Letters to the editor: We need to raise the minimum wage

A reader says the minimum wage needs to be raised. Photo / Getty Images

I previously advocated for the minimum wage to be increased but received a rebuff from some politicians that such an increase would have too big an impact on the costs to businesses and would lead to higher unemployment.

But a high number of beneficiaries rely on the Government to supplement their income so they can make ends meet.

Mostly they want to work and earn a living wage.

What we fail to figure is that, because businesses are not paying a realistic wage or salary, we, as taxpayers are having to fork out for these supplemental payments.

If the Government currently set the minimum wage at $22 per hour (a living wage would ideally be $25 per hour), more tax would be recouped by the Government, albeit at the lowest rate on the tax scale. But still, this would offset the drain on taxpayers.

Additionally, PAYE tax could be increased for everyone earning over $100,000 a year.
To stop rent increases a freeze on rent rises would also need to be put in place for 12 months, so that landlords did not take unfair advantage of their tenants' increased financial wellbeing. (We have made some progress towards that).

Laurie Sanders
Pyes Pa

Poor police priorities

I agree with what Alistair Blair wrote about unregistered vehicles (Letters, February 13).

Police seem to prioritise speeding - which makes the Government more money.

This is another case of the legal drivers subsidising the ones who don't like paying for what they are using.

It is about time this sort of thing was sorted. (Abridged)

Graham Holloway
Gate Pa

Time for Covid lanyards

I don't doubt that Covid-19 is a serious threat.

QR codes are fine for those people who can handle modern cell phones.

I was happy signing in at Rotorua Public Library yesterday where they provide a slip of paper to record your details and then post into a small box.

I decline to sign in at those many places where one's name and address is left for all to see.

Some I have seen are clearly nonsense names or addresses.

Can the authorities please bring on the lanyard gadgets I saw being trialled at Ngongatahā early last summer? (Abridged)

Rob Grant
Rotorua

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