Opinion: Letters to the editor

Flag concerns

I am concerned about the proposal to have two referendums with the view to change our flag.

Our Prime Minister has said there would be two referendums in proposing the change of the flag. The first, to make a choice of the flag one prefers from a selection of four designs (which doesn't include the present flag), and the second to decide between the chosen choice and the present flag.

The fairest (and democratic) way would be to find out if the people of New Zealand want to change the flag at all by having the first referendum to decide yea or nay to the flag change.

If the choice is nay, then that is the end of the matter, there is no need for any other referendums thus saving the country millions of dollars. If the nation says yea to the change, then go on with the second referendum.

It is my preference that there be no change. I have been honoured and proud to serve under our present flag as a territorial soldier and as a scout leader for many years.

I have written to the PM to voice my opinion and copied the letter to other parliamentary leaders hoping the voicing of my view will be taken notice of in considering the changing of the sequence of the referendums.

If the sequence is to stay as outlined at this time, I strongly urge the present flag to be included among the proposed designs.

I encourage people to make their views known to the parliamentarians by talking and writing to them and let the will of the nation decide.

DAVID T BLYDE
Hamilton

Brighten up the lake

My wife and I have walked round Lake Rotoroa at least 50 times in the past 12 years.

I have made submissions on the previous review [of the lake]. Cleaning up the lake is a must. This may involve asking people to stop feeding the ducks and removing most of the mallards. This might result in more native waterfowl in the lake.

Maybe a fountain in the lake will improve oxygenation.

Regarding shade sails, on dull days the playground will not be so nice. A notice reminding children to wear hats would be more effective. The cost of installation and maintenance would be better spent on more colourful trees in the landscape. It's too sombre in places.

Having just spent two days in N12 at the hospital enjoying the lake view, I suggest HCC could look at the pines around the water tower. Could a broad avenue be opened up from near the tower to give a vista over the lake? This would give a much safer footpath down to the lake.

Cherry trees etc planted alongside to add colour. This might give health benefits by encouraging all those who work at computers nearby to take a lunchtime stroll. More people could be seen walking/enjoying Innes Common with some more colourful trees planted in it.

MARTIN TOOP
Hamilton

Broken promises

Thank you Hamilton City councillor Andrew King for your honesty in informing the public of the broken promises, with some city councillors proposing to increase city debt.

I am a pensioner in a city council unit complex and am standing up for pensioners.

Earlier this year I rang the necessary department of the council and asked if the shrubs could be trimmed as they were beginning to look untidy. The assurance was given that they would be done by mid March. So far no result.

This month I asked for them to give me tools to enable me to do some trimming. No response as yet.

Like everyone else, we do like to have our properties looking nice, so am wondering when the council will assist us with this? Surely it would not break the bank to do this task and have promises kept?

JANICE COMER
Hamilton

Hamilton News welcomes your views. Email danielle.nicholson@nzme.co.nz or post to letters to The Editor, Hamilton News, POBox 1547, Hamilton. Letters should be no more than 200words and must include your full name, address (not for publication) and daytime telephone number. No nom de plumes. The editor reserves the right to edit, abridge or decline letters without explanation.