Rotorua Daily Post Facebook page were from inner-city workers complaining about the parking limit times and having to regularly duck out to feed the meter or move the car. Did they not know, or just blatantly ignore, the fact that these parks are for shoppers and others going to town to conduct their business, ie to spend their money at the moaning workers' places of employment. It's these activities that pay their wages! What's so hard about walking a few blocks from outlying streets as I do, getting a few minutes of the daily recommended exercise in the process. It's only a few minutes, not a long haul, so not much extra time to factor into the travel to work. There is, of course the option of catching a bus. Again, the bus stops are not far from the centre of town.
PADDI HODGKISS
Rotorua
Re: Editorial November 22 'Tone of discord at music awards' by Craig Cooper
The NZ Music Awards introduced a new category this year, Best Maori Artist. Craig questions this category, suggesting the award should be recognised for te reo. I am not Maori, but if I was I would be incensed by this. Why shouldn't my race be recognised? Should the English ban any award for best Scottish or Welsh competition? I don't think so.
He suggests that we are separating race into categories for recognition and that we do it with the Maori All Blacks.
He also suggests we should step back and say "are we celebrating or patronising Maori with race criteria?" and, "surely we are past patting people on the back because they are brown?"
Maori is a genuine race which should be embraced and celebrated. No different to Italians, French etc. They can have whatever competition they like and be recognised however they want. Actually, why don't they apply to World Rugby for their team to compete at the next Rugby World Cup? Now, wouldn't that be great for all New Zealand, an All Black vs Maori All Black final?
MURRAY PIESSE
Rotorua
