If anyone doubted the need for a Katikati bypass this Christmas should have convinced them - and the traffic can only get worse. Lots of good people have promoted the cause in the past - and I think we need to all join forces now, with many extras. Priority One, SmartGrowth, Tourism Bay of Plenty and others have taken money from Katikati and Waihi Beach for years with, in my opinion, minimal return. It is now payback time. Let's call in the favour. As a community we must co-ordinate all major local industry - quarry, log industry, NZ trade and industry, major transport operators, the NZ Transport Agency, regional council, district council, community board, kiwifruit and avocado industry, Fonterra, sitting and prospective Members of Parliament, including Winston Peters. Do not know about Simon Bridges? Any others you can think of Katikati? Let's try again - it is election year!

N Mayo, Katikati Community Board member.