Diane Jeffery (The Weekend, September 27) doesn't know how well off we are for parking at the Tauranga Hospital.
Diane, the security guards are friendly and helpful. Try dropping your parents at the front door; park your car – even on the lower level, and use the excellent lift up to the hospital level – then do the reverse when they're finished. Much better than in Christchurch where you not only pay to park, but have to walk through underground tunnels to the parking building.
And you've taken them twice since June...you poor thing.
The husband of an elderly couple I know has had weekly outpatient visits for some five years now...no complaints. And parking is much better now than five years ago.
Additionally, the current Bay of Plenty District Health Board CEO has said while he is there, he will endeavour to ensure parking remains free.
Most people I know hope it remains so.
Your parents paid $50 for what sounds like a disability-parking card. They obviously qualified; so use it and don't complain. There are many elderly who can't afford even that amount, even though they would qualify.
Alternatively, try checking out the various health shuttles that operate around the Bay of Plenty.
Many service clubs from outlying townships also run health shuttles.
If your parents are lucky enough to be Maori, phone the taxpayer-funded Kaitiaki Nursing Services trust. They may be able to help.
If current and previous governments, hadn't continued pouring taxpayer funds into a racist Treaty ‘gravy train', there'd be ample funds for DHBs to build high-rise parking buildings without charges to users.

G Allan, Matua.