I have read two articles recently regarding the Te Puke Song Contest.

Both contributors were under the impression the 15 performers at the open air concert on August 28 were finalists.

Some may have been. I was invited and did not perform. My helpers were unavailable – jobs to hold down; lives to lead.

There are others like us who sent in songs, but because of time, distance or inclination did not perform.

We knew, as did all other contestants, that the Te Puke Development Group selection panel had made their decision prior to the concert.

There may or may not have been some form of ranking attached to the invites – and others may have been shuffled to fill the time slot?

Your readers will be thinking, ‘Here are sour grapes talking'.

I hope not, or maybe just a little – Robert Rakete won, the selection panel chose his song.

That is now part of history.

My suggestion here though; is a tad mischievous. What I would like to know is why are no Te Puke businesses using any part of the selected song when advertising? I listen to radio and hear Te Puke businesses advertise often. Three months have passed since the song contest; does this not pose an important question?

Could some publicly minded Te Puke person please ask sponsors of the initiative – if they are receiving value from their contributions. And ask why other Te Puke Businesses have not climbed on board?

We the readers would like to know. By the way, my song has me wanting to come live in Te Puke and should be on YouTube very soon.

J Trounson, Tauranga


Response from Mark Boyle, Te Puke EDG:

Song entrants were invited to perform at Jubilee Park prior to announcing the winner. Many accepted, and their participation capped off what was a positive initiative that celebrated Te Puke, our goodness and the unique place we hold in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty.

Retailers along with any other sector, community groups and individuals are welcome to use the song. It is freely available online. The sponsors of the song competition and our community at large are overwhelmingly positive about the event and the winning song. Te Puke people across all walks of life are positive, motivated and successful.

That's why we consistently overachieve on the international stage.

Goodness really does grow here.