Letters to the editor: Equal opportunities, sharing with cyclists

The Chapel St bridge has a footpath for cyclists and pedestrians alike, a reader says. Photo/file

Equal opportunity

At the time of the last local body elections to select people to fill positions on the Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District Councils and the Bay of Plenty District Health Board, some people of Maori ancestry stood for election and positions in the above organisations. All candidates presented a written statement about their reasons for standing for selection, plus their CV.

After studying these from all candidates, I chose some candidates to fill places I could vote for. Some were of Maori ancestry chosen for what I considered their suitability, not their racial ancestry - some won an appointment too.

Much has been made of the low turnout of voters of Maori ancestry for the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. To me, these folk had equal opportunity to other voters so I wonder if it was from a personal choice or group influence that they decided not to vote.

The Treaty made us one people with equal rights and responsibilities.
W Goldsmith
Pyes Pa

Shared facilities

Would the lady who, while walking her dog across the Chapel St bridge on Boxing Day who in no uncertain terms told me that I should not be on the bridge on my bicycle but on the road, please be advised that the bridge walkway is designated for pedestrians as well as cyclists for safety reasons due to the narrowness of the road.

Don Greenbank
Otumoetai

Disappointed
It is disappointing to see Lorde has cancelled her Tel Aviv concert, although understandable given the pressure. Surely a better and more "Kiwi" way to entertain her fans and try to bring a bit of peace and reconciliation to a very troubled part of the world would be to do her concert in Tel Aviv and then one in Bethlehem or Ramallah for the Palestinians with music invoking love rather than hatred.

"Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred let me bring your love" are famous words from of old that spring to mind.

Maybe Manger Square in Bethlehem would be a great venue? As a 16-time visitor to both Israel and the West Bank I believe it would be very well received by both sides.
Stephen Greenfield
Auckland Central