Letters to the Editor: Maybe a grand coalition is the right idea and might fix our Super problem?
Super changes?
It is pleasing to read that the National Party is considering changes to our superannuation policy.
It is a scary statistic that by 2065, there will be only two working-age New Zealanders to support each superannuitant, when today many working families are struggling just to support themselves.
Adding to our problems, if the world does not come to its senses and seriously reduce carbon emissions, by 2065 we will be facing enormous costs to cope with the ever-increasing effects of climate change.
I am starting to think that Audrey Young in the Weekend Herald (May 9) has the right idea for a future grand-coalition Government.
Without the distracting influence of minor parties, we could have the very best people in power to plan for what will be a difficult future.
Linda McGrogan, Taupō.
David Kirk for PM?
Having watched Q+A on Sunday morning and seen David Kirk in action giving assured, sensible, confident and non-evasive answers to the interviewer, I wondered if he would like to step down as chair of New Zealand Rugby and become chair of NZ Inc.
A new position at a high level to sort out the myriad of difficulties that New Zealand faces. No more coalition semantics, just common-sense solutions given in an advisory capacity to Parliament.
The current system of MMP is holding the country back to the point where all solutions must be considered. A near-bankrupt country that elects politicians who are bankrupt of ideas into a bankrupt, adversarial system has to seek changes.
Graham Fleetwood, Bethlehem.
Singapore model
Christopher Luxon may look to Singapore as a model (May 9), but we are doing nothing to emulate them. If we are serious, we need to invest in the resources required, not just words and platitudes.
A case in point is spending on AI, which is likely to be the next big thing to improve productivity. The Singapore Government is spending $1.3 billion over the next five years on AI; we are investing a ludicrously low $70 million over seven years. Our R&D spending is half of the OECD average.
Our infrastructure spending is in fits and starts, while construction companies suffer or go bust. Singapore’s home ownership rate is 90% due to massive government investment.
Singapore has a separate $550b sovereign wealth fund (Temasek) that focuses on investing in local companies and strategic industries. The New Zealand Superannuation Fund invests 90% overseas.
You can’t upgrade from a Toyota Corolla to a Ferrari by talking about it.
Kushlan Sugathapala, Epsom.
Grand coalition?
Audrey Young (May 9) surveys the origin of proposals for a Labour-National coalition to form the next Government. I proposed this in a letter to the NZ Herald on March 26 this year.
I initially thought a grand coalition would be useful to New Zealand dealing with the war in the Middle East. However, this country has many other issues where a negotiated resolution is required: funding infrastructure, raising the age of retirement, pay equity, reforming the Resource Management Act, etc.
Voters at the November general election will need to vote strategically so that neither major party can form the Government in a coalition with a single minor party. They can do this by exploiting the power they have in splitting their votes and by observing which minor parties say they will never form a coalition with certain other parties.
Parties, such as NZ First, which rule out certain coalitions deserve to never be part of any coalition.
Peter D. Graham, Helensville.
A worry for Rennie
Dave Rennie will no doubt have watched the New Zealand teams performing in Super Rugby Pacific at the weekend and he will be very worried by the play of some leading players.
Even their coaches were complaining. When you consider that these guys are professional players and do nothing but play with the football, you have to wonder at some of the basic errors they make.
There is still no evidence of anyone developing an accurate kicking game. It is still kick as hard and as far as you can when they run out of options. The biggest worry for Rennie will be the absence of a second-string halfback. None of those on display showed any promise.
Let’s hope Cam Roigard makes a speedy recovery and he doesn’t get injured during the upcoming test series, otherwise we are goners.
Jock Mac Vicar, Hauraki.
Beauty in everyday buildings
Chris Mann writes (May 9) that all he wants is basic train stations and he doesn’t need to admire the artistry. I have been fortunate to visit the Tashkent metro in Uzbekistan, of course built by the Russians, adorned with murals, pillars, chandeliers, mosaics, sculpture and more, making it a tourist attraction.
Art can enrich even the drabbest of places. Looking forward to seeing the K Road station in all its grandeur.
Nishi Fahmy, Avondale.