The Weekend Sun (July 31) published a column by Bay of Plenty Mayor Garry Webber headed ‘Panepane Purakau – It's the right thing to do'.

We disagree.

Council staff have been consulting in secret with people on Matakana Island for four years so why is consultation with the rest of the district being rushed through in just one month during the run-up to a general election.

Council is going to hold three open days - at Opureora Marae on Matakana Island, at Omokoroa Boat Club and at Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club. The venues appear to have been chosen to make it as difficult as possible for Western Bay of Plenty residents and ratepayers to attend. None are planned for Katikati or Te Puke which are the district's two main population centres.

If it is the right thing to do why has there been so much secrecy and so little consultation?

Yours faithfully,

Keith Hay, Secretary Katikati - Waihi Beach residents and Ratepayers Association