I have just come back from a third world country with a better roading structure than ours.
Government-funded of course, but not with half their road income siphoned off to fund no-hopers.
The South Island boasts good roads, but also a ‘bridge to nowhere'.
Western Bay has a new Tauranga Eastern Link, in my opinion, originating from political pressure, with a 'road to nowhere”, with less traffic than Tauranga to Waihi Rd. Where is our local and central government support for a higher traffi c road count?
Just remember local body elections are coming in October and a knife-edge general election for central government will be next year. Time is long overdue for ordinary people to make their voice heard. Where is our Katikati bypass?
We all know this would not be the total answer, but hell, it would help.
So would Thompsons Track to the Waikato. Half an hour saved to Hamilton – it's only had a 100-year gestation period!
And it could be funded as a toll road with a public/private arrangement, without New Zealand Transport Agency funding.
Our ratepayers group have some good ideas, listen to them. Help this lovely area, and vote, vote, vote in October.
Don't let me, or Katikati down.

N Mayo, Katikati.