I witnessed first-hand the events on Wednesday, May 26, at the Tauranga Ratepayers Alliance launch.

What needs to be said, is the events leading up to the negative response to Kimiora Williams Te Reo Maori greeting.

The first three speakers were Peter Williams, Simon Bridges and Jordan Williams; all of whom were quite fluent in their deliveries, setting up a steady flow of engaged listening.

Kimiora Williams was then introduced as the Tauranga Ratepayers Alliance spokesperson, the first person to speak from the Group Steering Committee.

The audience was all ears as I know I was, but unfortunately Kimiora spent at least 50 seconds searching the stage as though she had lost something and then had trouble with the microphone.

Her first words of formal greeting were then in Maori, which led to an instant heckle from some in the right front quadrant.

I am sure this would not have happened if Kimiora had not had the prior time-lapsing difficulties on stage.

I wish Kim and her team every success in kerbing the ridiculous proposed residential rate increases on our residents, who are already paying more than in the other five main centres.

Doug Morris, Tauranga.