Tauranga, ratepayers, and democracy suffered a major set-back on March 11 when, un-announced, Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta flew into town for the precise purpose of destroying any vestige of a return to democracy, to preside over a ‘special invite only' meeting at Tauranga City Council.

This is a totally unethical and underhand way of treating the people of Tauranga – and in fact could prove to be an illegal act, as there was no pre-warning or consultation apart from the Commissioners casting a few aspersions as to a possible future decision on when Local Body Elections could return to Tauranga.

Of course the Urban Task Force are ecstatic! Why would they not be? Every day the result of decisions made by the Commissioners for new city works put in place, ratepayers funds channel into the business coffers of Urban Task Force members. Don't worry about over-runs and wasted millions on mid-changes of plans…the ratepayer will cover it! But above all else, any dissent from them immediately goes into the ‘not relevant box' and is completely disregarded.

We cannot afford any of the ‘nice wants'. Transport, housing and other urgent matters should come first! And above All – democracy!

R Gold, Mount Maunganui.