Letters: Turn backs on negative energy

Locals were keen to check out Rotorua's new farmers' market. PHOTO/FILE

I have been reflecting on my recent interactions with mayors from across the wider region and see that there is a remarkable similarity between conversations being had. All of them are seeking to answer the same question; what value can be added over the next three years? Over time these conversations ripple wide, especially over the summer barbie, from which great ideas and plans emerge. We can see the tangible outcomes of this process at work in projects such as the Eastern link motorway, the Opotiki harbour project and the new Tauranga University campus. To me these are examples of positive energy at work.

Unfortunately like most things in life there is a flip side. I'm sure we have all had contact with people who seem unable to say anything positive. Negative energy has a way of quickly overcoming even the best of ideas and if unchecked can create a toxic environment where nothing can grow.

I believe that the majority of people who call Rotorua home aspire for our district to flourish. For it to do so, it is imperative that all of us turn our backs on negative energy. Instead our focus should be on the possible and what could be achieved through our collective energies. 2017 is a new year, an opportunity for us all to contribute to positive beginnings.

Happy New Year to you all.

[Abridged]
STEVE CHADWICK
Rotorua mayor

I would remind G.J. Philip (Letters, January 4) of the dangers of interfering with the natural laws of supply and demand when it comes to housing and land supply.

After the Second World War many items were strictly rationed including building materials. Houses could only be sold for the official Government valuation. But in those days most males wore a hat. The buyer and seller would reach an agreed price and difference above GV was handled by the seller putting his hat on the floor and betting the buyer that he could jump over the hat for the agreed extra amount!

Again, sometime in the '60s or '70s a Labour government brought in a form of capital gains tax on land sales which meant there had to be a minimum time of ownership before a sale could be made without having to pay the tax. This had the immediate effect of taking up to 90 perc ent of available building sections off the market. I know as I had a section which I had been trying to sell and was outside the requirement to pay the tax. As soon as the new tax came into effect my section doubled in value, was promptly sold - to the government as they needed to build a new police station in that area.

The message is that when there is demand no matter of legislation will solve the problem when there is a determined buyer. Legislation to control prices will have a negative effect.

JOHN DYER
Lake Tarawera