Letters to the Editor: We need penalties that are severe enough to stop drivers using their phones
Charging infrastructure
Chris Keall’s October 29 article about a hybrid ferry being driven around the harbour at night to charge up its batteries, stated that delays to the construction of Auckland Transport’s ferry charging facility stemmed “in part” from me “campaigning against the charging building as an eyesore”.
It is true I raised concerns about the 8m high (3-storey) charging building being visually intrusive in its proposed location in the public open space at the northern end of Queens Wharf. However, it is incorrect to suggest that I organised a campaign against the charging infrastructure itself.
I was one of several parties that participated in the publicly notified resource consent process in April 2025. My submission, along with that of Heritage New Zealand and the City Centre Residents Group, opposed the proposed location of the building. We argued that, if such a facility was required, it should instead be located at the southern end of Queens Wharf, alongside existing utility buildings and closer to the ferry berths it was intended to service.
Resource consent was subsequently granted in May 2025. I dispute any suggestion that my participation in that statutory process was responsible for any delay whatsoever in the charging infrastructure becoming operational by the time the first hybrid ferry entered service. Responsibility for that and its consequences must lie with those decision-makers charged with delivering this project.
Mike Lee, Waitematā & Gulf councillor.
How to stop drivers using their phones
I wholeheartedly agree with Murray Hunter (Nov 4) that fines should be increased for people caught using a handheld phone while driving.
I would take it further to ensure the deterrent is somewhat more punishing than a simple, easily paid fine. Perhaps the following might be worth a look: $1000 for a first offence; $1500 plus immediate forfeiture of the device for a second offence; $2000 fine, immediate forfeiture of the device and a 12-month suspension of the driving licence for a third.
Fines of $150 aren’t going to deter those who phone and drive but the threat of losing their phone, licence and $1000 or more might just be enough.
In any case, all of the above are cheaper and much less painful than a funeral or lifetime care for a family member, or someone else’s loved one, just because a text or phone call was deemed more important or interesting than concentrating on the job at hand.
Jeremy Coleman, Hillpark.
Proud to be American
I hate to say it, but revenge is sweet. The repudiation of Donald Trump in the mid-term elections is a crucial opportunity for America to heal, to hope, and to unify a broken country.
I must thank the President because he continuously urged the American people to vote as if he were on the ballot, and they did just that.
However, even if the Republican Party is chastised, the President won’t be, as his ego won’t allow for self-reflection and a sincere desire to improve the lives of the American people.
For the first time in a long time, I’m proud to be an American, and I’m hopeful that the United States can spend the next two years becoming what President Reagan nostalgically called “that shining city on a hill”.
Mary Hearn, Glendowie.
Where are Kiwi prices?
The cost of living is a priority, they say.
On the eve of the election and post-election period, we have to ask if this is so.
There are countries that have domestic prices for goods despite trade agreements.
The issue is Kiwis paying exorbitant overseas prices for basic food produced locally (80% of the prices of New Zealand agricultural and dairy products are determined by overseas demand). That’s us paying import prices for local food.
Auckland University economics Professor Robert MacCulloch says New Zealand as a sovereign nation is free to have domestic prices rather than have Kiwis competing with wealthy overseas buyers.
Could there be a clearer symptom of failing trickle-down economic theory whereby wealth does not trickle down but gets transferred instead to the already wealthy?
Where are Kiwi prices?
Keith Burgess, Christchurch.
Cheaper options
I see that someone is finally addressing the cost of living. At Pak’nSave, American imported butter is priced at $5.89 per 500g, compared with the next cheapest, Pams, at $7.09 – a saving of $1.20. Other New Zealand-made butters range from $8.49 to $9.70 per 500g, depending on where you buy them.
With such a significant price difference, can we really blame consumers for choosing the cheaper imported product? And what message does this send to New Zealand manufacturers? If buying local means paying considerably more, are we effectively encouraging consumers to turn away from our own products and not buy “New Zealand made”?
Ian Doube, Rotorua.
Tragedy of MMP
The tragedy of MMP is that someone like Michael Laws can become a list MP without a single vote in his favour.
Graham Fleetwood, Bethlehem.
Sheepish or fleeced?
The full front page advertisement in Wednesday’s Herald, featuring a half-shorn sheep, caused me to ask two questions: 1. Should voters feel sheepish about voting National? 2. Are voters being fleeced by this present Government?
Brian Marshall, Mt Eden.
Ad in sheep’s clothing
What a wonderful metaphor on the cover page of the Herald (Nov 4), showing a sheep with its rear half recently shorn but the front half in full fleece. The National Party urges the reader to “Stick with the Plan”.
At a time when many people are feeling material hardship, the message seems to be, “You may feel that you are being fleeced at present but give us another three years to completely strip you.”
Peter D. Graham, Helensville.
A global problem
Not being a political strategist, I am bemused why the centre right is not pointing out to New Zealanders that they are not unique in the spiralling cost of living and that it is a worldwide crisis. Just look at all the demonstrations and riots overseas.
Jock Mac Vicar, Hauraki.
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