Letters to the editor: Nothing but talk when it comes to Rotorua housing

An aerial view of Rotorua. Photo / Getty Images

Another housing crisis talk-fest has occurred and it's front-page news (News, June 13.)

What's new? We've known there's a growing housing shortage in Rotorua so why has almost nothing but talk been done to date?

The council says land and infrastructure would be identified and established to enable the development of up to 2000 houses. The figure of 250-500 per year was mentioned. I guess saying "up to" is covering all bases.

Council would also identify its own parcels of land. Can someone please tell me why this wasn't addressed ages ago? There must be some council employees familiar with what and where council-owned land is.

In my view, action earlier would have saved council and ratepayers the expense of the many talkfests already undertaken.

Action speaks louder than words and I believe we've been fed too many words

Now we'll just have to wait and see if there will be any noteworthy action in the near future or if another talkfest and a front-page announcement will be required first. Let's hope this latest plan isn't another KiwiBuild-style flop.

(Abridged)

Paddi Hodgkiss
Rotorua

Let's vote yes

Principal Patrick Walsh (Opinion, June 16) has seen the devastating effects of cannabis use while that drug has been and is illegal.

Were the teenagers he referred to advantaged by the criminality aspect?

Let's vote yes to legalise recreational cannabis and allow the Government to regulate and control. It is possible that young people no longer threatened by a conviction could be assisted to better health, education and guidance.

The dismal regulation of alcohol is real but it is not reasonable to deny citizens freedom of choice in their own malaise.

I am not in favour of prohibition of any vices - gambling, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, excess fizzy drinking/sugar intake, cigarette smoking, and vaping to name a few. However, for all except drug abuse help can be sought without fear.

(Abridged)

Cherie Luxton
Pāpāmoa

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