Letters to Editor: Farms the wrong target for ETS

Farms the wrong target for ETS
So Labour is proposing to bring our agriculture sector into the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) sooner than currently proposed, when no other nation on the globe is taxing directly on farm-animal emissions.
This sector is one of the few and most important industries that is pulling us out of the recession.
Of course, this would mean a direct price increase on dairy products if introduced. Phil Goff keeps reminding us that these commodities are out of the reach of most New Zealanders, so what is the logic to introduce this scheme?
Labour's political machine has obviously set up all of this by misquoting tax figures from last year and not presenting the reason for the figures of tax paid by the farming community.
The agriculture sector's emissions have increased by 10 per cent since 1990, compared with the electricity sector's increase of 120 per cent, 70 per cent in the transport sector and 30 per cent in industry.
The original ETS focused where emissions have grown the most, and that is not with the farming sector.
Wayne Schofield, Napier
Cash cow milking
We have Julia Gillard, Labor leader of the Australian Government, trying to imposing a super tax on their cash cow, the mining industry.
Here in New Zealand, we have the Labour leader coming up with new ideas, but really trying to follow her example. Who are the New Zealand cash cows? Oh, that is easy; it is the farmers. So we will hit them with a super tax to pay for our dreams.
Mr Goff, dream on - to mix metaphors, it is the straw that will kill the fatted calf.
I was taught that you reward those who achieve; you don't stab them in the back. But that is not socialism - it is called "fair play".(Abridged.)
Philip M. WardNapier
Trusts are rorts
Is any party prepared to consider trusts as income? Transferring income into trusts reduces income as determined by Inland Revenue. Thus the prudent live well ("beyond visible means of support").
But their dwellings are not theirs - they pay rent to a trust. Maintenance is thus the determination of the trust, not the tenant.
Who pays for social events and holidays? The trust - theft by deceit. So are trusts actually non-taxable allowances to beneficiaries? They are rorts and should be included in any application for social allowances, Working for Families and student allowances.
As an aside, John Key has been truthful over his pre-election promises. No real change has been enacted during this term. Helen Clark initiated this scenario but nothing has been legislated, just promised.
Russell Synnott, Napier
Foreign workers
P. Carver (May 17) is right. Too many foreign workers are allowed in.
I am sorry for the Filipino caregivers who are sent home, but unemployed New Zealand young people and older people come first. There is a myth that foreigners do work New Zealanders don't want to do. There are now so many unemployed that you can always find motivated people who will conscientiously do any work.R. EvansTaradale
Sign a crass rip-off
Re: the "Wellywood" sign. A crass, fifth-rate, unnecessary imitation. Cultural capital of New Zealand? Laughing stock, more like.
What an embarrassment to all New Zealanders. In a country well-known for innovation this makes no sense.
Am I alone? (Abridged.)
Margaret Harman, Hastings