I agree entirely with your editorial on June 20 (page 2, The Weekend Sun) about having the next America's Cup in Tauranga. It would be a huge event and inspire a lot of development, events and just plain fun.

I believe, though, that you failed to recognise what could be an insuperable obstacle, and that is our Tauranga City Council and their staff. Mr Bruce Plested in his Chairman's Annual Report to Mainfreight said in the context of politicians generally 'Too many of them ....are lost in platitudes, jokes, jibes, foxy words and sheer procrastination.” As well as that, a recent report on the Building Services Division of the council said they were authoritarian, inconsistent and would not listen to developers or builders.

By the time councillors have all mucked about, calling for reports, formed committees, held meetings and delayed any decision for as long as possible, years will have passed.

Add to that all the hurdles that their staff would throw up and the endless questions they would ask and we will be lucky to get the okay for the 2025 Cup matches. There is no doubt all the local iwi would want their say. Bear in mind, too, that this is an election year, and our national MPs will do nothing that might rock the boat and lose them votes.

R Osborne, Bethlehem.