Letters: Rates unclear when it comes to museum

We will all have received our rates assessments by now but I see no mention of the one-off $14.50 museum repair targeted rate that we were informed was to be added this year. Can someone please tell me, has that amount simply been absorbed into the general rate or was the proposal canned but without the public being told? I doubt the latter because any announcement concerning a rates cut would have been made with serious fanfare, full-page announcements and glossy fliers.

If it has been absorbed into the general rate, that means the percentage rates rise has increased and we should be told that.

Does it also mean that as we didn't officially get hit with the "museum targeted rate this year" but still have to pay the $14.50, will we cop it next year?

Just wondering.

PADDI HODGKISS
Rotorua

As a social housing initiative consideration should be made towards tent cities. With global warming causing a better ambient temperature the outdated view that living in a tent for most of the year should be reconsidered. The cost-to-benefit ratio of enabling small communities of people to live in a communal tent setting is a bold idea. These tents are often luxurious and are often used as hotel rooms around the world, being semi self-contained they are available for token amounts and with a spectacular backdrop as seen in Rotorua and nearby water sources, this would suit society's most vulnerable.

Employment could be had in recycling e-waste or planting seeds in trays with a microcosm type scheme in place to reward its inhabitants.

The sustainability options are endless with solar power often in-built into these luxurious tents, the quality of life to be had in a part-ownership plan with land owners and council would suit those who are facing a more dire situation living on the streets. Facilities do not necessarily have to be communal, an independent outdoor shower and toilet come secondary to some tent packages and offer attractive packages for bulk orders. An open fire is also not a threat to the safety of the occupants as they are often treated with fire retardant conditioners, providing the dwellers a form of entertainment and light relief for their disadvantage.

KURT HOFFMANN
Rotorua