Recently you published a ‘Straight from City Council' article (June 12, although the article actually reads that low TCC residential rates are a myth) that suggested we were wrong in thinking that Tauranga has the highest council rates in New Zealand.

I recently moved to here from Christchurch and found that the rates here are indeed higher. To make the difference even worse is the fact that water and three bin kerbside collection are included in Christchurch rates unlike here where water is rated separately and you have to pay for rubbish collection as well.

It would appear that council staff give council some flawed ideas to consider as well such as the upgrades to Kulim Park, Wharf Street and Elizabeth Street costing several millions of dollars which could be better spent on providing better services for ratepayers. These upgrades will only benefit a small number of ratepayers as parking is at a premium, even now, let alone when some parking is removed during these upgrades.

Come on council do not let staff bring you any more wasteful ideas to spend our money on.

W. Gordon Gate Pa