Maori Wards

I think I would start with something like Simon Bridges deserves our Thanks not our criticism. Not until Simon was appointed have we actually started to catch up after a very long time.
There are 2 types of roads, local that are looked after by our council and the arterials that Simon was responsible for. So the 4 laning of the eastern arterial has given us a very safe, easy route to the Port and city. He has also achieved the overpasses planning and funding at the intersection where the road links to SH29 before Bayfair,shifted the railway so the work could be achieved,  and the Welcome Bay underpass. As for SH2 and 29 he has been supportive and has pushed for change brilliantly. Your readers will see change but building roads with so many layers of decision making creats blockages that frustrate all of us. We shall see how good this new Minister is?  response to Paul Belcaster’s letter regarding the Tauranga traffic woes, I think he should be aware that Hon Simon Bridges, as transport Minister, is not responsible for the traffic problems of Tauranga. As Minister he is responsible for State Highways, not local roading matters. In spite of this, as Tauranga M.P., he has commenced the construction of the Maungatapu underpass which will greatly assist traffic flow for the Welcome Bay area of Tauranga.
One of the biggest problems regarding Tauranga traffic flows, particularly in rush hours, is State Highway 2 between Bethlehem and Katikati. Whilst in government Simon procured the funding for this to be 4 laned, with an improved access road to Omokoroa and the Katikati by pass. Additionally funding was approved for the continuation of the Hamilton expressway, 4 laned from Cambridge to the base of the Kaimais. Unfortunately the new Labour/NZ First/Green government will not commit to these projects and so they may not now proceed. A petition is currently circulating to try to pressure the Government to commit to these projects.
Simon has done a tremendous amount for the Tauranga/Western Bay area. For example the Tauranga Eastern link had been “on the drawing board” for over 25 years, it is now a reality and one of the finest roads in the country.  
Dave Bridgens, Bethlehem.