Letters: Proposed waterfront site will produce a disappointing experience for Ferris wheel riders

Enjoy the view

Viv Beck obviously isn’t one of the hundreds affected by the proposal to plonk a 32-metre high Ferris wheel operating from 10am to 10 at night with 144 passengers at a time across 24 gondolas plus a cultural centre, ticket booths and an icecream cart on a small piece of port-gifted recreational land smack in front of hundreds of apartments’ view of the true taonga - Waitematā Harbour.

The “absolute winner” here is the uninterrupted view of the harbour, so a Ferris wheel could be put further down aligned with the wharves, parallel not perpendicular to them, causing less visual interference and quietly settling in as a must-visit attraction. Maybe the port can do a swap?

Mary Tallon, Mt Albert.

Doing it tough

This election lead-up is developing into a total farce.

Despite the cost of living clearly being the No 1 concern of all electors, no party is coming up with any clear direction other than a variety of ways to attack the supermarkets - none of which are fiscally feasible and in fact will only worsen the situation by splitting supply chains.

Wage rises are immediately absorbed by increased prices, power, rates, insurance, telephone costs etc. We know this because they send “poor us“ emails to us, explaining how tough things are while announcing yet another multi-billion profit. My power bill has increased by 19% annually for the past three years.

So while we cannot control petrol costs, which convert to freight costs and product price increases, why not reduce GST to 10% across the board or at least on all food items. It is an accepted fact that GST impost is harder on the poor due to the majority of that sector’s income going on survival, vis a vis luxury items of the super wealthy, thus justifying the 5% reduction. Sure that’s around $9.5 billion the Government would have to find in replacement revenue, coming from a wealth tax on the 5500 people in New Zealand each worth more than $10 million would hardly be noticed.

Don’t gasp but the combined wealth of the country’s rich list this year reached $129 billion. For comparison sake, the minimum hourly wage is $23.95.

Bob Manson, Dannemora.

Show me the manifesto

It is a public disgrace that so many political parties have failed to publish election manifestos, believing that their financial management should not be questioned. They are willing to blow budgets and make promises that are impossible to finance and not be held accountable in writing.

I will be voting for one of the two parties that have produced election manifestos.

Ian Gaskin, Wairoa.

Ardern’s record

It is interesting to read of Jacinda Ardern lecturing on social cohesion.

Many New Zealanders remember her Government dividing society into competing groups: rich vs poor, town vs country, landlords vs tenants, employers vs employees, and, most controversially, Māori vs non-Māori.

Supporters argue these policies addressed inequality. Critics saw them as deepening division. Whatever one’s view, it is difficult to reconcile that record with a reputation for bringing society together.

Murray Beck, Remuera.

Well done, Jacinda

Congratulations Jacinda. You are appreciated all over the world. You make New Zealand proud. Kia kaha!

Nishi Fahmy, Avondale.

Whose water?

Meridian wants to attract overseas businesses to its increased capacity to provide renewable electricity. Data centres get a mention. Data centres are enormous users of water. Who is to provide this water? Certainly not Meridian despite the enormous quantities it controls for hydro generation.

John Beauregard, Whangārei.

Catching rats

Predator Free Wellington has got rid of rats in Hataitai and Roseneath and is now aiming at other suburbs and the CBD.

Hataitai and Roseneath are declared pest free;

Predator Free Wellington is jumping with glee;

Rats have been cleared from suburban heights;

Now easier suburbs are in PFW sights;

Newtown, Mount Vic, Oriental Bay then CBD;

Rat traps in Parliament? Let’s just wait and see.

David Hopkins, Remuera.