Do we want a repeat of a Rena-type shipping disaster in our Bay of Plenty waters? No, we don't.
Never again.
There is a solution and that is ‘Dedicated Shipping Lanes' - demand candidates lobby for this.
As a candidate, I've been lobbying for this for several months. The jurisdiction of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council extends up to 50km offshore. So how do Dedicated Shipping Lanes help?
They mean careless captains cannot chart their own route along our coast. It creates Shipping Traffic Control and a prescribed seaway, slso slowing ships - a small compromise.
Very successful Port of Tauranga is only going to increase in ship visits.
We need councillors that really care. This issue of Dedicated Shipping Lanes is one that we cannot afford to dilly-dally over - there is too much at risk for business and the environment.

Tim Short, Ohauiti Hills.