We need to prepare for overdue tourism ‘reset’
NOT surprisingly, as time has gone on, those businesses who reaped huge rewards from the burgeoning tourist business and dollar are feeling the pinch.
I wonder how many of these businesses are working to be innovative, creative and make themselves more enticing to the one group of people they have alienated over the years — Kiwis.
Or is it expected the taxpayer will keep funding them ad infinitum?
I read an article several weeks ago from a Queenstown business operator who had hit challenging times several years ago. He ‘‘reinvented’’ himself and his business, it worked, and he was scathing of current firms who seem to be doing little but appear to be waiting for things ‘‘to go back to normal’’.
I wonder what the ‘‘new normal’’ will be? For me, if that means air and seapolluting cruise ships by the hundreds, millions of tourists who aren’t interested in the protection of our environment, but simply want a photo shot at one of our famous scenic wonders, then yeah, nah.
PostCovid will be a very different world. We have a chance to hit the reset button and focus on what is best for the whole country, and in doing that ensure we don’t simply go back to the way things were. I truly believe the vast majority of Kiwis outside the tourism sector and a number within do not want that.
Graham Bulman
Roslyn
Beaumont Bridge
IT beggars belief that the not-fit-for-purpose Beaumont Bridge, which has long been an impediment to travel on SH8, has not been replaced.
I have been advised, but am not able to confirm, that the scaffolding surrounding the bridge costs $60,000 per year, and as well the total additional maintenance costs are likely to be huge.
If this bridge happened to be on SH1 and close to Auckland, it would have been replaced a long time ago.
Even the bridge control lights are inadequate. In a notraffic situation, the motorist is always forced to stop and wait for a green light.
I appreciate a replacement bridge has been on the drawing board for some time but it will have a build time of at least two years from when the NZ Transport Agency finally gets around to commencing the build.
It would be appreciated if the NZTA could fasttrack the build. Perhaps it might like to confirm when some action is likely.
Russell Read
Roxburgh
[Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency senior project manager Simon Underwood replies:
‘‘An invitation for contractors to tender for the construction of the new bridge is expected to be confirmed by Waka Kotahi in March.’’]
Discount pharmacies
FURTHER to your article about discount pharmacy chains (ODT, 17.2.21), my community pharmacy is next door to a medical centre so could not be more convenient.
The staff are very helpful and question any change in medication. They also explain new medicines. Repeats are delivered to my home by a high school pupil with a friendly smile that makes my day.
Such continuity of care is worth far more to me than a few dollars saved at a discount chain.
Graeme Clode
St Kilda
Bird cull
THE actions of some idiots killing gulls by running over them in vehicles recently has gained plenty of attention in the media.
What hasn’t gained much attention is the poisoning by Doc in the past on the Hurunui, Waiau and Upper
Rakaia rivers, and presently on the Waitaki River, of black backed gulls.
L. Hore
Oamaru ...................................
BIBLE READING: The word is very near to you. — Deuteronomy 30.14.