Letters: Alternative views to Te Ngae traffic woes

Finding myself in the queue on a busy Te Ngae Rd, I wonder how many drivers relate their time spent waiting in traffic with the removal of the Rotorua Eastern Arterial (REA).

Your recent correspondent (Paddi Hodgkiss, January 18) has obviously made the connection as she asks, "Why was the eastern arterial canned?"

This question could be answered many different ways depending on the outcome one may be seeking. For instance, if I was an opposition party member I would lay blame on local MP Todd McClay who convinced NZTA to revisit the Te Ngae Rd option, "Whilst NZTA's preferred option is the Rotorua Eastern Arterial route, I believe that a Te Ngae Rd upgrade could also meet increased demand."

Other perspectives include some members of the Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers who, not surprisingly, blame current mayor Steve Chadwick. However Paddi Hodgkiss, the answer as to why the REA was canned is simple. Under the existing Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 Maori reservations are inalienable for public works purposes, (Grace vs Minister for Land Information 2014). So the only available option was Te Ngae Rd.

I'm not a member of a political party and never likely to be a member of the RDRRs, but as a hapu member of Ngati Hurunga Te Rangi, I commend both mayor Chadwick and Mr McClay for continuing their commitment towards upgrading Te Ngae Rd and ensuring that we have an efficient, effective eastern corridor.
MICHAEL STAITE
Rotorua

Traffic woes
It is my view that there is very little that can be done to a roundabout that would solve the traffic problems that can only get worse as our city grows.

If the powers that be really want to fix it then leave the roundabout as it is and build a two lane each way flyover over the roundabout.

With that, the straight through traffic either way can continue non-stop while Te Ngae and Lakes traffic can use an uncluttered roundabout. A bit more money but the question remains, do they want to fix the problem or not?
TOM HAYES
Rotorua

Hard work pays off
Your columnist, Rosemary McLeod, ought to look into Mr Hart's background before passing judgment (January 18).

He came from very humble beginnings and made his wealth himself with great care and without wasting money on worthless self indulgence. He does not waste money, nor does he advertise his good works.

How many people in our "impoverished" 30 per cent have thought about spending the equivalent of rent or mortgage repayments on cigarettes, alcohol and soft drinks or considered how many children they can afford after bailing out of the education system early?

It's becoming ever harder to afford property but the only way to avoid poverty is to keep your nose to the grindstone, avoid waste, stay focused and encourage children to do the same. Inside every one of us is a potential Mr Hart so let's stop whinging and expecting the country to provide.
RICHARD KEAN
Ngongotaha

Free water
With all of the "hoo-ha" that is going to press about increased pressures on our infrastructures with the increasing number of freedom campers, I am questioning why nothing is being done by the council to stop freedom campers stealing our drinking water.

After all, the council makes me pay for mine?
JOSEPH GIELEN
Glenholme