Letters: We would be better off with two power lines companies instead of 28
We don’t need so many lines companies
The fact that there are 28 power line companies in New Zealand highlights the fractured cost that has elevated the high structural price of power distribution we are paying too much for.
New Zealand should have two power lines companies - one in the North Island and one in the South Island.
I have full confidence in Energy Minister Simeon Brown to make this happen pronto. We do not need reviews, investigations or reports, we need action.
Issue the instruction and make it happen, please, Minister Brown.
Gary Carter, Gulf Harbour.
Big profits
The Herald has reported (Aug 19) that Mercury Power made a profit of $321 million and Vector Group made a profit of $240m.
It’s a pity some of this wealth can’t be distributed among their customers, many of whom can’t afford to turn on a heater or heat pump to warm their homes over winter, can’t afford to turn their ovens on to cook a nourishing meal, and can’t enjoy the benefits of a daily hot shower.
It’s an obscene profit in today’s poor economic times and just not fair.
Heather Stonestreet, Mt Roskill.
Disparity in donations
The spectacular disparity in donations between the coalition Government and the Opposition is a stark reminder of the gross inequality our country is mired in.
The wishes of the wealthy are the main drivers of government policy, through much larger donations and intense lobbying. Austerity for the public at large, more luxury for the wealthy.
The “wild west” of unlimited donations is turning our democracy into a farce.
I hope the vast majority of voters will reject this situation in November, or the rot will grow worse. We deserve better.
Vivien Fergusson, Mt Eden.
Climate concerns
Well said Emma Mackintosh (Herald, Aug 19), noting our lack of action on climate change and apparent disinterest in the future our children will face.
The situation is not helped by polls showing our top concerns leading up to the election are the cost of living, health, the economy, housing and unemployment, not a mention of climate concerns.
Our current coalition Government, likewise, seems unconcerned, still favouring fossil fuels ahead of renewable energy.
We face a bleak future indeed.
Linda McGrogan, Taupō.
Settlers’ actions
The United States Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee says in a report published by NPR on August 14 that Israeli settlers attacking West Bank homes are terrorists.
This is refreshing to hear, for the first time a true description of what the Israeli settlers have been doing for months.
Their actions in killing Palestinians, destroying homes, businesses and driving people off their lands in the West Bank, in many cases while IDF soldiers fail to intervene, are acts of terrorism and it is time the Western media called them what they are, not settlers but terrorists.
Clive Sinclair, Devonport.
Down the gurgler
Definition of irony. Two rugby nations competing for world glory, while both economies go down the gurgler.
Gerry O’Meeghan, Pāpāmoa.
High-rise risk
Research figures show high-density housing, high-rise condominiums and public transport make it much easier for epidemics such as the current flu epidemic to spread, but our slow-learning city councillors and politicians alike, even with the lessons of the Covid-19 pandemic staring them in the face, wouldn’t have thought of that.
Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay.
Birthday boy
Reading the article (Aug 19) about Wayne Brown’s 80th birthday reminded me that I genuinely believe that not only should there be term limits for elected or “Government” officials in New Zealand, but also an “expiry date” of 80 years of age.
By the time you are 80, you have done your bit and both deserve and have earned your retirement. It’s time to step aside, relax and let the next generation shine!
While I wish Wayne a very happy birthday, it is apparent from his now public modus operandi that it is time to “enjoy his retirement”.
Also, a harbour crossing on Meola Reef has zero chance of being approved. The greenies among us will use every possible opportunity to prevent damage to the “valuable ecological resource” that is the Meola Reef.
In addition, the obvious problem is where is the northern end of a Meola Reef crossing supposed to end up.
Destroying Birkenhead, Birkdale and Glenfield by driving a motorway through them is not an option. A tunnel with light rail, bus lanes and multiple lanes for vehicles, from Esmonde Rd to the bottom of Stanley St for traffic not stopping in the CBD makes much more sense.
Happy birthday Wayne.
Roger Hawkins, Ponsonby.
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