The biggest asset this region has is Tauranga Harbour. The health of the harbour is a measure of our collective efficiency.
High run-off nutrients in the harbour mean reduced profits. It is very inefficient for nutrients to wash away, only then needing to add nutrients back to the land.
This on-going cycle also degrades our beautiful harbour, and impacts on fish stocks and total biodiversity of wildlife.
So what is the solution, it is not penalties or more red tape, but education - lots of it - and ongoing.
This needs to be multimedia education with free public workshops, newspaper and billboard campaigns, and programmes through the schools on the care of our waterways.
This is an issue, not about blame, but one that we all need to take ownership of through the fostering of long term investment strategies for the future.
Sustainable change only occurs when consulting with, and carrying the community alongside.
We need councillors that truly serve and are the voice of their constituents.

Tim Short, Ohauiti Hills.