Letters to the editor: Stage one of Lakefront upgrade underwhelming

A reader says the Rotorua Lakefront Redevelopment is lacklustre and underwhelming. Photo / Andrew Warner

I read the mayor's account of the aspirational lakefront opening of the first stage of the redevelopment including the boardwalk and landscaping (News, July 9).

I arrived at the lakefront at the conclusion of the opening, expecting to take in a visual feast, only to be underwhelmed.

I wondered if the off-white pumice track was temporary, and noticed it had mixed in messily with the grey shingle, and how practical it would be mixed with dirt, leaves and other ground cover.

The pumice may also become plumes of dust as it does in the Redwood Forest in windy conditions.

The plantings were undersized, sparse, in an unattractive arrangement and some looked as if they wouldn't survive.

There were piles of small stones stacked up.

Recycled water running over the miniature white terraces could've added interest.

It appeared very static, lacklustre and lacked imagination, in my view.

One of the golden rules of design is form follows function.

What is the function of the lakefront, as it lacks form?

Landscape design is a process of developing practical and pleasing outdoor living space.

Aspirational or uninspirational? (Abridged)

Tracey McLeod
Lake Tarawera

No need to work

Seventy per cent of job applicants are not turning up for interviews (News, July 12). No wonder, they have just been given between $30 and $50 a week increase in benefits. This is great encouragement not to work.

Alf Hoyle
Lynmore

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