Letters to the Editor: It would be great to have a good rail service but is the Greens’ proposal realistic?
Many questions over Greens’ rail plans
Having travelled extensively through Europe by train, the thought of a good rail service in New Zealand is very appealing.
However, several questions arise: do we have enough well-maintained lines to accommodate extra train services; do we have enough electric trains (the Greens would not want diesel or coal-operated locomotives spewing out clouds of carbon-laden smoke); do we have a reliable-enough electricity supply for these extra electric trains; are there enough train drivers and qualified technicians available to service and staff these extra trains; is the population of New Zealand anywhere near big enough to support a meaningful train service; and last, and probably most importantly‚ how do we pay for it all?
Chlöe Swarbrick has suggested that the new service, plus the add-on benefits from it, would soon make it financially viable. Quite possibly she is right.
However, this cannot happen until the services are up and running, and that will involve big money that Swarbrick, no doubt, believes will be raised by her various new taxes.
Meanwhile, Chris Hipkins has insisted that there will be only one new tax introduced by Labour, (targeting capital gains).
No matter how appealing the idea of a good railway system is, if it can’t be financed, it becomes nothing more than a fanciful dream.
Importantly, an improved rail system is not a “must have”. These monies, especially in our current circumstances, would be far better used to improve our rundown and struggling health system.
Philip Lenton, Somerville.
Who pays for children?
Your headline read: “Greens promise free travel for children”. Surely it should have read: “Greens promise taxpayers will pay for children to travel”.
Ross Weenink, Karori.
Brandolini’s law
With so much bull***t flowing from either side of the political spectrum, more than I can ever remember, one is reminded of Brandolini’s law, which states that the amount of energy needed to refute bull***t is greater than that required to create it.
All of which would render the coalition Government, the Opposition and all voters alike when it’s all over, as unremittingly, unflaggingly and indefatigably exhausted beyond what is recognised as being healthy for the human condition.
Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay.
On the attack
It’s really disappointing that this election seems to be following the American trend of being more attack-based. All that seems to be happening is each of the major parties is attacking the other rather than putting up their strategies for the future.
It is like a schoolyard and both sides are acting like children. It’s very tiresome and getting very nasty so it’s no wonder it puts many people off voting or being engaged with politics.
What happened to statesmanship and maturity?
Hamish Walsh, Devonport.
Preparing for El Niño
With El Niño pending, what plans have we all made for conserving water for a hot dry summer?
Every new house build should include a water supply in the form of a rain-catching tank. These can be standalone or recessed under a deck. Water is an essential commodity and whether storms or droughts an alternative supply should be mandatory. Save water for the future.
Marie Kaire, Whangārei.
Need for accountability
Dana Patterson (Oct 1) is quite correct to encourage people to watch the Naza documentary made by Israelis Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor so as to make the realities of Gaza available to everyone including Israelis.
However, Israel entered Gaza after the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Hamas provided their own evidence for this by also filming the horrors it perpetrated. Maybe people should be encouraged to watch this footage as well.
The IDF entered Gaza after Israeli citizens were killed and kidnapped by Hamas with many subsequently held hostage in inhumane conditions for hundreds of days.
Surely mention has to be made of the realities of what Hamas did as well so that the actions of both sides can be examined fairly and objectively. To hold only one side to account is to make a farce of accountability.
Bernard Walker, Mount Maunganui.
League v rugby
The NRL grand final on Sunday night featured perennial powerhouse the Sydney Roosters against the underdog Newcastle Knights. Unfortunately, the fairytale didn’t eventuate for the Knights with the Roosters prevailing 19-18.
However, the game was yet another showcase of the quality sporting entertainment the NRL continues to provide fans week on week while poor old Super Rugby offers the same bland fan experiences in half-empty stadiums year on year.
Something has to change ASAP or rugby union will continue to lose fans.
James Deslauriers, Henderson.
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