A selection of letters to the editor. Have your say by clicking the link at the bottom of this page. Please also see letters rules at the bottom of this page.
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I'm confused about who to vote for this election.
If I vote for one party, they'll sell our assets. Haven't they learned? When they sold Telecom and the rail system we ended up with the most expensive mobile network in the world and a rail system even a third world country would reject.
Don't give me that rubbish about retaining a majority shareholding. Some smarty will work around it and we'll end up with nothing but power we can't afford.
The other mob, even if I don't vote for the candidate, will still get in. What's that all about? They're going on about the rort in Epsom - what about Rotorua? And if you didn't say anything when you had your cup of tea, why not tell us?
Then there's the rest - parties claiming to put New Zealand first, protect the environment, get the foreshore back etc.
I feel sorry for us New Zealand taxpayers. The ordinary people are penned up, fed rubbish and false promises, then milked for their hard-earned cash by over-qualified professionals and a government system that doesn't recognise the hard work and effort they put into supporting the "system".
No wonder people are leaving in droves. Closing the gap isn't going to happen if we continue as we are.
I'm going to try and use my vote wisely but, in reality, I don't really have a lot of options. Best of luck to everybody out there - I think we're all going to need it.
(Abridged)
M W CLEMENT
Rotorua
I'm not a National supporter, but pay tribute where it's due.
My family have been in the health system for the past four years dealing with cancer issues. Getting in there can feel like a milestone and if you don't persist, you find yourself on the outside.
This is how it was for my young niece and family. When they didn't seem to be getting anywhere it was time for action.
I phoned Todd McClay. We spoke in detail about the situation and he said he'd do what he could. He said he would contact my sister without delay. Unbeknown to Todd, I live next door to my sister and can see her phone from my window. It wouldn't have been more than 30 seconds later when I saw her move towards the phone. It was Todd calling to assist at this time of stress.
Things finally started to happen and now we have the all-important surgery plan. On behalf of my family, Todd, I thank you for your assistance. I realise you are limited with what you can do but you listened and actioned. I haven't received the same service from past MPs. In fact, I didn't even have calls returned.
This is where things get confusing for me as I am a New Zealand First supporter.
I feel if you are actively engaging with your electorate then so be it. I suppose for me, Todd for MP vote, New Zealand First party vote.
(Abridged)
DANNY IOANE
Rotorua
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! What a treat a full-house audience enjoyed in Rotorua this week. The fabulous Russian Ballet was superb - such poise, beauty, colour and so professional.
First act Don Quixote was superb, the male dancers were fantastic with their red cape routine. A highlight for me was in Act II when they performed Bolero - I was in awe of the precision, timing and costuming. It was fabulous.
Act III we had a variety of well-known acts such as The Dying Swan, Le Corsaire and Carmen to name a few, closing with a hilarious Can-Can surprise.
I have never applauded so much and they received a well-deserved standing ovation.
Thank you Russian Ballet Company for a fabulous three hours of pure delight.
VEAR IBBETSON
Rotorua
What is wrong with this country?
Get the rich to pay real tax, get real full-time work - where 300 or more people don't have to apply for 10 or fewer jobs - maybe make your own electric cars or import cars in kitset form and have New Zealand people build them.
Get people to clean the sides of highways, stop importing products which have been made using New Zealand materials. And spread the wealth around evenly.
I get sick of seeing Prime Minister John Key and other rich MPs, our overpaid servants, representing us slaves.
And all that mighty rubbish over that Rugby World Cup - four million fans? - while my poor old aunty is trying to survive in Christchurch with no insurance money and still using a portaloo.
And I see they are going to waste another $22 million on a rugby ground in Christchurch that is temporary.
So young people of New Zealand, keep taking drugs and keep buying booze from all the liquor shops - the Government makes good taxes from them - because there are not enough jobs for you.
J O'SULLIVAN
Rotorua
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