I think the walkway along the waterfront is a great idea, but I do understand how a small number of residents would feel unhappy – imagine if the council decided to build a path right outside your house, between you and the best view you have.

Yes, you would be unhappy. But I think that the thing to remember here is that climate change is a reality that is here to stay. Most scientists agree that sea levels will rise, although they don't agree by how much and when.

The people who live along the proposed walkway will, at some point, be coming to the Tauranga City Council asking for protection against the tides that are a few centimetres or even half a metre higher.

They will want sea walls and rocks to protect their property. The walkway would give them that right now and in return we get to have a great walkway too.

Guy Hobson, Brookfield