New Mayor Tenby Powell's plan to achieve a more harmonious and less divided city were quickly derailed at the council's swearing-in ceremony by an activist tearing down the Treaty of Waitangi wall hangings for reasons he found difficult to explain, and during Andrew Hollis's swearing-in, some Maori walking out, and Buddy Mikaere standing and pointing to the door.

These kind of antics and discourtesy don't bode well for Mayor Powell's hopes for the future.

Andrew Hollis received over 7500 votes. Does Mikaere need reminding that is more than six times that which he received? Hollis rightly pointed out that freedom of speech is a right, being offended is a choice. As for Puhirake Ikaka's claim that Hollis's views are predetermined, can he not see the irony that views are equally predetermined.

I believe that Hollis will bring a focus to Iwi-Council relations that they are not just about iwi's aspirations but must also need a buy-in from ratepayers and the wider community, including an acceptance that their views must also be part of the dialogue.

Tenby Powell's desire to build a bridge is commendable, but it has to be a place where people meet, not an expectation of one-way traffic.

Richard Prince, Welcome Bay