Letters to the editor: Rotorua doesn't need Lime scooters

Scooters are not wanted in Rotorua, says a reader. Photo / File

I am completely opposed to the introduction of Lime scooters to Rotorua's sidewalks, they are unnecessary and dangerous as has been proven in other places.

Rotorua is not big enough to handle the additional traffic and vigilance that would be required, the lack of beat patrols by the constabulary means mayhem would soon start.

All we need in Rotorua is two hours of free parking throughout the town and the removal of the complicated and disliked meters recently installed by mayor Steve Chadwick.

Jim Adams
Rotorua

High housing costs

Having lived for 25 years in Canada, I'm aghast at the disproportionately high cost of New Zealand housing relative to average income.

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With no capital gains tax on property and the ability to write off real estate investment losses against personal income, the Government is encouraging investing in non-productive entities.

The Canadian federal government's creative, visionary approach to the housing market encourages alternate investment in their capital market and Canadian infrastructure, and at the same time helps people save for their future retirement.

Simplistically, here's how they linked it together.

All property became subject to capital gains tax except one's primary residence.

Property investment losses were ring-fenced and only used to offset future property profits.

To encourage investment in their capital market, the government legislated that through approved 'mutual funds' (portfolios of Canadian companies), annual investments to a maximum 6 per cent ($13,000 limit) of one's income would be tax-free and only taxed when withdrawn on retirement through an annuity programme, for example tax deferral at a much-reduced retirement rate.

Thus, the birth of their popular Registered Retirement Savings Program (RRSP).

It significantly reduced the demand by aspiring landlords and benefited a vibrant Canadian capital market.

This has application and merit in NZ. It needs a government with political foresight to enact similar legislation here.

Tony Fellingham
Tauranga

The Rotorua Daily Post welcomes letters from readers. Please note the following:

• Letters should not exceed 250 words.

• They should be opinion based on facts or current events.

• If possible, please email.

• No noms-de-plume.

• Letters will be published with names and suburb/city.

• Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only.

• Local letter writers given preference.

• Rejected letters are not normally acknowledged.

• Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the Editor's discretion.

• The Editor's decision on publication is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

Email editor@dailypost.co.nz

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