The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters and comments from readers. Below you can read the letters we have published in your newspaper today.
TODAY'S LETTERS:
World cup may be ours for drinking behaviour
Apparently we lucky Papamoa residents are getting another liquor retail outlet.
Why? We already have five retail outlets selling the stuff, plus three taverns and numerous restaurants selling it.
We are literally up to our armpits in booze.
I have checked the thoughts of our friends and neighbours on the proposal and they all endorse my thoughts that is a big "no" to the idea.
I think I read somewhere that New Zealand has about 15,000 liquor outlets.
If this is true that's about one shop for every 180 people of drinking age, keeping in mind that 20 per cent of people don't drink.
Can somebody tell me how we rate on the world stage with our drinking culture? Would we win a world cup for it?
James Marx, Papamoa
Oil risk too great
I understand about making someone pay for their mistakes.
My problem with the article about oil exploration off East Cape (Bay of Plenty Times, June 27) is the sentence: "If drilling went ahead, it should be on the proviso that Petrobras met all the costs of an environmental clean-up and lost commercial opportunities."
What about the loss for our kids, our grandkids, the loss of our beaches if something goes wrong. How do you value that with money? Short answer: There is no way. As the commercials at the moment state: "Just say no."
Don't do it, nothing is worth the costs to all New Zealanders, think about our image of green, or pure waters, white beaches ... I wonder if anyone has asked the people in the Gulf how they are doing?
Donna Hannah, Katikati
Toxic slugs tested
Regarding the toxic sea slugs found in Pilot Bay, the article is factual and accurate. It's important to note, however, that the species, Pleurobranchia maculata, commonly known as a side-gilled slug is not a new animal in Tauranga harbour and should not cause too much alarm.
It's true that this is the first reported case of toxicity in these slugs in Tauranga harbour, but it's also the first time they've been tested.
Wider testing will be carried out in the near future, and Dr Miller's advice not to handle them should be followed.
David Guccione, BOP Polytechnic, Windermere
Nailing problem
We established Allure Nail Studio in Tauranga in 2006.
We are in total agreement with the comments made by Olivia Stubbs of Nail Niche and Jill Briscoe of Goldfinger Nail and Beauty Salon.
Over the past years we have seen the results of the use of methyl methacrylate liquid monomers (MMA). With many clients it has taken many visits to our studio before the damage has been rectified. And these are the people who will keep coming to get a resolution. How many do we never see who have been totally "put off" by the experience.
We pride ourselves on using high-quality products and constantly update our knowledge on these products. To us quality products are essential if you are to produce a quality service.
We cannot compete with chain nail studios on price and speed. We do not attempt to, as quality products and service come at a price.
But we will not compromise our standards for cheaper products.
Consultation before the service begins is very important.
The industry does need to be regulated. This is needed for the development of a strong industry that can deliver a superior service to its clients. If we want advancement for our technicians and our industry then regulations are paramount.
(Abridged)
Emma and Margaret Fraser, Owners, Allure Nail Studio
Pot boiling over
Once the Hone honeymoon is over, what will the political menu look like for Maori come the November elections?
The worst case scenario is the feast or famine option created by painting Peter and Tariana as the enemy of their own people. Sadly, many Maori have bought into this pirau korero that is nothing more than political propaganda and we need to wake up and smell the Brash and Banks boil-up that already has Hone in the pot.
Maori can now look forward to a split vote and a split vote will allow Act to come through the middle to saddle up as partners in a far-right coalition.
Or in layman terms, Maori will see a Brash and burn of all the gain made by the Maori Party, none more so than whanau ora that will cost 65 jobs in the local health sector of Western Bay alone.
Wake up and smell the Brash boil-up whanau, with Hone in the pot. Act only has to sow more seeds of division and we will be back to where we were six years ago, but with no Tariana or Peter to forge relationships with key leaders.
T. Kapai, Te Puna
Text Views
* Prisoners become tradesmen after 17 week building course. Why am i doing a three year apprentership and applying for registration. Only in NZ. This is absurd. Australia here i come.
* Locals love it ? But do they? we dont go to town anymore the parking is expensive and the shops r 2 spread apart
* Tgc has had girls bein beatn up 4 years, it finaly took 1 very strng mum & dorta team 2 xpose hw tgc deals wif ths bhaviour.
* The culture of violence and fear at T Girls C is getting out of hand. I agree with Richard Moore, the police need to be involved. An apology to the victims does nothing to allay the fears of ordinary students that may be next in line for a random beating. P.s. As a Catholic, i would like to reassure R.M. that he, or anyone else, are always most welcome in the church any time. :) alison scott
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