Letters to Editor: Central plaza traffic | Hawkes Bay Opinion | Local Voices from Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Keep traffic away from central plaza

I recently had the pleasure of sitting in the shade in the Hastings central plaza and thought what a wonderful area this is. It must rank as one of the showplaces of our fair city.

Then it suddenly dawned on me that there are people out there who want to take a retrograde leap into the past and allow traffic to drive the length of Heretaunga St.

Why I ask? There are two large car parks just behind this retail area, cheaper than parking meters.

The trouble is that some people are too damned lazy too walk.

You see them driving around supermarket parks to get as close to the front as they can and then they use the disabled or pregnant women parks.

Just plain lazy.

I don't wonder that we are, or have become, an obese nation.

Council - don't even think about it. But then I don't think you will - hopefully.

John E Doig, Hastings

Focus on good things

I was highly disappointed to get Thursday's paper dated February 16 and see on the front page headlines "Judge sends 16 gangsters to jail" then a full write-up and photo about them. How disgraceful is that.

There are plenty of more interesting happenings on in Hawke's Bay with Art Deco than having a write-up about criminals on the front page.

At present, we are hosting a lot of overseas visitors to our town, so make them feel more interesting and comfortable in our wonderful Hawke's Bay.

Carol Murfitt, Taradale

Editor's note: While the timing might not have been brilliant as Art Deco Weekend had begun, the jailing of 16 gang members by a High Court judge is a story of national significance.

Hastings staff rude

Recently I was in the Hastings AA Centre with my child who was sitting their learner's licence.

There was another young lady also sitting her licence. I was appalled at how rude and noisy the staff were.

They were unfriendly, looked like they couldn't be bothered when the young lady asked for help, by clicking a pen the whole time they were talking to her.

The computer for the learner's test is situated right next to the counter so there was a lot of distraction with noise from customers as well as staff. I told my child after they failed the test that there is no way anyone could pass a test in an environment like this, young or old.

The young lady was on her third attempt when we left.

We decided to go to the Napier AA Centre and what a difference. The staff were friendly, pleasant and helpful. The test station was situated at the far end of the room with the person's back to the counter and door. My child passed the test with flying colours.

The Hastings AA needs to change where they have put the test station and staff need to be renewed or taught how to be sensitive, helpful and a lot quieter.

Is the only way the AA makes its money is by making a lot of noise so people fail and have to keep coming back? It is appalling.

C Williams, Hastings

Response from AA: We are disappointed to hear that a customer had an unfortunate experience at our Hastings AA Centre.

AA staff are mindful of those sitting the test and do try to keep noise to a minimum and behave in a courteous and professional manner. I apologise if the customer did not feel this was case during their child's test.

The booth in which motorists sit their driving tests is located close to AA staff so they can effectively supervise the tests.

Glenys Gray, AA district manager, Hawke's Bay

Talk to each other

Given the historical strong support by Napier for the Park Island Regional Hockey Centre, HB Hockey and Napier's $500k signalled support for a third turf at Park Island, it is surprising that Mayor Yule, the Regional Sports Park Trust and HB Hockey haven't even included Napier in the planning and discussion for the proposed international turf at the regional sports park.

If we really are serious about being a forward-thinking region that works together and develops regional sporting capability, then we have to start talking to each other in the planning process rather than letting our regional colleagues hear about the individual plans in the press.

As with all relationships, trust, openness and honesty are key parts that need to be earned and not taken for granted or abused.

Wayne Bradshaw, Hastings