Green machine changes gears
Under the influence of, first, Metiria Turei and, more latterly, Marama Davidson, the Greens have slowly but surely been changing their political persuasion, from being a party primarily focused on the environment, to one primarily focused on social justice, sitting in space to the left of Labour.
The Green Party has always had joint leadership, one female leader, one male, until very recently when it was decided by the party that one of the joint leaders no longer needed to be male. A leadership battle is playing out at the moment and James Shaw, an acknowledged environmentalist who appears to be widely respected for his work in the field by everyone except some within his own party, is fighting not just for his leadership position, but for political survival.
What will be will be, but while we await that outcome, wouldn't it be reasonable to sit back and wonder just what the situation might have been had a male member of the Green Party proposed that one of the joint leaders of the Green Party no longer needed to be female?
Phil Chitty, Albany.
Shifting narrative
For six months, we have heard about the impending inflation disaster and ridiculous apple and pear comparisons to the 70s. Then it was another world recession due to the rising interest rates. Then the blame game towards central banks.
So New Zealand's inflation increased from Q1 to Q2 on an annual basis. But the clever economists have worked out that quarter-by-quarter inflation dropped.
So some now inform us it may have peaked. And next year interest rates may need to drop.
So the narrative changes because their original predictions were a ridiculous over-reaction to things they appear not to understand.
Anyone for the All Blacks?
David Patterson, Levin.
Hawaiian break
Christopher Luxon shows his true colours with the deceitful cover-up of his Hawaiian holiday.
By attempting to dupe the public, his complete disrespect and contempt for New Zealanders is disgracefully palpable.
Edith Cullen, Te Kauwhata.
Lei off Luxon
For goodness sake, Christopher Luxon is allowed a holiday. No wonder the politicians get sick of the press.
The fact he was televised in Te Puke while he was in Hawaii is not a big deal. Leave him alone to get on with his real work and stop these petty criticisms.
It is a waste of New Zealand's time and money televising where he was which is of no real concern to us at all.
We just want the country to be run properly.
Let him do his job.
Marilyn Cure, Papamoa.
Why pay tax?
Perhaps I could answer Dave B (Premium Debate, July 26) who asks why he should pay higher taxes in proportion to his higher level of wealth. The answer is because you are an intelligent person who understands the role of luck in your life.
Perhaps you did not lose a business during lockdown, perhaps you were not born a minority and poor in a home where your role models were drug-takers.
And also because you understand that society needs schools, hospitals, roads and a million other amenities that you took advantage of to get where you are today. You did not "lift yourself" up.
You should be happy to pay because you are a generous, kind person. Generosity and kindness make for a happy world for everyone, not just for the lucky few.
Susan Grimsdell, Auckland Central.
