OUR VIEW: Not being able to shop is ridiculous | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua
OUR VIEW: Not being able to shop is ridiculous
THE fact Rotorua businesses enjoyed a busy Easter weekend must surely strengthen efforts to allow locals to open their shops on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Currently nearby Taupo and the South Island's Queenstown are allowed that privilege but Rotorua has missed out. Local MP Todd McClay is about to launch another effort at gaining for Rotorua businesses the right to open their doors, should they see fit, for the duration of Easter weekend.
The city's hotels and motels were full of visitors over the long weekend, cafes and restaurants were full and shops reported good trading on Saturday and yesterday.
On one of Rotorua's busiest weekends of the year, it seems ridiculous that the many people milling about in the city centre on Sunday were not able to browse the shops.
Let's hope that Mr McClay will finally be successful where, despite their best efforts, other local MPs have not. His bill, if passed, would give local authorities the right to decide if they want to allow businesses in their area to open all Easter.
It's time to move with the times and give individuals the right to choose how to run their businesses.
A sad indictment
The horrendous attack on a young teenager who just before being dragged into bushes and raped had asked for help and received none highlights one of two things.
It may simply show what an uncaring society we have become when we can ignore a young girl's pleas for help and continue on our way without a care or thought.
The woman who simply told the girl to keep away from the man she said was following her and then drove away may now be deeply regretful she did not help. But should we condemn her for it?
Does her reaction perhaps highlight what a fearful society we have become? Are we now so fearful of becoming the victims of crime, violent or otherwise, that any strangers who approach - even those asking for help - are to be treated with suspicion?
Either way, it's a sad indictment on New Zealand as a community.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Email editor@dailypost.co.nz, text 021 261 0010 or write to Editor, PO Box 1442, Rotorua.
Currently nearby Taupo and the South Island's Queenstown are allowed that privilege but Rotorua has missed out. Local MP Todd McClay is about to launch another effort at gaining for Rotorua businesses the right to open their doors, should they see fit, for the duration of Easter weekend.
The city's hotels and motels were full of visitors over the long weekend, cafes and restaurants were full and shops reported good trading on Saturday and yesterday.
On one of Rotorua's busiest weekends of the year, it seems ridiculous that the many people milling about in the city centre on Sunday were not able to browse the shops.
Let's hope that Mr McClay will finally be successful where, despite their best efforts, other local MPs have not. His bill, if passed, would give local authorities the right to decide if they want to allow businesses in their area to open all Easter.
It's time to move with the times and give individuals the right to choose how to run their businesses.
A sad indictment
The horrendous attack on a young teenager who just before being dragged into bushes and raped had asked for help and received none highlights one of two things.
It may simply show what an uncaring society we have become when we can ignore a young girl's pleas for help and continue on our way without a care or thought.
The woman who simply told the girl to keep away from the man she said was following her and then drove away may now be deeply regretful she did not help. But should we condemn her for it?
Does her reaction perhaps highlight what a fearful society we have become? Are we now so fearful of becoming the victims of crime, violent or otherwise, that any strangers who approach - even those asking for help - are to be treated with suspicion?
Either way, it's a sad indictment on New Zealand as a community.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Email editor@dailypost.co.nz, text 021 261 0010 or write to Editor, PO Box 1442, Rotorua.
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