Letters: Get along to Brave Hearts exhibition

Auckland Medical Museum Trust chairperson Dr Margaret Horsburgh with the containers that house the pop-up exhibition Brave Hearts - The New Zealand Cardiac Story. Photo/File

I encourage everyone to check out the "Brave Hearts" exhibition, currently located in the big red containers in Jean Batten Square (outside the public library). Admission for children is free and for adults, a gold coin entry fee – this money goes straight back into community projects through the Rotorua West Rotary Club who have been instrumental in bringing this exhibition to Rotorua.

The "Brave Hearts" exhibition takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of cardiac surgery and the significant contribution to these life-saving procedures made by New Zealanders. It is named "Brave Hearts" to acknowledge the brave patients (and their families) who allowed themselves to go forward for new, risky and unproven operations and procedures, as well as the brave medical professionals who had the skill and courage to attempt new and life-saving procedures.

You will see how your heart works through exhibits, videos and interactive screens and models. You will also learn what procedures are carried out to correct faults, together with accounts of the careers of the medical professionals who led the way in making New Zealand an international destination of choice, for those patients requiring heart surgery.

Especially fascinating are the personal stories of those whose lives were saved. Did you know that the first recipient of a heart transplant (Brian Lindsay – a young builder from Whangarei) received his heart from a Rotorua man – Bob Cobcroft?

As the song says "Anyone who has a heart" will find this exhibition both interesting and informative.

See you there.

Prue des Forges
Rotorua

No increase in number of bins

In response to a letter published online [November 3] titled "Rubbish bins an eyesore", we would like to reassure the community that council has not increased the number of permanent bins at the Lake Tarawera landing reserve.

After consultation with the local community association approximately two years ago, the four old green plastic bins and steel drums that were previously located along the lake edge were replaced with two general rubbish wheelie bins and a set of recycling bins. The extra wheelie bins referred to in the letter were placed there for the opening of the trout fishing season (1 October) and Council will remove them.

It is standard practice to provide extra rubbish disposal options at popular locations during busy periods. This is especially common at lakeside reserves during the summer months.

The council must balance practicality and aesthetics and experience has shown that people tend to use bins more if they are placed close to where they congregate.

Lake Tarawera landing is one area that has been identified for improvement within the $2 million lakes infrastructure enhancement budget set out in the 2018-2028 Long-term Plan. Landscaping and bin placement will be part of that work.

Stavros Michael
Infrastructure General Manager
Rotorua Lakes Council