Heavily over-rated
Auckland City is increasing residential rates and decreasing that paid by businesses. Local bodies are a part of the government and rates are a land tax. For business, rates are a tax-deductible expense while for residential ratepayers rates are paid from income that has already been taxed.
This is double taxation.
Also to the detriment of residents, local body rates are subject to GST which is recoverable tax for businesses, but not for individuals. GST goes directly to the government.
Rates increases have become a de facto wealth tax, based on property ownership, with the proceeds split between local and central government. The absence of criticism of rate rises by the government is no surprise as government gains the revenue. Increased rates generate increased GST revenue for government plus fewer deductible expenses, as rates move from business, also produce more money for the government. The full burden of rates rises are borne unfairly heavily by residential ratepayer.
Rating reform is long overdue.
Stephen Goodman, Parnell.
Conservative backlash
The world is a mess, and so too is New Zealand, beset by global problems as well as our own unique, very challenging difficulties (you know what's on the list).
No wonder pollsters are finding dissatisfaction with the Labour Government. Not only does National/Act claim they could run the country better on lower taxes, but they want to return to a New Zealand of yesteryear.
The cause of deep inequality is not the solution. They'll be surprised at the strength of the backlash if they get into a position to repeal the legislation progressing the modern Māori drive for equality.
B Darragh, Auckland Central.
Disappoint meant
Could we ask Kelvin Davis, the Justice Minister, to use the correct words when issuing statements to the press? "Disappointment" is when rain is forecast ahead of a planned picnic.
"Shock", "horror" and "disgust" should be used when cash, methamphetamine and guns, including a silencer, are found at a bail address (NZ Herald, August 9).
An immediate, urgent investigation should follow.
Ann May Morris, Panmure.
Hard knocks
I trust that there were plenty of parents sitting their teenagers down and making them watch the news. Sam Uffindell laid bare.
Whatever side you take on this matter, there are lessons to be learned for our young people. Bullying is never okay. Actions have consequences. Karma can be brutal.
Owning up to and taking responsibility for our mistakes is the mark of who we are as people.
Politics is a brutal, ugly game. If you live in a glasshouse, don't throw stones.
I hope that the lessons offered in this sorry saga have been learned by more than just those involved.
Jo Malcolm, Parnell.
Silly excuses
Re: Sam Uffindell and his teenage offending. It is not that he was a bully and indulged in violent behaviour against his schoolmates that worries and offends me, it is the way he minimises his behaviour and excuses himself through the language he uses.
He describes his actions as "silly", "stupid", "dumb", "rough and tumble". He obviously does not have any real connect with his victims or his actions.
Can you imagine a violent offender telling a judge that his actions were "silly"? The judge would throw the book at him.
Uffindell joins a long line of unsuitable males associated with the National Party. And why Nicola Willis has to take a back seat to all these blokes is beyond me.
J L Jones, Devonport.