Tenby Powell is a proven leader who came to the mayoralty only to find a group of disgruntled councillors determined to sabotage his every move.

Hollis, Grainger, Morris, Robson and Kiddie have consistently voted against his initiatives - not because of what they believe is good for Tauranga, but for personal, political gain. Some appear to speak against the mayor on principle, purely to be divisive and to position themselves for the next election.

If I were Tenby Powell, I'd have used a few choice words too, out of intense frustration in what were considered private messages.

To those in the faction, make decisions on your own, not as a group. If you were beaten in the mayoral race, show us you can be team players. Move on and do what's right for the city.

To the mayor, you've not lost the community, Tenby. We want your leadership and business skills, especially when tough decisions must be made to lead the way out of the financial mess you inherited.

There are thousands of us out here who support you.

Kia kaha.

S Turner-Smith, Omanu