Letters to the editor: Rotorua's Lakeside Concert too 'monocultural'

My wife and I and friends went to the Lakeside Concert: Whenua, #itsabouthome. The concert turned out to be ''#itsallaboutmonoculturalism''.

The items became increasingly oppressive and alienating. The lengthy changeovers between groups and bands was filled with more coercive froth and bubble, all monocultural. Most of the ''music'' was a neo-indigenous interpretation of adolescent American genres.

What were we missing? Anything classical. We recalled the Auckland Symphony Orchestra at an earlier Lakeside Concert playing Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, with firework mortars substituting for the cannons. Brilliant.

The near absence of any other cultural classics suggested the event has been captured by a narrow set of interests. It risks losing the support of many other and larger demographic groups. Which would be a pity given the colossal and mostly voluntary effort that goes into producing it.

Like many others, we walked out before the end. We loaded the vehicle and paused to watch the spectacular fireworks, which finally started about an hour late, far too late for the long-gone small fry. Especially the little pet who spent the evening putting up umbrellas in front of us to make a cubby house for her mates.

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REYNOLD MACPHERSON
Rotorua

Fish conservation

I have read the recent letters regarding fish conservation.

To move forward we can not dwell in the past. If we did most Maori tribes would be alienated with one another following the atrocious battles fought in recent pre-European conflict. This is applicable in the Bay of Plenty, especially the area of the Rotorua lakes.

Anything in the 21st century, in my opinion, should be equally observed. Equality, as near as it can be, is the objective of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Conservation and replenishment of stock can not be met unless it is shared by all. The need for a specific food is not relevant today with comparative food supplies, although it may be nice for some!

MADGE McQUIRE
Rotorua