Followers on Facebook were left in no doubt at the anger and frustration expressed by locals and visitors with their New Year experience at Mount Maunganui. An iconic NZ event enjoyed by thousands over the years, dead, along with the famous happy, fun Mount holiday vibe.

Typical comments were 'council overkill”, 'aged society, no fun allowed”, 'the Fun Sponges have killed the place”, 'Not returning till the festival returns”, 'Boring Mount”, 'So, so sad”, 'Police are happy, easy for them”, Mount oldies like it quiet”.

There was wasted expense on security measures, road closures and fence barricades. Fireworks and entertainment was for Tauranga and Papamoa, and there were more than 30 empty camp sites on New Year's Day at the once famous Mount camp site.

Mount land was sold to build unsafe, slippery sea steps in the CBD. A water park was permitted in a high rip tide zone that should be in Pilot Bay. Controls on what you can and can't do galore.

Fellow Mounties it is time for action. We have no voice at any council table as both of our ward councillors are die-hard Papamoa residents. The by-election offers an opportunity for a local to put their hand up.

M O'Neill, Mount Maunganui