Underpass and 9/11: Letters, 13 September

The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters and comments from readers. Here you can read the letters we have published in your newspaper today.

Underpass won't solve traffic problem

For once someone is saying something sensible. Cr Bill Grainger about the Turret Rd 15th Ave widening. Anybody that uses the road would know that the underpass is only going to compound an already difficult trip to town at peak times.

All very well getting people out of Welcome Bay but they come to a complete standstill because there is nowhere to go once you get to Turret Road and 15th Ave. For goodness sake widen the road first then see if you need the underpass.

A Fletcher, Hairini

Maori challenge

Re One law for all. In answer to Mrs Bennett, I suggest that she step out of her monocultural tunnel and into the 21st century. Gone are the days when it was just Maori and European inhabiting our country. Now, it is the coloured nations of Asians, Polynesians and Indians who bring wealth and extra development to our industries and professions. They contribute more to our country than the Maori who major on language and the haka to make their mark, thus being lost to our workforce and sadly forming a group who cost the taxpayer dearly when they fill our prisons and Winz outlets.

I have the greatest admiration for the Maori as a people, but no time for their hierarchy who are more interested in their own mana than the needs of their people.

Maori need not be assimilated. But they have to realise that the days have gone when they could call the tune. If they want to be respected as a people, they should concentrate on looking after their own in terms of education and usefulness. The world has come to our doorstep and we are no longer Down Under, but a part of a global industry which looks at achievements not racism.

(Abridged)

B Guernier, Welcome Bay

9/11 truth sought

By the time this is read the Te Puke firefighters (and possibly others) will have sounded their siren in commemoration of the tragedy of 9/11.

Unfortunately more questions than answers have been raised by events on this dark day in history. Firefighters who were denied a voice at the 9/11 Commission Hearings have set up an organisation, "Firefighters For 911 Truth". Their website is firefightersfor911truth.org/.

This follows in the footsteps of architects and engineers and pilots who have set up similar groups. These are all professional people who seek only one thing. Truth.Ian LucasBrookfieldViews dismissedIn the wake of the massive opening of the RWC in Auckland where Maori featured on the world stage and took NZ to gigantic levels, Brash's views are absolutely pathetic.

Pua Taikato, Maungatapu

When writing to us, please note the following:

Letters should not exceed 200 words

• 
  If possible, please email or use the 'Have your Say' option on the website
• 
  No noms-de-plume
• 
  Please include your address and phone number (for our records only)
• 
  Letters may be abridged, edited or refused at the editor's discretion
• 
  The editor's decision to publish is final. Rejected letters are usually not acknowledged
• 
  Local letters are given preference

Email: editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz

Text: 021 241 4568 - Please start your message with BOP