Distrust never sleeps
P. J. Edmondson (NZ Herald, August 22) finds Kushlan Sugathapala's call for the creation of a more decent society through a review of the type of capitalism New Zealand has used for the past 30-40 years "tiresome". It might seem "tiresome" to someone in the top one-third,
but New Zealand has seemingly turned its back on those in the bottom one-third. Not only have we forced wages into poverty levels, but we have reduced many services such as many free primary health care services and public transport.
There is a lot a capitalistic society can do to make society more equitable, and we fail to do this at our peril. The US was once a "decent" society with fairness and opportunity, but President Reagan changed all that. Some of the disaffected there are known as the "Rust Belt". Their support for Donald Trump and the associated threat to democracy is a direct result of lowering wages for the bottom half while the top half increases their wealth.
This is being stirred up in New Zealand too, and another protest in Wellington this week is a small taste of where we could go without a decent and equitable society.
Niall Robertson, Balmoral.
Mayoral candidates
Simon Wilson's column (NZ Herald, August 23) was a very cynical view of mayoral candidates.
Being a lawyer, and previous Community Board member with Law, Science and Arts degrees, I am one of the most qualified candidates. Navigating the council's complex maze of rules, statutes and bylaws is my strength.
The media ignore candidates without massive funds (Leo Molloy, Wayne Brown) or major political party endorsement (Efeso Collins, Viv Beck).
However, the candidate's ability, qualities, and policies should decide the election.
At the campaign start, we were all relatively unknown. Once reporters appointed and anointed their favourites that all changed, as people vote for who they have seen or heard, and so the media has huge power to influence elections.
Most surprising despite my tiny media coverage, I am fourth equal at 5 per cent, with the others at 9 per cent, 13 per cent and 16 per cent. It is hard to keep a good man down.
My party, New Conservative, is centrist to centre-right. We seek to bring better representation and accountability in local and central government and create a better life for all.
Give candidates a chance, as most are just trying to do what they believe in, and be kind. It's a long campaign.
Ted Johnston, Auckland candidate.
Questioning capitalism
P. J. Edmondson (NZ Herald, August 22) takes Kushlan Sugathapala to task for having the effrontery to question whether capitalism is the best economic system yet devised. With some indignation, Edmonson asks whether Sugathapala advocates the alternatives of socialism, communism, or fascism.
Yet, by 1933, there was a European country, which had in force an eight-hour day, a minimum wage, guaranteed work and continuity of employment, regulation of the work of women and children, compulsory TB and sickness accident insurance, provision for old age, and workers' representation alongside employers. There were public works schemes and the quality of housing was being improved. New roads were being built, in addition to the railways being electrified and running on time.
Believe it or not, this utopia was Mussolini's Italy; a Fascist state under what he called the "Third Way", which was in effect a synthesis of capitalism and socialism. I am not suggesting this country becomes a Fascist state, but it is very clear something needs to be done about the unequal distribution of wealth that is the end result of unfettered capitalism.
Bruce Anderson, Christchurch.
Banking to the left
I am 100 per cent in favour of Grant Robertson's decision to bring Kiwibank directly under NZ Government control. In 1989 the bank bearing the name of our largest city, Auckland Savings Bank (ASB), was sold to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Then in 1992 the bank bearing the name of our country, Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) was sold to the National Bank of Australia. Every time I see the massive profits going across the Ditch I think that these were bad decisions. Short-term gain but long-term pain. If we are serious about making Kiwibank a successful bank rivalling the big four Aussie banks, then we need to have confidence in Kiwibank and transition toward that bank doing the Government departments' banking. This will give them a huge boost. Westpac has had that business long enough.
Now is the time for a NZ-owned bank to do some serious NZ banking.
Glen Stanton, Mairangi Bay.
Better purposes
It's hard to have respect for Tamaki and his protesters.
In Nelson, people are desperate for help to clean up the devastation caused by the recent extreme weather. If the protesters have spare time, it would be better utilised in helping others. Helping others would earn them some respect.
Instead, they seem focused solely on exercising power and causing trouble.
J. Hansen, Hastings.
