Letters: Tree investigation must be transparent

A police photographer at the scene of a large oak tree which came down during the storm in Rotorua, killing a woman. Photo / Ben Fraser

In response to Craig Tiriana's comment (Rotorua Daily Post, January 6) that a full and appropriate investigation will be held by the Rotorua Lakes Council into the demise of the historic tree and the tragedy this caused, I would hope that this will be conducted with transparency, honesty, accountability and compensation.

If this tree was checked in February 2017 and subsequent concerns were raised regarding its "soundness" and not appropriately acted on, if the council is to retain any degree of respect from the Rotorua ratepayers and wider public, then now is the time for it to act honestly and honourably.

D. BARNETT
Rotorua

Pride in heritage

I have to congratulate Merepeka Raukawa-Tait on her article (Opinion, January 5) - it hit the nail on the head.

She's bang on that No 8 wire mentality is our biggest asset, many businesses were created through this and not just farming either (computer technology, film industry, forestry, to name a few).

We all should be proud of our heritage and No 8 wire mentality is a prime example. It is how New Zealand was forged and is worth many millions of dollars to our economy.

"A return to common sense". I couldn't agree with you more there's too many rules and regulations we are not meant to think rather walk round zombie-like. Get real there's more to life than that.

GAVIN MUIR
Rotorua

Maori tour status

Rosemary McLeod's column (January 4) unfortunately included opinions which she appears to have based on urban myths and incorrect assumptions. I refer particularly to the phrase "as when the 1959 All Blacks touring South Africa included Maori given 'honorary white' status - intended as an honour, maybe".

Such a statement is an insult to all Maori All Blacks who have toured South Africa at any time. No Maori ever lowered themselves to accept such a status for that tour, or later, and McLeod should apologise for such a slander.

Of lesser importance is that the All Blacks tour was in 1960 rather than 1959. This again indicates carelessness with the facts - not a sign of good journalism.

D A McPHERSON
Rotorua