I am writing in support of letters from C Humphreys and R Paterson (The Weekend Sun, June 1).

Thank goodness we have people like this in our community with such wisdom and clarity of vision and the courage to express their thoughts so well.

The Western Bay council support of a minority view from someone in Local Government NZ begs a serious question: why?

Western Bay support of that minority, only two days before the majority view in the poll was known was, in my opinion, pathetic. It treated the people who voted them in with contempt and disrespect and showed a total lack of democratic principles. Let's deal with them next election.

Separatism and apartheid, as trotted out by some, is repulsive to any fair-thinking Kiwi from all races, ethnic backgrounds or skin colour.

I sometimes question the freedom and balance of reporting in some parts of the press, with good reason. I take my hat off to The Weekend Sun for their impartiality, and chance for people of various opinions to express their view. Congratulations! Letters to the editor are the first things I read and need to provide the opportunity for free expression. Keep up the good work!

N Mayo, Katikati.