We need some long-term planning
All this scaremongering about taxes is foolish and short-sighted.
It is plainly obvious to any thinking voter that New Zealand is not raising enough tax dollars to properly fund public services, particularly healthcare, and desperately needed infrastructure.
We are one of the only developed economies that doesn’t tax capital gains, inheritance or capital income.
There is a doom loop of short-sighted greed currently hollowing out what was once a decent egalitarian society.
With climate change gathering pace and geopolitical instability growing, we need real long-term strategic planning that emphasises sustainability, independence and resilience.
This can only be financed by a fairer spread of the tax base so that more of the huge accumulation of wealth in a few hands is invested back into society.
Don’t be hoodwinked by tax scaremongering. We need to bring in serious tax reform, not cling to a failing short-term-thinking business model.
Jeff Hayward, Auckland.
Taxing question
Now that the Prime Minister and Finance Minister have announced no new taxes should they win a second term, does that mean an increase on an existing tax is out of the question?
Introducing a tax by another name is not without history in New Zealand.
So could we end up with a congestion charge, levy, surtax, service fee, stamp duty or surcharge? It’s a taxing question leading up to the election.
Graham Fleetwood, Bethlehem.
National’s promise
It’s good news to hear that National have vowed not to impose any new taxes on New Zealanders if they are voted back in.
What they haven’t said is if they will increase the taxes already imposed. Could they please be a little clearer about their ongoing plans?
Jeremy Coleman, Hillpark.
‘Free’ public transport
Auckland Council is exploring various details on the concept of congestion charges in the CBD or a wider area.
Clearly the object of the exercise is to reduce congestion, thus speed up traffic.
It should go the whole hog and make public transport free during the rush hours and only charge congestion fees during the same period.
The net effect would be that it would make it much cheaper for many commuters to use public transport rather than a car.
The “free” public transport would be financed by the congestion charges. That would really speed up traffic and reduce pollution. A win-win situation.
Nick Hamilton, Remuera.
Polluting problem
The Government proposes to pause the plan to improve the quality of the Waikato River water and protect it from future pollution (Aug 22).
The climate crisis, which the world faces now, has been brought about by the polluting of the environment and particularly the releasing of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, causing a rise in average temperatures.
Climate change is also contributing to such things as the degrading of rivers.
Reducing or stopping these forms of pollution is the key to slowing or halting climate change.
For present societies to have any hope of handing our descendants a liveable environment, this is an essential task.
David Tyler, Beach Haven.
Climate of uncertainty
This year the United States recorded its hottest month on record, Europe recorded 35,000 deaths due to continued heatwaves, and our oceans are at the warmest since records began.
This week, ex-breakfast TV host turned “politician” Paul Henry announced that Act would disestablish the Climate Change Commission.
Maybe the revenue saving he claims would be made could be kept in a separate account called weather disaster relief funds.
Paul Kenny, Auckland.
A sad loss
Heartbreaking to wake to the news on Wednesday of Dolly Parton passing away. True sadness and surprising grief no doubt for millions of people worldwide.
Dolly’s songwriting expressed everyday emotions and connected with so many, beyond country music fans.
A beautiful spirit, generous and kind, while being totally her own person — a refreshing example for us all. She would say, be confident and be yourself.
RIP Dolly, with love.
Janette Anderson, Paeroa.
Dolly’s gone
Goodbye darling, adorable Dolly. It is so hard now to realise that she has ... “Gone”.
We loved her and she showed her love to her fans. “We will always love you.”
Larry Mitchell, Rothesay Bay.
Cap in hand
Central Government has decided to cap annual council rate increases to 4% per annum from 2029.
This Government needs a good kick up the bum;
For proceeding with acts that are just plain dumb;
Seems it is them only who can responsibly spend;
A rates cap will drive all councillors round the bend;
Our leaders could generate much greater esteem;
If with local government they could work as a team;
We ratepayers and taxpayers would then be in luck;
By getting better infrastructure bangs for our buck.
David Hopkins, Remuera.
