Letters: Councillor's view disappointing

Rotorua Lakefront. Photo/File

Councillor Bentley's letter (August 20) regarding the Lakefront redevelopment expresses a view that he is entitled to have, but he failed to represent that view and vote accordingly, either at the SP&F Committee deliberations, or at the council's adoption of the LTP and its funding plan on June 28. Only councillor Rob Kent voted against adopting the LTP.

The Lakefront redevelopment was well supported by elected members of the council and its advisory boards in workshops, received overwhelming support in public engagement around the LTP, and is endorsed by the Bay of Connections, along with the Whakarewarewa Forest redevelopment, as two projects in the Regional Visitor Economy Strategy worthy of support from the Provincial Growth Fund.

Peter acknowledges the multitude of plans for the Lakefront that have gathered dust over the past, and he acknowledges the area looks tired. In addressing the Regional Growth Forum here this month, minister Shane Jones said the Lakefront's application for funding needed to show it could deliver on "pace and quality". A "refresh" will simply not cut it.

So it distresses me, that while an application to secure funding from the PGF is actively under consideration, proposing to transform the Lakefront to stimulate significant private investment and economic development, a massive opportunity for Rotorua, this councillor is belatedly expressing a contrary view. Disappointing!
Dave Donaldson
Economic Development Portfolio Lead
Rotorua Lakes Council

UK footballers

I offer no opinion either way on Mr Adams' assertion that the All Blacks deserve better funding (Letters, August 28). I do, however, have an opinion on his view that "these men are 10 times the men that UK footballers claim to be".

Firstly, none of us know what kind of man UK footballers claim to be but more relevantly, I don't feel it pertinent to compare sporting disciplines.

Look at the salaries that elite basketball players are paid, likewise baseball. The markets are what they are and there's no putting the lid back on the box.
William Wright
Glenholme

Health system care

In this past year of motor neurone disease, I have been the grateful recipient of care from our public health system. I am tended by many arms of that health system, from inpatient interventions and outpatient reviews to home visits by district nursing and hospice.

I have been provided with various machines and medications and assistive communication devices to give me quality in this diminishing life.

Thank you to all the "health team" that has helped me along this journey. Kindness has been your hallmark. Thank you to our Government, which puts dollars into compassionate health provision. Thank you especially to the staff who sing a beautiful morning waiata in the hospital atrium, lifting the spirits of inpatients. Rotorua can be proud.

Undergirded by these extensive services, I go well. I walk with my Saviour, encircled by the love of many. I go very well.
Kirsty Gerlach
Rotorua