Your views: Letters to The Editor

In October Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless turned the first sod for the construction of the Tidal Steps at Tauranga's waterfront. Photo/file

A brave approach

"I believe the National Party has been exceptionally upfront in its decision to announce a review of the superannuation retirement age should it still be in Government after the next election.

In the 2011 and 2014 general elections Labour stood on the platform of increasing the retirement age but things under Mr Little have changed, and for just what it seems to be political purposes they now oppose even a debate on the issue.

Prime Minister Bill English, left, and Finance Minister Steven Joyce, announce the Government is to raise the age for national superannuation to 67 by 2040. Photo/file

It should also be remembered that in 1984 when Labour was elected to Government, shortly after being elected they announced they were introducing a Goods and Services Tax (GST) which was established in 1985. During that 1984 election campaign never once did they mention the intention to introduce such a tax and had they, they probably would not have been elected.

If National had been re-elected later this year and then announced the proposed changes, I believe the electorate could have been understandably annoyed, but they have been honest, and upfront and the debate should now be held."

Mike Baker
Bethlehem

Too expensive

"Right now, I believe a lot of people are going hungry so they can pay their rates.

I raise this as we farewell someone who is leaving Tauranga. The reason, they cannot afford to live here.

Our Tauranga city councillors appear oblivious, in my view, to the hurt their spending is causing our most vulnerable.

For example, $3 million on tidal steps, about $70m on a Civic Heart and millions on bureaucracy.

The only way to stop this, I believe, is to demand binding referenda on all major spending. Then all the citizens will be able to live within their means.

Are you prepared to demand democracy?"

Ken Evans
Tauranga