Letters: Tax policies lacking

PHOTO/FILE

In response to T McLeod, (Letters, February 8). It is very commendable that she was able to work three jobs on minimum wage to give herself the opportunity to purchase two homes in her early 20s. Based on the minimum wage quoted, I assume this was in the mid 80s.

At this time, the average home was worth 3.4 times the average yearly salary, compared to today when the average home is worth 7.5 times the average salary. She mentioned the bright-line/capital gains policy, but she did not mention negative gearing, which allows property speculators to claim a loss on their property investment, reducing their tax bill, only to sell a property in two years and one day in order to make a tax free gain.

She also said that "property speculators cannot be blamed for the homeless". She is absolutely right. Much in the same way as American tech billionaire Peter Thiel has taken advantage of New Zealand government policy for personal gain, I would never blame property speculators for taking advantage of government policy for personal gain. As the old adage goes, "you have to make hay while the sun shines".

My issue is with the policy itself, or the lack thereof, as I said in my letter, the policy is lacking "a tax policy which would encourage investment in productive sectors". A policy which would, for example, encourage people to invest in Kiwi businesses which would create jobs and communities, instead of current policies which encourage concentration of wealth and property in the hands of the few.

RYAN GRAY
Rotorua

Get a job

I agree with T McLeod of Lake Tarawera (Letters, February 8) whole-heartedly.

It's all about work ethic and sadly there are a lot people who have decided not to go down that path. You're just a liability to the country so buck up your ideas and get a job or two and stop moaning about the situation.

GAVIN MUIR
Rotorua

Great staff

I have been in the medical department the last few days at Rotorua Hospital and I wish to let everyone know how lucky we are to have such a wonderful hospital.

Especially the doctors, nurses, right down to kitchen staff who were wonderful and very pleasant. Thank you.

BETTY COWAN
Rotorua