Bernard Walker. Mt Maunganui.
Private sector woes
For all the talk about recession, budget cuts, and blaming the current and previous governments, it’s time for the private sector to take some responsibility for New Zealand’s economic problems.
New Zealand businesses are inefficient, lack productivity, and show little innovation. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been wasted on plans, designs, and cost estimates for projects that were either poorly executed or doomed to fail, often with huge cost overruns. Our IT sector struggles to successfully implement new systems.
We pay too much for goods and services compared to other countries and have failed to build a strong export economy beyond the primary sector. Since Covid, no private sector leader has challenged businesses to improve and build a better economy. Instead, they’ve focused on grabbing money from the Government and consumers.
It’s time for private sector leaders to step up, innovate, and create an economy that benefits all New Zealanders.
Chris Kaelin, Te Awamutu.
TPM’s businesses warning
The Herald should print a copy of Te Pāti Māori’s letter to all companies using the Government’s fast-track legislation to advance their projects. In the letter, they clearly state they will reverse any gains these companies if Te Pāti Māori becomes part of a coalition government. Let’s hope this never happens. Is this Māori politics at its best?
Jock Mac Vicar, Hauraki.
Poor urban planning
In Auckland, poor urban planning has led to chaotic outcomes. Wealthy home buyers will often demolish existing homes, dig below road level, and build three-storey houses that span from boundary to boundary. These houses often have damp basements at risk of flooding and minimal parking, leading to trailers, boats, and caravans being parked on narrow streets.
On top of this, some streets are lined with rental properties housing multiple tenants and their vehicles, creating traffic bottlenecks. Delivery trucks often can’t navigate these streets, and the result is urban chaos.
Auckland’s town planning is not just inadequate - it’s insane.
Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay.
Infrastructure first
Politicians have done this country a disservice by neglecting infrastructure. Hospital maintenance is overdue, roads are falling apart, and education is lagging. Meanwhile, politicians tout the supposed benefits of increased immigration, which has only strained an already overwhelmed system.
Who loses? The Kiwis who’ve spent their lives paying taxes.
It’s time to sort out our priorities. We need a modern healthcare system, good roads, and a great education system - all of which we once had but have seen steadily eroded by those in Wellington who think they know best.
Patients shouldn’t have to go to Australia for better medical care than what’s available here.
Paul Beck, West Harbour.
Bridge repairs
I have always wondered why Waka Kotahi schedules maintenance repairs on the Auckland Harbour Bridge on Boxing Day - a day when many Aucklanders need to use the bridge.
The bridge will be extremely busy with people heading to Boxing Day sales, and the maintenance staff will be paid double for working on a public holiday.
Whoever is in charge should schedule maintenance to begin at least the day after Boxing Day.
Warren Prouse, Papakura.
Recession myth
So, the country has been in its deepest recession since 1991 when National’s Ruth Richardson was Minister of Finance. So much for the myth often promulgated by National that they are better managers of the economy.
Raewyn Maybury, Tauranga
Equity challenge
As Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon is making it clear that Māori are not a special population - they are equal New Zealanders, like everyone else, both old and new.
Treaty settlements will continue, but the Principles of the Treaty Bill will be shelved after stirring up division and discord. Te reo in government and public spaces will be minimised, and pro-Māori policies will likely lose funding.
It’s no surprise Luxon feels no need to attend Waitangi celebrations at Waitangi itself, claiming plenty of other locations are just as important.
We’re going to have to fight hard for Māori equity.
Barbara Darragh, Auckland Central.
