It is with sadness I note that the Minden Lookout is joining many others round the country where the view is becoming obscured by vegetation.

When it was originally built by the local Lions Club, the lookout offered magnificent 270 degree views and was a ‘must' when showing the district to visitors.

Sadly, trees have been allowed to grow to the point where the panorama is now badly restricted.

Blocked out is the south-east view to Mount Otanewainuku and across the Mamaku Plateau towards Rotorua.

Likewise the view northward up the coast towards Whangamata is fast disappearing.
This problem is not limited to the Minden. Huka Falls lookouts are fast becoming restricted by trees.

Likewise the view across the Rangatiki Gorge from State Highway 1 on the Mangawekas, and formerly magnificent views of Parengarenga Harbour on the road to North Cape - to name just a few.

Respect for native trees is all very well. But their place is not in front of lookouts and viewing platforms.

D H Blanshard, Welcome Bay.