Time for Air NZ to pull head in and refund money

AIR New Zealand is spending customers’ money before it has actually legally earned it. Hence, a reverse Ponzi scheme.

The reason why it is resistant to refunding customers’ money is that it doesn’t have it. It has spent it on operating costs.

I operate a small tourist business and we put all future sales into a trusttype account then draw on it once we have provided the service. That way, when a cancellation is needed, we have the funds to give back.

Why is Air New Zealand not made to follow proper sound business practice? This is corporate corruption, or at the very least corporate greed.

Where are the corporate watchdogs? Is it just bigger than the Kloogh case and can noone handle it? Air New Zealand needs to think ‘‘operating capital’’ and hold customers’ funds until it is entitled to them. No wonder the airline is in trouble.

Dereck Gray

Mosgiel

Doc signs

EARLY in 2019, I wrote to the Department of Conservation. I have written subsequently a couple of times trying various ways to connect. The letter below is a slightly abbreviated form. I have never had any response.

‘‘A year ago we were fishing at sea off Shag Point. A Buller’s mollymawk swooped in and grabbed a fish on the line. To my distress the line broke, and the bird swallowed the fish with hook in place. I hope that it might have survived, but don’t feel optimistic.

‘‘I want to suggest that signs are put up in Shag Point, Moeraki and other Otago launching ramps warning of the danger to such birds, and to not encourage them by feeding with fish scraps. This would not be a big expense, and may save a few birds.’’

Dr Paul Schimmel

Sydney, Australia