Oh, and also - many congratulations to the local authorities and funders for providing this latest facility, the TECT Arena. Again, only one word - magic.
Barry Lusher, Tauranga
Nature questions
Perhaps Forest & Bird or Environment Bay of Plenty may have some answers to the following questions.
Firstly, why after always nesting on the north side of Moturiki Island, did the seagulls suddenly stop two years ago?
Are there stoats or weasels on the island? Why did it not happen as usual this last spring and summer?
Notably, why on the Mount golf course and the grass verges round the town, especially on Totara St where they usually flower profusely, did the yellow daisy not germinate this past spring?
Why, again on the Mount golf course, did the small bulbs scattered amongst the grass not produce their purple flowers last summer?
Why did the barley grass seeds, which were scattered by the mowers on part of the course, not germinate at all? Why was there no germination of new fennell plants along the roadside from Tauranga to Matata?
It will be interesting to see if we return to normal this coming spring and summer.
Keith Oakley, Mount Maunganui
Dogs' savagery
Re: Men record pigs being savaged by hunting dogs.
I am horrified by this sinister attack, but also not surprised.
I think everyone who has been left with the feeling of shock and disgust after reading this article needs to ask themselves: Why is pig hunting with dogs still legal in New Zealand?
These dogs are trained to do such an inhumane act on these poor animals, and then we wonder why they are attacking our children in our streets.
Why can't we stop this huge out-of-control situation New Zealand has and make pig hunting with dogs illegal?
I am very much confused by human nature's mentality when it comes to a wild animal and a tamed pet. A quote from the article: "Out in the wild it's fine, in a closed area where the pig actually can't escape it's definitely cruelty."
Do wild animals not feel the pain of having their ears ripped off and their legs mauled? Why do people think it is okay for a wild animal to go through this cruelty but when this occurs to a pet it's labelled "the most terrible thing"?
Do we not all agree that a dog can outrun a pig whether it's in an enclosed environment or not?
Come on, New Zealand, let's take ownership of this problem and put a stop to this.
(Abridged)
Nicky Jenkins, Mount Maunganui
More unfair costs
It is with much disappointment that I read in your paper recently that Tauranga City Council is considering charging for the use of parks and reserves for weddings.
As a celebrant here in Tauranga for about 16 years, I have always felt proud of our wonderful offer of parks, reserves and beaches available for weddings and other such special occasions.
Probably 70 per cent of my clients have their wedding at one of these places.
Most of the people using these areas are locals, and therefore have contributed towards them as ratepayers. These areas also allow people who have a tight budget to enjoy somewhere special for their occasion and show their guests how beautiful our city and surrounding areas are.
As many guests at these functions are from out of our area, it is a great way to encourage them to return and therefore bring revenue to our city.
I cannot help but feel that again our council is grabbing for another dollar from our already over-taxed ratepayers with this suggestion.
Maybe next we will have to pay for children to play in the playgrounds or for families to picnic in the park. (Abridged.)
Christine Sowerby, Otumoetai
Sunday trading
I listened to the proposals of the liquor law reform select committee and sensed the systemic weakness inherent in our politicians, which has been prevalent now for decades.
The Americanisation of our society has caused social problems that haven't been addressed by our laws and the politicians who make them.
As is the case in greater Europe, I would support an end to Sunday trading other than essential services and selected tourist destinations.
Liquor off-licence outlets would be caught in the net and there would be the obvious bonus of the reintroduction of a family day - think about it.
Doug Morris, Te Puna
