As a dedicated reader of www.sunlive.co.nz I have been left flabbergasted. The story ‘An accident waiting to happen' says Mobil was fined $288,000 for the April 27, 2014, oil spill into Tauranga Harbour.
But what gets my goat is that while Judge Jeff Smith said during the sentencing of Mobil in Tauranga oil spill was an accident waiting to happen – the ratepayers will still have foot some of the bill of Bay of Plenty Regional Council's prosecution costs.
Why? Mobil was fined $288,000 for the spill – and 90 per cent of the fine will go to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to help offset the more than $300,000 cost of the prosecution.
Why the heck should us ratepayers have to meet this shortfall?
Why didn't the Judge fine Mobil the exact amount it cost the council to take the prosecution?
What is wrong with the court system in this country? Enough is enough – ratepayers need to stand up to this practice where we are always expected to pick up the costs of other enterprises' wrongdoings.

K Morland, Katikati.