What is the cost of hosting a US President?

Barack Obama flew in and then out again with hardly a member of the public getting a glimpse. Helicopters, luxury accommodation. Sir John Key with a smile on his face. Then the so-called elite of New Zealand attended a private dinner with a chef also flown in from England. The money spent could have fed a few hungry families for some time. Where are the priorities? Certainly not with the people who work hard and still have trouble making ends meet.

Jan Hare, Red Beach

Have we just witnessed Sir John Key’s best trick yet — is it fair to say that the ex-prime minister managed to get his golfing buddy here on an all-expenses and fees paid tour so he could enjoy a couple of rounds of golf with him on some exclusive golf courses?

Peter Kelly, Glendene

Correspondent A. Seal (Letters, March 18) claims Eden Park is easy to reach by foot, bus or train, but there is no transport depot there and just one rail line goes near. Getting to Eden Park by public transport generally means changing buses and trains. The central transport depot for trains, buses and ferries in downtown Auckland is far easier to get to than Eden Park. He also claims there are bars, restaurants and accommodation close by, but these facilities are limited, only suitable for a small suburban centre. The bulk of the patrons are forced to return to the CBD’s major entertainment and hotel precincts. All of this is proof Eden Park is poorly located and needs to be moved.

David Mairs, Glendowie

With Aucklanders yet again suffering March Madness congestion, a quick-fix