Judging by past negative comments, many have no real knowledge of the subject to which they so object.
If anyone doubts the economic value that the bronze statues of Hairy and his gang will bring to our city, then have no fear. Research shows that arts and culture travellers will stay longer and spend more.
You just have to look at the benefits that public art has had in places such as Wellington and Napier, none of which is described as boring.
To have Brigitte Wuest pour her talent into creating the bronze statues to feature on Coronation Pier for all ages to enjoy, for many years to come, is a true coup.
And what an appropriate legacy to honour our very own Dame Lynley Dodd.
This is a fitting tribute to an author who has sold millions of children's books worldwide.
I welcome this mischievous Hairy gang and look forward to enjoying them and hopefully other creative arts on our beautiful waterfront with my future grandchildren - and for free.
Because no ratepayer money is funding this project which can only add social and economical benefits, why knock it?
(Abridged)
Joy Baker, Otumoetai
Fair tax share
Garth George (July 14) trots out the standard slogan "the rich should pay their fair share". He doesn't quantify what their fair share is.
Treasury figures show that when transfer payments (Working for Families) are taken into account, households with incomes of $50,000 or below pay no net tax at all.
They pay $1.7 billion in tax and receive $7.7 billion in welfare.
Ten per cent of households have an income of $150,000 or more and that 10 per cent funds 71 per cent of net income taxation.
If we take households with an income of $120,000 or greater - which is 17 per cent of households - that 17 per cent is paying 97 per cent of net income taxation.
Yet George seems to think 97 per cent is not enough.
Those rich pricks have to be screwed until they are paying more than 100 per cent.
It is little wonder that those with skills, who are hard-working and ambitious, leave for Australia, and take with them their taxes.
We need the so-called rich more than they need us.
Instead of looking for more ways to tax the few, what this country needs is for more people to be paying tax.
If every taxpayer paid just $10 more tax per week, this would bring in about $1.2 billion per year.
Communities are built by all contributing, not just the few.
(Abridged.)
Richard Prince, Welcome Bay
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