I note that on Saturday, January 4, the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman has once again taken place and totally filled up a space that would be full up anyway, even without the event.

I don't know who is contracted to run the event, but some time ago they were seeing sense and holding the race later in the month when holidaymakers had gone back to work and there was room at Downtown the Mount for people to enjoy themselves without the huge crowds, blocked roads and flying sweat from the event's runners and cyclists.
Plus, when held later, the people who wanted to watch the race had room to do so. Don't try to tell me that the runners are of huge economic benefit to the region, because when they come, they run and then they go and spend sweet all. Of course there is some economic benefit, but not really what the surveys try and tell us.

Then again, I won't worry about it because I don't live down there and home is a great place to stay in these busy times.

Joye Adams, Mount Maunganui.