Blaming tax on envy a red herring

Leighton Smith appears to justify greed, by insinuating that “tax is theft”. The rich claim they “work hard”, insinuating that others do not. For instance the directors and shareholders of McDonald’s earn good salaries and dividends while burger flippers do not earn enough to live, thus having to be paid a top up from Working for Families’ funds. Insinuating that Governments just spend for “power” is nonsense, as the reverse could apply too.

Tax is for the common wealth of society. If we underspend, there is usually a corresponding social effect. There is an imbalance of power, as the wealthy can use the power of their wealth in politics to protect their wealth. Suggesting tax is the result of envy is a red herring. Most people just see that the wealth would be better utilised elsewhere in society. I see opulence and working people living in cars. That is inequality and inequality is known to be a catalyst for social upheaval.

Governments are quite entitled to tax the rich for the good of the whole of society. It is a difficult balancing act, but we are not entitled to live in a society without paying a fair fee. Niall Robertson, Balmoral.

Ma¯ ori burials

Peter Moeahu (Letters, February 10) says the 1964 Cemeteries and Cremations Act “specifically denies Ma¯ ori the same rights and privileges as fellow citizens”.

In fact the act accords Ma¯ ori greater rights and privileges, by exempting them from the “control” provisions contained therein. To put it another way, Ma¯ ori are free to organise and run their traditional burial grounds as they see fit. It would appear we “fellow citizens” are denied the same rights and privileges as Ma¯ ori. Murray Fitchett, Remuera.

Tram funding

Our superannuation fund wants to finance a $6 billion under-Queen St tram line. Assume the fund needs a return of 6 per cent return on our pension funds. That is $360 million a year — $1m a day to be paid by ratepayer. A bargain! Nick Hamilton, Auckland.

Hunting marlin

I wonder if Geoff Thomas would be willing to rewrite his article (Game fishing hot in warm currents) replacing the word “marlin” with “maui dolphin”. Or better yet, replace the words “game fishing” with “game hunting” and talk of killing tigers.

Because the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the blue marlin as vulnerable. They show a continued decline of mature individuals and they are being hammered by commercial long-line fishing. Added is this outdated rich persons’ entertainment known as “big game fishing”. Perpetuating this culture of violence towards these marine animals is looking increasingly irresponsible. This so-called “sport” will have to stop eventually, but let’s do it now before there are only 64 left. Paul Judge, Hamilton.

Takeaway cups

So Buoy Cafe is being “sanctimonious” by stopping takeaway cups while having a coffee there as apparently the cups it uses smudge your lipstick. Catastrophic. Perhaps to get things in perspective you should think about the firefighters in Tasman — 12-hour days in full firefighting gear in the height of summer. Debi Buxton, Taupo.

Use of toxins

I am very concerned at the cruel killing of so many “non-chosen” species in our country. Bird numbers are declining partly because of the major decline of insect species, mostly due to the constant use of toxic insecticides and pesticides. Bird numbers have to fall with their main food source being killed off by humans.

Animals will co-exist, both native and non native, and survive without the cruel intervention from humans.

Now the poor hedgehogs are on the council hit list for exterminating. These wonderful creatures have cleared out all slugs and snails from my backyard in a natural way without using toxic slug bait or other nasty poison that can affect humans. I put out water and a handful of cat biscuits for my hedgehogs and they eat that happily at night and carry out their pest control duties in an efficient manner.

Come on Kiwis, let’s stop the slaughter of innocent, defenceless animals who are surviving happily alongside native species. Why not look instead at the harmful pesticides and insecticides being sprayed by humans and constantly sprayed everywhere by councils, around our parks and schools. They are dangerous and toxic and banned in most health-conscious countries around the world, but sadly not in naive NZ. Carolyn Ravlich, Remuera.

Chocolate size

Cadbury’s spokesman in NZ Jake Hatton claims the family block bar of chocolate is being reduced in size due to rising costs over the past few years. If that’s true, why hasn’t Whittaker’s done the same? Zac Lucas, Grey Lynn.

Cricket labelling

I am a New Zealander. I was born in New Zealand and have a New Zealand passport which shows “Nationality — New Zealand” — I am not a Pakeha or a Ma¯ ori, I am a New Zealander and proud to be one.

I was ashamed to be a New Zealander last Friday watching the India-New Zealand T20 cricket. Not because of the outcome but because the New Zealand team were referred to by commentators and the scoreboard as “New Zealand” but had “Aoteoroa” emblazoned all over the front of their team shirt.

Why change what’s not broke, for the sake of a vocal minority? Dave Mills, Glen Eden.

Fire funding

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern goes to Waitangi and announces another $100 million for Ma¯ ori land development, 90 per cent of which will disappear in administration costs, just like Shane Jones’ billion-dollar regional slush fund which has already created 118 new admin jobs. Two days later she goes to Nelson to see one of our largest-ever forest fires which is threatening thousands of homes and she gives a paltry $200,000 to help the region. As the old saying goes, “something is rotten in the State of Denmark”. Jock MacVicar, Hauraki.

Brash at Waitangi

Why did Don Brash, former leader of the National Party, bother attending Waitangi celebrations when he was invited to speak by the event convenor, his speech predictably cut short by interjectors.

Brash has always proved tenacious in presenting his views but yet again has been subject to humiliation by many in attendance. Always unwavering in presenting his case yet hardly requisite for a speech that could be confined to his few simple words, “there should be one law for all”.

The statement is beyond dispute, yet lost to many in attendance who responded with taunts, “there is no room for racism”, a disparaging response which bears no correlation to the message Brash continuously expresses. P.J. Edmondson, Tauranga.

Frying the planet

If the Nelson wildfires are not ringing alarm bells about the climate emergency it is time they were. What with last year’s Port Hills fires and Ahipara breaking out we are obviously frying the planet for our children. So let’s not just ensure our Government does all it can but that we individually do the same. Reducing flying or stopping it except for emergencies is the most effective step an individual can take. Deirdre Kent, Waikanae.

Light rail plans

The Weekend Herald tells us “$6b light rail could run below Queen St”. We already have the current electric rail system pushing its way up and under Albert St.

The same article tells us the Government has plans to run light rail from the CBD to Kumeu. We already have an existing rail corridor that runs through Kumeu. We could have the existing electric rail connecting Swanson to Kumeu and further North.

It is unbelievable to me that anyone would even consider developing two separate rail systems running parallel to each other. Surely further development of the existing rail system is the only development that makes any sense. Euan Macduff, Titirangi.

Lizzie Marvelly

It was unfortunate Lizzie Marvelly and her girlfriend were subject to uncalled-for comments while waiting at a pedestrian crossing. However her tirade against remaining “homophobes”, “transphobes” and other “bigots” was just as thoughtless.

Supposedly, the Pride Parade through Ponsonby is validation of the gay lifestyle and all who oppose such behaviour are labelled as prejudiced and narrowminded, and should be ashamed.

You see, Lizzie is a disciple of the “New Tolerance” movement that has a religious fervour all of its own. All those who refuse to worship at its altar are branded intolerant, fanatical, bigoted people who are a danger to society.

It is not enough to uphold another person’s right to believe or say what he thinks is true. It is not enough to allow another person to disagree with what you believe. The new creed demands that you agree that another person’s beliefs are just as valid as your own and actively endorse them!

Apparently, Lizzie is not a bigot.

She wants us to accept her gospel that all beliefs and behaviours are equal; unless of course you hold beliefs and values that upset the LGBTQI+ communities. Shane Kennedy, Wattle Downs.