Letters: Flooding analysis too narrow

Flooding on Pioneer Rd in Ngongotaha in April 2018. Photo/File

Regarding the article (News, March 9) about the Ministry of Social Development's criticism of the council's response to the floods of April last year.

Personally, I was disappointed that there was such a narrow focus by the panel who forensically analysed how the same situation could be avoided in the future. They focused on Ngongotaha.

As a resident of Glenholme I am aware there were many pockets of flooding and residential damage in my neighbourhood.

Stravos Michael is quoted as saying "It was a sudden and rare event." So the council is confident global warming doesn't mean a repeat anytime soon?

It also says the council has appointed a local engineer to work with residents. When I emailed the council in February this year and asked if it had an employee who could inspect my place and advise me how to future-proof myself against future flooding (I had a close call), I was told such a person does not exist. I was referred to the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry of Business Innovation. What I needed was a personal touch, not one size fits all.

What is the council's attitude to those parts of Rotorua outside Ngongotaha which flooded? (Abridged)

Lesley Haddon
Rotorua

Capital gains tax

Regarding the capital gains tax proposals for properties purchased for investment, the only reason that property prices rise is inflation which is controlled by the Government.

The Government should take into account the rate of inflation that has taken over the period before applying a tax.

Surely one should be able to purchase a like value property after selling a property?

There are no real gains; it is only inflation. I don't have any such properties but can see the unfairness of this especially for working class people trying to get ahead.

If you believe that the Government will pass on any income tax relief as a result of the perceived tax gouge on capital gains you have no brain. (Abridged)

Andy Watson
Ngongotaha