Gay marriage spoilers
Australia has joined the same-sex marriage world with a voluntary survey run by the Census Bureau at a cost of $122 million. The clear majority of those who voted supported the change and both major parties have said they would work to implement it, probably by Christmas.
However, the majority of the discussion around the law to be introduced is about cake making. The protection of bakers who make wedding cakes is under serious discussion in case some baker doesn't want to make a "rainbow" cake. There are enough bakers, so hopefully this won't end up in court.
It seems those who opposed the changes are going to try to make nuisances of themselves when there should be only joy and acceptance.
Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne.
Parental income test
I married my wife so my stepdaughter is being punished for that and will have to pay back the $8000 accommodation allowance that her friends get for free. Most friends have unmarried "stepdads", most have better incomes than our family. Surely my kids should have the same rights and benefits as all the others, yes?
No. Labour is increasing the difference between my zero-income stepdaughter and it is rubbed in her face daily. Come on, Labour, stop this discrimination against our children, give them equality.
Randel Case, Bucklands Beach.
Teacher shortage
Out of 1699 nationwide, Auckland has 40 full-time vacancies wanting mathematics, and 37 mentioning physics. Oh dear, I hope the new Government's "Teacher supply package for principals by Christmas" doesn't include shanghai-ing retirees again. I already went back once long after retirement and did seven extra years, but I'm in my 70s now, well over the hill. I hope some of Jacinda's young male boat people can teach maths, or physics, or anything useful.
Jim Carlyle, Te Atatu Peninsula.
Trucks dangerous
I read with interest David Aitken, chief executive of the influential trucking lobby group National Road Carriers, putting his case for the new Government to continue spending large sums to subsidise his industry in a vain attempt to stop an increase in investment in our underfunded, underused rail network.
Nowhere did he mention the one key word all motorists, pedestrians and cyclists are worried about with the massive increase in large and dangerous trucks on our roads - safety. According to Ministry of Transport data, 35 per cent of all truck crashes resulting in deaths are caused by truck drivers, as are 56 per cent of all serious injury crashes.
The National Government focused on more and larger trucks on our roads. Now we are paying for their misguided transport plan with more deaths and injuries. One can only hope this new Government puts safety ahead of the trucking lobby's demands and we move freight off trucks over to trains and coastal shipping where feasible.
Jon Reeves, Mangere East.
How to make tea
Hear-hear, Martin Ball. Thank you for writing in about the appalling sop that's served as tea these days, and yes, generally the fancier the establishment the worse the concoction - with the attitude when asked to put the tea in first, then the water, not the other way around.
Surely it's not rocket science and one would think it should be an equal part of barista training. And remember to heat the pot and cups first and include a pot of hot water as well, along with a decent amount of milk, dark blue of course.
Bronwen Looker, Waiheke Island.
Foreign owners
I can't understand why people are so afraid of overseas takeovers or immigration. I mean it is already a fait accompli. All big business is operated from Australia, busily squeezing the juice out of small businesses, employees and consumers. And it's good to see immigrants doing so well. Theo Spierings is a case in point, Anthony Healy is another.
As for the sale of Mt Difficulty wines to American interests, I'm surprised there is any of the South Island left to sell.
The previous Government seemed to take the view America is so much better at running things and the sooner they buy the lot the better. Trouble is they never pay taxes. Shopkeeper's job anyone? How about picking grapes? Get good at it, that's the future for our kids.
Paul Cheshire, Maraetai.
Cup is worth it
If Bermuda, a small North Atlantic island with a population of just 69,000, can successfully host an America's Cup, it would be an embarrassment if Auckland succumbs to the negativity of the granola-crunching harbour huggers who are hell bent on making life as difficult as possible.
The stunning transformation of the once smelly, polluted wasteland that was the Viaduct Basin and Wynyard quarter before the Cup in 1999/2000 should be testimony enough for the public to give their unconditional support. Now is the time for Auckland City officials and central Government to show collaboration, leadership, courage and commitment.
Bruce Eliott, St Heliers.
Kauri dying
In the five years between 2011 and 2016, the number of kauri thought to be infected by kauri dieback rose from 8 per cent to 19 per cent. Some locals consider these figures fudged and the number is greater. If the disease increases at the same rate, in four years half the kauri in the Waitakeres will be infected.
A 2016 world-first assessment of flora indicated 25 per cent of the world's plant species are threatened by extinction. Kauri should be included.
Three agencies have been involved in monitoring the disease - Ministry of Primary Industries, the Regional Council and DoC. All have a thirst for funding for self-perpetuation but it would be an ignominious and wretched blight if their failure to impose a rahui on access to the Waitakeres was due to self-interest, whether it be funding, tourism or employment.
Most would consider it good logic to shut down access to the ranges in order to reassess the issue, or should we wait until 60 per cent of the trees are infected and continue with signage and foot baths?
I.M. Phillips, Muriwai Beach.
Room for expansion
A view of the Port of Auckland from North Head shows it to be in one of the biggest port-related harbours in the Southern Hemisphere. Not as big as Melbourne but certainly bigger than Sydney, Fremantle and the South American ports. So why the outrage about extending Bledisloe Wharf by 13.5 metres (40 feet) towards Devonport? Apparently this extension would block some Devonport residents' views.
Auckland is not only the country's largest city, it also has the largest manufacturing base. Seventy per cent of our exports and imports pass through the port. In the year to June, 673 container ships visited Auckland. It is economic suicide if this activity is not allowed to continue.
Some people propose moving the port 144km to Whangarei - including Phil Goff. Sadly, the proposed Northport Harbour is half the size of Auckland's and has sandbanks and a harbour floor that is exposed at low tide. It will also not be deep enough for modern container ships.
There are 19 rail tunnels between Whangerei and Auckland. Unfortunately most of them are too small to allow the passage of rail freight container traffic.
Michael G. Lambert, Albany.
