We are expected to believe that the recent oil spill by the Liloa in the harbour was news to the Regional Council chairman when contacted by the media - yeah right! We are also expected to believe that the decision that it should be kept hush unless someone asked about, didn't have political fingerprints all over it - yeah right!

The reality is that CEOs of political organisations are required to keep their political masters informed of any incident that could be a media story. In an election year, directives are issued that there be 'no surprises” that could embarrass the chair and the board.

Last week the Council was also embarrassed about the possible downgrading of the Astrolabe Reef from ‘Outstanding Natural Character', because of the Rena which the council had the power to pre-empt and had done nothing. A downgrading could mean that the insurer would not be required to totally remove the Rena.

So now, together with this embarrassment about the silence of an oil spill in the harbour, what on earth is going on at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council?

I'm not talking about the very fine hardworking staff, but the Board Governance. Following Rena, I would have thought there would have been protocols put in place for future events, no matter how small. What representations has the board been making to the Minister for Maritime about 'Dedicated Shipping Lanes” to New Zealand's busiest port. Come on Mr Chair, let's end this shroud of secrecy, the public expect answers and openess.

Tim Short, Ohauiti Hills.