The Government will allow three homes up to three storeys high on a section. Photo / 123RF
Housing intensification
With the ongoing debate about the pros and cons of housing intensification, and the Government’s move to allow three homes up to three storeys high on a section, it’s easy to see why people are upset. It’s okay, but not in my street seems to be the feeling.
What a shame it will be if we end up with Auckland becoming a concrete jungle. Suburbs that now have character with trees and green spaces could be changed forever.
There are three streets in Warkworth that have flowering cherry trees lining both sides of the road, and at this time of the year they are covered in magnificent pink blossoms. Tūī arrive every day to feed on the blossoms’ nectar, and visitors come to take in the lovely sight.
Would this sort of delight be found in future concrete jungles? In my opinion, never.
Lorraine Kidd, Warkworth.
Flip flops
Disabilities backdown, now the Auckland public can decide on local speed limits. Next, we’ll be allowed to influence local alcohol laws not lobby group lawyers?
The putrid smell of fouled knickers over fiscal holes could mean tobacco tax incentives get burnt. Should we restructure local wastewater too? We might enjoy swimming locally again.
Steve Russell, Hillcrest.
Pop royalty
Christopher Luxon’s pandering to the world’s most famous newly engaged couple (Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce) sounds like the dance of a desperate man whose ratings as preferred Prime Minister are slowly and agonisingly falling.
So, why not be seen to cuddle up to Travis and Taylor? Maybe it’s to distract a rather fickle electorate from problems relating to housing, healthcare, education and infrastructure. A bit of political theatre could go a long way. After all, former PM Jacinda Ardern had her own show just about every day during the pandemic, spouting platitudes and words of kindness from the podium of truth.
It worked for a time and got her to grasp the reins of power. Luxon knows that he does not have quite the same eye appeal as Ardern, so why not use Travis and Taylor, who exude success, wealth and happiness? Does he think that he will appear to be successful, wealthy and happy simply by associating with these two and that this is the answer to this country’s woes?
However, being on first-name terms with pop royalty and an NFL walking wedge won’t fix roads, won’t fix queues waiting for knee replacements and won’t expedite cancer treatments or address the rising cost of living.
Bernard Walker, Mount Maunganui.
Power savings
Is New Zealand acutely short of electricity? Is it time we started educating our current generation in power savings?
The modern generation doesn’t understand about turning off lights when they leave a room, turning off heaters when not in use, limiting shower time, turning down heat pumps and air conditioners, and turning off TVs when not in use.
How often do you go into a house on a cold day and the occupants are wandering around in light clothing and the inside temperature is cooking?
Then you will hear them complaining about their electricity bill.
Jock MacVicar, Hauraki.
Superannuation
Harry Allen suggests means testing Super, so instead of saving hard all my life, buying my own home, I would be better supported if I had wasted my money by enjoying the last 45 years.
Think I’ll be selling everything now and living on a cruise liner so I can come back broke if means testing becomes a thing. Heck, maybe even lose my passport on the cruise and come back as a refugee.
Randel Case, Howick.