It is Carol Webb's prerogative to rail against the project, but it is important also not to misrepresent the facts.
If Carol Webb has a legitimate interest in the issues that arise from this proposal, Neville Johnson and/or I am very happy to sit down with her (or any other party for that matter) to have an open dialogue on those issues.
NIK ZANGOUROPOULOS
Project Director, Midwest Ferries Ltd
Not negative
I would like to query Simon Water's comment in his editorial of May 18 as "hot dog on a stick" being derogatory.
That is Simon's language, not mine.
My intent was not negative. I was stating my experience of food trucks in Whanganui -- not food vendors. Big difference.
If Whanganui had a local "Lucky Taco" food truck or similar, I would have hired them. I am passionate about Whanganui and looked local first and could not find what was required.
And please do not confuse loyalty with good business practice.
If a food purveyor, or any business, offers superior service with quality products that people wish to purchase, they will thrive.
KATHY CUNNINGHAM
Director Empire Public Relations
Plan anomalies
Re the council's draft annual plan: I can't help but notice some ridiculous anomalies among their proposals, eg ratepayers contributing $1 million towards the velodrome roof, which the users of this facility will expect to use for free.
On the other hand, we have the Wharf St boat ramp, which I understand was built by the fishing fraternity and now the council wants to charge them for the use of it.
Meanwhile the arty-arties have continued to get ratepayer funding for the glassworks and Sarjeant Gallery and, of course, those other freeloaders, the cyclists with their free cycleways.
In the meantime, we have the Wakefield St bridge with about one year to go, and then what?
We have flooding problems in Anzac Parade, Putiki and Wikitoria Rd.
The velodrome roof should have been a part of the original build at the outset, not years down the track when the cost has skyrocketed.
So let's apply some boat ramp rules to some of these beneficiaries of the ratepayers of this city.
A BARRON
Aramoho
Apathy costs
As each chief signed the Treaty of Waitangi on February 6, 1840, Governor Hobson greeted them: "He iwi tahi tatou" (We are now one people).
For the past 30 years, Hobson's declaration: "We are now one people," has been slowly eroded and is speeding up like a slow-moving freight train that has gained so much momentum it is totally out of control and heading for disastrous consequences for all who call New Zealand home.
This beautiful country, once united under one treaty and one law, has become almost irrevocably divided.
One people has become the great divide.
I know I am not alone in thinking like this, so why aren't more people speaking out about the daily reported situations that constantly contribute to this great divide?
According to the 2013 Census reports 607,035 people aged 65-plus reside in New Zealand.
The majority of these are the centre of influence to generations below them.
So why are we not sharing our life experiences of the past 45 years, based on the truth of the Treaty, life in communities as one people, Maori myths etc.
Why are we not expressing that, in our opinion, what is happening in New Zealand regarding Maori rights is wrong and why we believe it is wrong?
A couple of days ago, Leighton Smith summed it up in one word: Apathy, or the lack of interest, the absence of the wish to do anything.
It seems the majority of people, aged 65-plus, owning their homes, not in business or employment, aren't concerned with the everyday happenings within the country.
Further, they seem to think whatever happens will not have a long-term effect on them, so why get involved?
Better to just live a quiet life and shut out what's happening.
Why does this generation have this attitude?
The constant fear of being called "racist" in a politically correct, mad world, tired of farting against thunder, being ridiculed and verbally abused, are some of the reasons.
But it is also apathetic, and that could cost our lovely country and its people dearly!
It is our duty to stand up and be counted.
DERRICK STOREY
Marton
