A selection of letters to the editor. Have your say by clicking the link at the bottom of this page. Please also see letters rules at the bottom of this page.
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In response to recent criticism of the walking track around Lake Tarawera, I'd like to say that many of the Lake Tarawera locals (also ratepayers) are supportive and excited about having such a stunning walking track in our area.
The two weekends of rain that caused the slip on the track were the result of exceptional and unprecedented amounts of rainfall. It caused other huge slips in our residential area that I have never seen in the 30 years that I have lived here. It would have been impossible for the Department of Conservation to have anticipated that.
Yes, there will be some changes as we share our lake environment with the many trampers, but the positive effects of having the track will far outweigh the negative ones.
As keen trampers, we have walked many tracks in both islands which have been successfully constructed in similar terrain. We also know that trampers, generally, are respectful and appreciative of these beautiful environments the tracks are in.LIZ SIMS and
MIKE SAVAGE
Tarawera
At a time the country is in need of a boost in morale and employment, why is the Government so reticent to intervene and stop the building and supply of KiwiRail locomotives and rolling stock going offshore, [with the loss of 70 positions] thereby preserving and possibly creating jobs for both Hillside and Wellington?
Is it due to obligation and/or pressure from the major financial creditors [of the country] to buy from them? I believe any claim of New Zealand not having the expertise or skills is nothing but eyewash to cover the true reason.
The Government becoming the major shareholder in New Zealand's largest private company, through the purchase by the Reserve Bank a SOE, of 275 million shares in Fletcher Building poses two questions; Why was it not announced through the news media? And where did the $2 billion plus come from? Based on Fletcher shares trading about $8.50.
JAMES MEGSON
Rotorua
Once again I saw a near-miss on a pedestrian crossing.
A man wearing a bright yellow shirt was on the crossing. First a courier van failed to stop, then there was a sudden slam on the brakes by another car which stopped within two metres of the man.
In cities like Sydney, Toronto and New York you just walk straight out onto a pedestrian crossing and drivers will stop. Why? Because it's the law and if they don't, the penalties are very harsh, not a slap on the hand like in New Zealand.
Many Kiwi drivers do stop, but the numbers who don't is sickening. Some people drive around with their head in the clouds while others, I think, are just stupid.
Here's an idea for the Government - get some plain clothes police and do a blitz on those who fail to stop. Also put the fine up to $200. The overseas debt could be paid off within a few weeks.
The way people drive on our roads is not good enough. I wish Todd McClay and the Government would actually do something about the slack way some people drive. The penalty for hitting someone on a crossing, as long as the pedestrian doesn't just run out, should be attempted manslaughter. If someone is killed, it should be manslaughter.
That should make a lot more people stop for pedestrians who use these crossings the correct way.
(Abridged)
DENE MANN
Rotorua
Great to see the profile of Wayne Werder, CEO of Sport BOP, in The Daily Post a few days ago.
He's definitely one of the good guys with a real active vision and a great person to deal with.
GRAEME SIMPSON
Sweden
Great to see our MP of Rotorua at work - not. Please concentrate on spending our taxpayer money on more important issues.
Rotorua/Kawerau area needs more help with education and health - you know, the real issues.
This bill [to ban the wearing of gang regalia in hospitals, schools and government departments] you are chasing in an election year is all you can do? Push for our lower income families who are going to be losing even more in retrospect to your policies if re-elected. There are far more pressing issues than where you can wear a [gang] patch.
Under your government we will lose more on KiwiSaver, Working For Families and help for our elderly.
Stop mucking around with stupid policies that aren't going anywhere but around in circles.
(Abridged)
STUART McNICHOLL
Rotorua
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