Access to the playing fields is to be through narrow, quiet residential streets, adding traffic, noise and disruption where none now exists.
The playing fields and parking will need lighting and so the dark area will disappear.
Mature trees will be felled and the tui, korimako, piwakawaka, riroriro, tauhou, ruru and karearea will disappear as well as the many non-native bird species.
To develop a regional sports hub in the middle of a quiet, residential area doesn't make sense.
It should be developed on one of the main thoroughfares coming into the city where access is easy for travelling sportspeople and there is no disruption to local residents.
(Abridged)
Martin Pearce
Springfield
Long-term effects
As we look forward to more freedom post lockdown, we must also consider significant changes in our lives.
Humans are gregarious and socialising and physical contact is normal, can relieve stress, offer inspiration and is the reason for getting out of bed for many. Social interaction is one of the reasons for the success of the human race.
The spontaneity of popping out for coffee or lunch has been the foundation for many business successes and solved problems, and has been the inspiration for research breakthroughs.
The increased number of staff working from home will inevitably reduce the number of people in town socialising and shopping, thereby adding more nails into the coffin of retail and hospitality.
Increased online shopping might be easy but again lacks the all important socialising that has made the human race what it is.
It might sound trivial but it's impossible not to notice that personal care and presentation have slipped with the rise of online meetings.
The long-term consequences of working from home and the resultant social isolation are likely to negatively impact on mental and physical health including business relationships, personal relationships and family dynamics.
Paddi Hodgkiss
Rotorua
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