It was only a Tuesday or two ago while enjoying a long black and a chocolate chippie I saw several camera toting people (obviously not locals) enjoying the area and browsing through the shops and I imagine making purchases.
If the Hundertwasser Art Centre is allowed to go ahead I am convinced, although not an expert on figures, that Mr Simpsons's positive outlook would soon be realised.
Whangarei, you already have a unique and attractive area in the Basin and by having an art centre in the style of this world renowned artist and architect will not only allow you to reap the monetary benefit but also will enhance this beautiful part of your city which both you and the many more visitors it will attract can enjoy.
Stan Armiger, Snells Beach
Super way to save
Bill Gibson (11 Nov) related only part of the history of the tax for this purpose.
The first Labour Government brought in a charge on income of "one and sixpence in the pound" (7.5 per cent) on all income to pay for this and Social Security benefits.
Walter Nash later moved the money into his "Consolidated Fund" and "consolidated" the charge into general taxation.
It was never repealed and therefore is, in effect, still being paid as part of income tax today.
Nordmeyer's proposal was a fairly standard ploy for his party, inventing a second tax to pay for something that already was being paid for.
Undoubtedly, if the scheme had been implemented, one of the two major parties would have found a reason to grab those funds too.
Putting the system into perspective, it is completely hypocritical for any politician to complain that not enough people are working to support pensioners while one willing worker remains unemployed.
Let alone thousands.
At present, when businesses are going broke because there is not enough money in circulation, one sensible course would be to increase the level of superannuation payments and perhaps drop the qualifying age to57 to give younger people a chance. With the tax base becoming stronger again as industry was stimulated and more jobs became available, Government could get most of its money back anyway.
But of course, until we reform our outdated money system and start using some of our own instead of borrowing it all from the banks, we just won't be allowed to do sensible things like that.
John G. Rawson, Whangarei
Young workers
Youth unemployment what's missing?
After reading this week's NZ Listener and watching TV 1 Close up, which both focused on Otorohanga's success in cracking the youth unemployment problem, I had to ask what's missing in Whangarei?
We have all the crucial ingredients, large numbers of unemployed youth, career guidance councillors, transition youth services, training providers, Northtec, skill shortages and local businesses that need workers.
The key ingredients seem to be:
A holistic approach that ensures all organisations involved in youth unemployment, job creation, training, are working collaboratively.
A set of coordinated programmes aimed at making local youth more attractive to local businesses, and local businesses more attractive to young people.
Training and skill development designed by local businesses.
Improvements in career advice focusing on individual interests, what their good at and matching these with employment opportunities.
Independent community driven mentors that can continually track individuals progress and keep youth engaged.
Government funding can't make the changes in our community without the community driving it.
I was impressed that our local council invited the mayor of Otorohanga to brief them on his successful approach, which he indicated can work anywhere and is not rocket science.
We are at a crossroads with this problem and can learn much from the collaborative leadership style of the mayor of Otorohanga.
Now that our council has been briefed on a winning formula can we hear how they intend to lead Whangarei onto a similar path.
J Griggs, Whangarei
