The current economic climate does make it harder for the "responsible" parent who has custody of their children to be able to cope.
It also makes it harder and unwilling for the "absent" parent not to part with their money to pay child support. It is an outstanding debt that must be met and paid. Not forgotten. Don't punish our children.
Mark Petherick, Bellevue
First impressions
Just recently I was informed by a friend from Palmerston North that his first visit to one of our popular scenic areas left him feeling very dubious about some of our ancient customs.
It seems they all went to Kaiate Falls for a pleasant walk.
They encountered a car up on blocks with no wheels.
Along with that a car load of suspicious characters parked up with towels over the windows. It does not take a brain to figure out what they were up to.
Their first impressions of Tauranga, not good.
Why do we have to put up with this rubbish?
Locals and tourists are being ripped off again. Stop pussy footing with these sods.
Joe Scott, Welcome Bay
Bare for business
I would hate to total up the millions of ratepayer dollars that past councillors have spent trying to attract people to the CBD. All efforts to date have been a dismal failure.
Steve Crow achieved what those councillors have been unable to and that is to attract thousands of people to the CBD without cost to the ratepayer.
The bars on The Strand and other businesses have never had it so good.
At least Mr Crow did what he did lawfully, which is more than can be said for the protesters.
The newspaper hype stirred up by the naysayers was the most effective and no-cost advertising that Mr Crow could wish for.
Forget spending more millions of dollars which council doesn't have, on the waterfront, when there is already a safer playground close by at QEII Park.
Perhaps the Boobs on Bikes parade should be run more frequently to boost the CBD, without any further cost to the ratepayer.
I did not attend, as I was more interested in the hype than the event itself but I do believe in freedom of expression.
This event was a bonus to business, so it must be all good.
Bill Humphrey, Tauranga South
Flattering policies
Set out in Winston Peters' press releases are the excellent and workable policies of the New Zealand First Party.
Unfortunately, we do not read them in the "free" press.
Fortunately, we listen to them from Russel Norman, leader of the Green Party.
It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Thank you, Russel.
Frances Kibblewhite, Papamoa
Power to people
Maybe we are one of the lucky ones - Powerco has, in the last few years, undertaken planned pole replacement work affecting Te Puna School at times of the day to suit the school hours.
Powerco is a sponsor of Te Puna School and has been for some years now, giving goods and cash donations towards the school fair fundraising.
Last year, the Te Puna School Country Fair contributed over $19,500 to various school improvement projects, including a new playground and junior IT equipment.
This year, we are fundraising towards the extension of our existing sports court and adding new tiger turf marked with lines for playing five different sports, which will be fantastic for our students. This year the annual Te Puna School Country Fair is set to happen on Saturday 29th October 2011.
We are looking forward to the same fun and community spirit as well as giving many of our children the opportunity to exhibit the lambs, calves and goats they are raising this year.
Neil Towersey, Principal, on behalf of theTe Puna School Country Fair Sponsorship Team
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