The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters and comments from readers. Below you can read the letters we have published in your newspaper today.
TODAY'S LETTERS:
Capital idea to tax gains on property
Once again our small nation is placed in the dubious hands of our oversized Parliament for the fight over whose financial policy will extract us from our ever-increasing debt. Capital gains tax is long overdue and Labour has finally come up with it as a policy for New Zealand, however, the knockers are as usual out in force decrying the much-needed necessity of stopping the madness of capital gains from land and property, which has resulted in a large part of our society unable to purchase a home.
The realisation of the terrible waste of funds locked up in this manner is at last showing some recognition.
The total amount of borrowed money amounts to hundreds of billions, just how many is not clear, but 200+ billion would be a good starting point. This money is locked up in over-inflated real estate and for the most part contributes nothing to the growth of our nation's entrepreneurs, who disappear overseas in ever-increasing droves.
The continual messing around with the country's finances by our politicians shows quite clearly that: "Political parties are the ruination of good management."
Guy Dennison, Maungatpu
Diversion policy
Somehow even in the sensationalist tone of your recent reporting on the use of diversion the truth still managed to get out: Diversion is reserved for first-time offenders not charged with serious criminal offending. Indeed, in your own words, "the scheme is an ideal deterrent for those not likely to commit another crime and for low-level offences". People charged with serious offences, like burglary, violence, sexual or drug offending, and people appearing for the second or subsequent time before a court, are not eligible.
Diversion works because it aims at righting the wrong. The defendant must admit their wrongdoing and take responsibility for it; they must apologise and make amends. Bear in mind that these are people charged with very minor offences. In addition to making practical sense, diversion makes economic sense. Our courts are already heaving under the enormous weight of the raft of laws being introduced, and diversion helps keep trivial matters from occupying expensive court time.
The reason the numbers of people receiving diversion have increased are more related to changing social conditions than an abuse of the system. The simple fact is more people are committing more criminal offences and governments now seem intent on responding to the appetite for a more punitive approach to criminal justice policy.
It's time for this country to have an honest, evidence-based discussion about crime and punishment.
(Abridged)
Robert Davies, Greerton
Waterfront idea
Max Mason could have been more original with his Waterfront proposal (Business, July 13).
In his position he should be opposing it until he can establish who is going to pay for it - ratepayers were not asked by council to fund the free parking so needed to level up the playing field in the CBD so who is expected to pay for the 380 parks that will be lost by this proposal?
Maybe Max would give us the benefit of his knowledge and answer this question in this forum.
I know that the businesses in the CBD will not want to contribute towards a developer wanting to make money from it and in doing so add to an increase of competition.
How many children will be killed by trains or drowned in this area? It is far too dangerous for this type or any other activity apart from parking. Leave well alone and look for another area to develop.
Concentrate on helping the CBD with monitored free parking Max and then watch the progress unfold.
Bill Campbell, Tauranga
Cool on hot pools
Tourism Bay of Plenty and Priority One are both supporting the proposed $7.5 million redevelopment of the Mount Hot Pools. Amongst their usual "economic benefits" waffle there are no hard facts or figures substantiating their support. Perhaps they, with Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, intend to fund the project or at least find private investors who will. These people are away on cloud nine.
Dame Susan Devoy in her column covers the subject well from all angles. TCC advise ratepayers will not contribute anything to the redevelopment and once completed entry charges will not increase.
Anyone who believes this came down in the last shower. I'll believe it when I see it.
TCAL CEO wants a show of public support for the redevelopment. Unfortunately for TCAL the support appears to be with the Mount Protection Society Inc opposing the $7.5 million development on environmental grounds. Go the MPS.
Roger Bailey, Papamoa Beach
Text Views
* Nats mucking with super hnds off or loose election David
* To the maori elder who thinks that maori own mauao - you dont. Nobody owns it. We are all just guardians for our children and grandchildren.
* could a compass on top of leisure island or mount dury fulfill a similar purpose?
I agree with j bell , a memorial cemetery is a great idea , papamoa and the area needs one , its along way to pyes pa, and not appriate for coastal folk
* Scammers: I think that the cafe bar owner should go a head an post them up where eva, those moochers new what they were doing premmeditated or not, they were given the bill. PAY UP LADIES !!
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