Difference in cultures underlined
There has been a lot of debate about awarding of contracts to Nanaia Mahuta's family members.
This could be seen as whanaungatanga in action, where looking after whānau, hapū and iwi is an obligation.
The Western concept of civil service is at odds with whanaungatanga. In the New Zealand
public sector, it is expected that appointments be merit-based.
This is an example of the clash between cultures that is the cause of so much mistrust between Māori and Pākehā but is not being aired. Even raising the topic draws allegations of racial intolerance. We need open and non-judgmental discussion about New Zealand Aotearoa's future.
Valerie Green-Moss, Whāngārei.
Candidate concerns
It was concerning to see opinion-writer Bruce Cotterill note in the Herald on September 24 that Labour Party-endorsed candidates in local body elections are expected to sign a pledge to support Labour policy and principles.
Surely this is anti-democratic and undermines the right of the people to determine the direction they want their community to take. As Cotterill further notes, candidates can call themselves "Independent" or use any other label without declaring either their endorsement by Labour or whether or not they have signed or will sign the Labour pledge.
Further, the existence of these pledges raises the spectre of pre-determination in local body consultation processes, fuelling the growing concern that outcomes of the consultation are ignored by local bodies.
Richard Quince. Mt Eden.
Open-door policy
The CEOs of most of the companies reported in the Herald's "Mood of the Boardroom" simply want to be able to grow their businesses, improve productivity, see OCR rates ease, and ideally pay a lower tax rate. Fair enough. Naturally, they are feeling the pain of restricted immigration and expensive labour/workplace regulations. Why can't the Government simplify and speed up visa processes — for workers, tourists, students? And let market forces prevail.
But are there reasons for holding firm on a more open-door policy, apart from processing-capacity issues at INZ? Immigration means pressure on infrastructure and wages, and less need to train our own people or invest in automation solutions.
It depletes the talent pool of source nations (especially Pasifika). It means additional social pressures. And is it the policy answer when other similar countries (Australia and Canada) pay much better?
The amount of immigration requires a delicate balancing act between business/economic and societal factors.
B Darragh, Auckland Central.
Forgetful critics
Those politicians and journalists now gaining airtime with criticism of the handling of the pandemic must have short memories.
My memory tells me that in 2020 the Government won a landslide victory in the election largely because of their pandemic response. My memory also tells me that early in 2020 nobody knew what was ahead.
I also remember the scenes on television from Italy, the United States and elsewhere of overflowing morgues and of people desperate but unable to get loved ones to hospital. That did not happen here.
I hope that memory will always triumph over hindsight.
Greg Cave, Sunnyvale.
Failures that weren't
Your columnist Bruce Cotterill rightly urges Auckland electors to think before voting. He believes Auckland Council has gone backwards due to untoward partisanship, particularly from the left.
Yes, just think about it.
A Labour-aligned mayor worked with a deputy mayor and a finance chair, both of whom were National-aligned.
Simon Wilson and Bernard Orsman between them gave high-performance scores for all councillors holding leadership positions across the political spectrum.
Desley Simpson, as finance chair, cut billions in expenditure, steered through Covid, and broadened the asset base.
A water infrastructure rate was struck to ensure no more human waste on our beaches or reservoirs out of water.
An urban intensification plan was agreed to help prevent Auckland from sprawling all the way from Warkworth to Drury.
A commitment to open up existing road space for car-users by getting those who can onto alternative modes like cycles and public transport.
And much more.
Yeah, let's just think about that, and tick the right boxes.
Peter Davis, Kingsland.
