A quick look at one of those energy companies (Meridian) shows dividends to Government not looking very flash at all. Take out one-off payments and Meridian in the past five years has only paid an average of $244 million. It is reported that the value of Meridian is $6.3-$6.5 billion (ie 3.56 per cent return) but the Government has to borrow money at 4.17 per cent. Does this mean we are going backwards to the tune of some $20 million a year? Of course if we wanted Meridian to break even or even make a small "surplus" then power prices will need to increase.
What a choice.
Sell and reduce debt and annual losses or keep it and pay a shortfall in to the future.
Seems to me either options will put up power prices.
Roy Edwards, Tauranga
Missed chance
I was disappointed to learn that Teflon John was not attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), presumably New Zealand had nothing meaningful to contribute to discussions on global trade, human rights and the world economic crisis.
It seems a shame that he would miss the opportunity to cosy up with the Queen and the British Prime Minister, these would have further flattered an already inflated ego. The fact that he didn't attend was an opportunity lost, New Zealand should have been represented at the highest level at this meeting, instead, he stayed home for a number of ribbon cutting photographic opportunities and to give the National Party's Election 2011 opening address. The latter was mind numbing with its platitudes and the choreographed question and answer session patronising to viewers. On the night, the Labour Party presentation was significantly better.
David Ogilvy,Bethlehem
Camera ridiculous
The use of powerful cameras by the police to catch people eating in the car does not go far enough. To stop people taking their hand off the wheel, the police should ban manual cars, sun visors, radios, GPSs, dashboard switches, glove boxes, window winders and smoking in cars.
Petrol stations should be banned from selling any food that could be consumed in a car, like snacks, coffee and pies.
Another idea might be to use velcro gloves while driving, to ensure the hands stay stuck to the wheel. Holding a steering wheel in the common, twenty-to-four position should also be banned. Ridiculous? Yes, as ridiculous as the new, taxpayer-funded cameras.
The police's comment that "if it saves one life then it's worth it", reminds one of the religious fanatics and missionaries, who murdered thousands of innocent people who did not want to be "saved". If the police really wanted to reduce the road toll, they would introduce the "always-on-driving light" rule (as for motorcycles) to start with.
Driving with "parking" lights on should be illegal.
The new cameras make money for the manufacturer but otherwise do nothing other than further antagonise people against the police.
Jurgen Giess, Tauranga
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