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
Cyclists too should be made to pay for rego
Re "Routine ride ends in horror smash" (Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, March 12).
As a very safety conscious motorcyclist, who spends more on rego than any other road user - and a lot of that is due to short-sighted motorists - I think it's time that cyclists who are enjoying the same sport as us motorcyclists should start to pay rego or some kind of ACC payment.
I feel sorry that Chris Storrie has hurt himself.
But he has received medical treatment at our cost and not paid anything into the pot for his mode of transport.
And I do pay rego on a car as well.
So where is the difference?
Stephen Thorpe, Greerton
What jobs?
I read with interest the article "Employers crying out for workers" (Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, March 5).
Here's my (short) story.
After moving to Tauranga from Taupo and working in management for two years, I was made redundant.
After three months I got another fixed-term contract in a government job.
Since then I have only worked short-term positions.
I keep accurate records of every job I apply for, and every place I take my CV to.
During the 2010 year, the grand total I applied for is 100 jobs, got 11 interviews, and appointed to one position, which turned out to be short term. I have registered with most of the major recruitment agencies, and with many major companies via their recruitment website.
I have taken all the advice from the experts, and rewritten my CV and cover letter, and taken great care to fashion them according to the job I am applying for.
At 54 years old, a male, with 25 years of management and leadership experience but no tertiary qualifications, I guess the decision for future employers is easy.
That is despite the fact that I'm very experienced, highly skilled, reliable and keen to work.
Stephen Whitwell, Otumoetai
Monthly carnival
Re "Strand businesses under threat" (Bay of Plenty Times Weekend, March 12).
Do any of these elected representatives have any comprehension of the basic dynamics of running a business?
Generally, most Tauranga people still have an expectation of parking closely to their preferred shop, bar, restaurant.
We don't want to walk too far (inclement weather or undesirable situations).
Comfort is still expected.
If I have a contribution, why not close The Strand on the first weekend of each month and have an Easter-style carnival?
You would have the out of towners booking in their droves and the locals would support it.
Colin McGonagle, Otumoetai
Peters' column
I see that the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend has, on its "Opinion" page, two such articles - one by Winston Peters, the other by Dame Susan Devoy.
I understand and support the rationale for "outside" opinion.
But I consider it rather blatant politicising to have the leader of a political party being given free rein during an election year without, at least, a balancing "opinion" from an other political viewpoint.
Dame Susan is a worthy advocate for the "Kiwi battler" but she does not represent an alternative political "opinion" to Mr Peters.
Whether one agrees with Mr Peters' political views or no is not the issue.
Political balance, especially in an election year, is critical for a properly informed electorate.
By all means give any/all active or aspiring politicians a say in your paper, but please, let's have a fair playing field.
Geoffrey Fowler, Pyes Pa
Get a good share
I have seen the leader of the Act Party saying that mining for minerals in New Zealand and using open cast methods is okay.
Due to world population growing and demand increasing, it is probably possible that we will have to mine and sell the iron ore and gold and silver and other minerals found.
However, New Zealand must make sure that New Zealand gets a very good and large share of the profits of the ventures, so that all of the population of New Zealand share.
Our GST system could go against this. Manufacturers, whether of goods or service, can claim back the GST they pay on production costs, with the exception of wages and financial costs.
As goods, iron ore, gold, silver, coal and other minerals, are exported overseas they do not pay GST on the goods and service they export.
Therefore they could get GST refunds.
Tell the Government and others in power that, apart from the overseas companies, which will be in large numbers operating our minerals, claiming interest on loans sourced from probable overseas inter-related companies, that the minimum royalty will be the same as the rate of GST charged and if GST goes up so does the royalty.
Seems drastic?
Not really, as the Australian Government saw billions of dollars go out in dividends overseas and belatedly tried to put on an extra mining tax, but found out that they were too late and should have done it first.
Rex O'Connor, Tauranga
Text Views
* Re Tsunani warning sirens we are seeing a Council and councillors that operate on the basis of "management by crisis". This is not a viable way to run a city!
* We need sirens a special sound so no mistake mount papamoa and waterfrnnt tauranga specially in danger
* Bay sirens - tell us david stuart, how do we all head to the hills when the sirens go of? when its bad enough getting to work in the am on the one and only road out of the place.
* Sirens ok but give us some roads to get out of papamoa this is on your heads council
* Gr8 article by Richard Moore BoP Times 15/3. I went online fri nite 2 sign up 4 text alert. Cldn't find anything. Like Richard I don't sleep with computer on. C'mon civil defence BoP it shld be easy to set up. JUST DO IT
* If I was the mayor I wouldn't be hesitating around installing sirens and making sure the city has a clear and basic escape plan - but then again spending million's on hot pools is priority. The Mayor must stand up and lead from the front before we have another situation where we say "what if or if we had done that". For heavens sake's it's a real possibility not a knee jerk reaction.
* No we mounties didn't sleep well on friday nite after seeing tsunami in japan. Most homes have a mobile ph so why not txt alert?
* Re. Erthqakes. Sory guys our xperts r great after event. Logic sugest edgcum,white island an matata rumblin telin us sumtin. But hey i got no big educatn
* does ur scribe richard moore HAVE 2 live in papamoa or does he jst want everyone else 2 pay 4 that right. p
* 4mil donation 2 rebuild chch cathedral! Cmon pt it wea needed most - the people, the people, the people. Es b.
* Pity the cencus was canned. It wood hav opened a few of th powers that b just how many homes hav no computers. J.
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