The very demand for an ISDS is a calculated insult to the integrity of a nation state's system of jurisprudence, and a denial of the right of an electorate to be involved and represented and fully informed of the issues at stake in any legal action between its elected representatives and any body corporate.
Let us label this desire on the part of global capital for what it is: a blatant expression of greed for maximum capital gain; an attempt at exercising bullying power; a denial of responsibility for the electors' rights and habitat in any confrontation.
On that last point, consider the present situation with regard to iron-sand seabed mining, already compromised with likely political interference, should the mining corporate succeed in embroiling the present government in an ISDS claim.
For the moment, I rest my case. All I can hope is that my fellow electors are wide awake on the issues at stake here.
RUSS HAY
Whanganui
Bank closures a let-down
Like Peter Scott of McGruer's, I also look in disgust that Australian-owned BNZ bank has just closed its Marton branch ... after posting a $913 million profit for year ending September 30.
Staff redundancies have also happened at their Terrace End branch in Palmerston North.
When will banks and large corporations realise that New Zealanders of all age groups do not use computers or have internet technology and are sick of being told to "go online".
As a face-to-face research interviewer for almost 12 years, I know this as a fact. People tell me all the time they prefer face-to-face contact, as I do.
This is why I refuse to pay or receive accounts online or use supermarket scanning machines — I choose to keep my fantastic postman and wonderful supermarket staff happily employed.
In closing the BNZ Marton branch, this bank has let down loyal business customers, and the elderly who cannot drive.
Technology can be great but can be rendered useless, like in Taupo last Thursday when a failed transformer left business computers, eftpos machines and petrol pumps looking like ornaments for six hours.
Please reopen our branch and reinstate your loyal staff, BNZ, as we still need them.
CLARE WISHART
Marton
Easter Sunday trading
Russell Eades says he is disappointed the district council decided against allowing Easter Sunday trading. He also doesn't think the fact that 91 per cent of submissions to the council were opposed to allowing Easter Sunday trading is relevant.
Mr Eades says it should be about choice, being able to choose to open or to go shopping if you want to.
One problem is that allowing Easter Sunday trading would take away the ability to choose for many people. Perhaps Mr Eades has never had an employer who required him to work, no matter how Mr Eades felt about it? I have had to work many days that I would have chosen not to if given the choice; Christmas Day, for example.
It is fascinating how some people find it unacceptable that there are three-and-a-half days per year when shops are supposed to be closed.
K A BENFELL
Gonville
Send your letters to: The Editor, Wanganui Chronicle, 100 Guyton St, PO Box 433, Wanganui 4500; or email editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz
