Tourist tax of $25 a head to fund new facilities

I WAS very pleased to see P.J. Forsyth’s letter (ODT, 3.5.18). It advocates a levy to assist the Department of Conservation to put in place measures which would alleviate the pressure it is under to protect land under its surveillance.

I also agree with Lora and Jan Solback’s similar sentiments expressed in their letter (ODT, 13.2.18), ‘‘Time for a tourist tax to help fund tourist facilities’’.

This is a subject on which I have written to the ODT previously. I suggested a levy of $25 per head on all travellers entering and exiting New Zealand. That could amount to nearly $90 million per annum based on statistics which are freely available.

This money in the hands of Doc would go a long way in building toilets in places which at present are under excessive visitor pressure.

After all, tourism contributes hugely to our economy. We should keep it that way. Bill Macalister

Cromwell

Power to young people

I READ with overwhelming despair the posturing and whims of dictators and elected democratic leaders of countries on our planet. These particular socalled powerful people have egos that overpower common sense.

The planet’s schools and universities are producing students of more than average intelligence, with understanding of the serious problems facing our future.

To recruit our young people to positions of power would automatically cancel out conditions of hate, prejudice, racial discrimination, intimidation, greed, power etc, and perhaps lean more in the direction of political and human understanding and conciliation. Robert Porter

Roxburgh

Murdoch play review

IAN Simpson’s letter about the review of the Keith Murdoch play (ODT,

2.5.18) was spot on. Thank you Ian. An apology would be in order from your theatre critic Barbara Frame.

Bruce E. Collins

Kew