Letters to the editor

Cities amalgamation a must
On June 15, MP Stuart Nash and an anonymous sender of a text message spoke out against amalgamation of the Hawke's Bay cities of Hastings and Napier.
Mr Nash spoke of no evidence of lost opportunities due to the ongoing internecine warfare between the two cities.
I cite two very expensive sewage treatment plants where one would suffice, the lost opportunity for a Hawke's Bay University and the on-going waste of energy with regard to Hawke's Bay Hospital.
There are other regional issues that affect our quality of life.
The development of a Regional Sports Park, Velodrome and Olympic swimming pool. The development of a regional response to clean rivers and lakes that we can swim in over summer (have a look at the Tukituki in January), the regional consideration of the quality of life of all of us privileged to live in Hawke's Bay.
If you drive along the expressway in the morning or evening it is obvious, from the volume of traffic in both directions, that we are part of one community.
It is long past time we began to think and act like one community and that the governance of this economically underperforming region reflects this. Why is it that the average income of Hawke's Bay employees is close to the lowest in NZ?
Amalgamation is a first important step for a change that will benefit us all.
S Nichols, Hastings
Left behind
Once again the amalgamation issue is raised. Should we or shouldn't we? Will we or won't we? Some want it, some don't.
However, from one who never wanted to see it happen, was adamant that it was the last thing I wanted for our cities, I have the sense to succeed we must - having seen the climate and become genuinely concerned for the progress of "Hawke Bay", having watched how and where the elusive dollar from Government is distributed, where growth and progress are being achieved. Other areas are looking towards amalgamation. They know that unless this is evolved, they too will miss out.
I am aware that local mayors are for and against, as are the councillors. The population is also divided. The negatives must surely be the size of Hastings' debt. The worry that a multi-million dollar museum is being built so close to the sea with the weather events that have happened and are happening. The continual pay increases in the "mayoral" pay packets - for what? - Omahu Rd upgrades that go on forever. The increase in rates when we in Hawke's Bay have such high unemployment. What happened to cutting your cloth to fit the pattern? Silly me, of course, the over-worked, under-paid mayor and councillors mustn't lose their comfortable lifestyles - well some - most anyway.
If amalgamation isn't achieved and soon, I believe from observation this area, my area, will be left behind big time by Government. Others will prosper while we continue to struggle.
One council, one mayor, all of these already receiving a pay that would cover the amalgamation re-structure in this area.
Instead of all the department double-ups, a restructure that's positive and visionary. Restructure of councillor numbers - not 24 or 36 but a knowledgeable working panel of 12-14 only.
Let us look outside the square and look to the future with hope. Let the Hawke's Bay and its people be given the opportunities that amalgamation will bring, certainly from the Government. Look at who are at the helm where our debts are. Who are the leaders and crews? Ask who are the ones that speak in the negative. Question why you, the rate-payers, are paying them the wages they are getting, and for what.
Then look at the savings and the growth and future that can be achieved with amalgamation. Out with the old, the ones that are warming well-paid seats, and bring in the achievers with vision and ability whose only want is success for our beautiful Hawke's Bay.
Those who don't want pay increases infinitum for nothing. Who can achieve debt reduction, growth, success, and have knowledge of the people they serve. Knowing that rate increases for people - citizens who are financially stressed - is unacceptable.
Who see the whole picture and possibilities. Who are positive - the "we can" not the "we can't".
Who see the beautiful Hawke's Bay and want its survival where the major complaint is positiveness and success from visionary people who only want the best bite of Government's ever decreasing cherry before its too late.
Denyse Watkins, Havelock North
Bus drivers
It was with utter astonishment I read the letter in Hawke's Bay Today about the bus drivers not being polite and obliging.
I am 81 years old and have travelled on the buses all my life. I have always found the drivers of Go Buses polite, helpful and obliging.
I am very sorry that the letter writer has said this about them.
Rita Coates, Taradale
Obey road rules
I'm all for cyclists bicycling their merry way to work. Saving fuel, keeping fit, reducing nasty omissions in the air we breathe ... go you fit and responsible things!
However, and yes there is a however, to those cyclists that claim ``equal rights'' on the roads as us vehicle drivers and consistently flout and break the basic rules of the road -shame on you!
Wednesday morning, driving to work behind one of these ''amazing'' cyclists doing his bit for his health, budget and contribution to our environment, I was rendered speechless when I saw this gentleman turn right off Taradale Rd into the Onekawa industrial area when he had a red light telling him to halt! Unreal! He's so invincible!
When he gets bowled over I pray to God he doesn't attempt an ACC claim which us responsible road users contribute to.
This gentleman truly falls into the pond life category that my dear friends in the London police refer to! Wake up buddy - I pray you read this and save your indestructible life, as well as our money. What a fool you are. Speechless - you are truly dicing with death and more. Think before you next don your clips and helmet.
Susanne Bonner, Napier