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Two weeks living in Australia has convinced me of one thing - we, here in New Zealand, are being well and truly "ripped off!" Petrol (the lowest price we paid) $1.22 a litre, food prices hovering at about half the price we pay!
Petrol has not moved in Rotorua for several months now - why? Crude is down- it has been since before Christmas, so why are we being ripped off at the pumps - and in the food shops?
I sincerely believe that we put up with too much in New Zealand - wages here are abysmal, taxes far too high and the tax on food -well, most countries do not tax food why do we?
With selections looming perhaps our leaders should start using their wits to come up with a better deal for the hard-pressed rate and tax payers!
JIM ADAMS
Rotorua
Maintenance neglected
The recent letter from a plumber (Letters, April 24) complaining about the shocking condition of water shut-off valves is more significant than most people realise. These "tobys" belong to the council and are critical to hazard management during emergencies.
Tobys also have a shorter life in Rotorua due to the sulphur in our air, and need replacing more often.
It now makes me wonder if there are tobys in such poor condition, what about the fire hydrants? Are they too being neglected? If so it is fair to point out that it could result in an embarrassing situation or legal action against the council and at worst, a preventable tragedy.
I resent my rates literally going down the drain like this, just because council refuses to restore the priority that should be given to core services like maintenance. This lack of attention to essentials is a disgrace, to put it mildly.
A.J. MACKENZIE
Rotorua
Council planning
Was John Pakes' letter (May 4) written without reference to my letter published April 25 which provided the facts about how the Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers developed its position on the council's draft Annual Plan? Did he choose to ignore the facts provided? Was the publication of his letter delayed?
Whatever, his opening claim that our council's strategic planning exhibits transparency and real consultations is bizarre. Let's look at the process used.
First came Vision 2030; a speculative wish list about futures without any evidence. It was developed after closed workshops. A summary was published with a symbolic invitation for feedback.
No hearings. Submissions were not published. The RDRR's written feedback, with recommendations for the draft Annual Plan, had no discernible impact.
The draft Annual Plan then appeared with vague project outlines but without plans, budgets or performance indicators. The invitation for feedback was in my view couched to elicit endorsement, not critique. The expensive full-page adverts appeared to me to be "push marketing" the decisions already made.
In recent days the public has been invited to propose content for a Spatial Plan, although it is admitted that a preliminary plan has already been prepared. Amazingly, the Spatial Plan is to provide an evidence base for Vision 2030 and the Annual Plan!
In my view this is muddled and ideologically driven planning, not research-based strategic planning that clarifies purposes, identifies needs, and costs options, before developing programme and project plans. Ironically, it requires limited transparency and inauthentic consultations.
REYNOLD MACPHERSON
Rotorua
Election promises
When you look back at what we were promised and realise what we actually receive, what fools we were! The get re-elected in 1975 the National Government under Rob Muldoon promised us a free pension and told us it would increase to 80 per cent of the average wage after tax, so why are we only receiving 33 per cent?
Politicians say we are getting 66 per cent but this is as a couple not as an individual. It's wonderful how facts can be twisted to suit certain agendas. All your working life you are taxed as an individual but when you retire suddenly you become a couple.
Had Muldoon not cancelled Labour's original Super scheme, New Zealand would now have billions of dollars in the super fund and be the envy of other countries. The millennium generation would still enjoy the perks our generation had like free education, low interest property loans and a lifestyle second to none.
Bill English has not learned from the mistakes Muldoon made, i.e. KiwiSaver should be compulsory. The New Zealand Seniors Party would make it compulsory, not a voluntary scheme as at present. We would also propose a complete overhaul of the current pension system to a pro-rata scheme making it fairer to all.
With the general election in September one would hope New Zealanders have learnt from the past and will no longer believe all the promises made by our politicians seeking election. Remember, sometimes if it sounds too good to be true - it probably is.
PAUL REA
chairman, New Zealand Seniors Party