Merger plan is ‘manifestly stupid’

Wellington is a vibrant and attractive city with great character, ambience and culture, and liked by many. It is the heart of the region and the region’s flywheel.

So, they recommend a supercity arrangement in which Wellington is split into three separate regions and three electorates.

Not one Wellington electorate – but three.

We all know what that means. Rongotai, Lambton and Ohariu, predictably, will vote in their own best interests.

There is no electorate for Wellington, no constituency and the strengths and vibrancy of Wellington quickly sink into a wider mediocrity – and with it the region. No heart, no flywheel.

Lambton has two of 21 votes and even the three regions have only eight of 21 votes; and none of the other areas are split.

This a manifestly stupid proposal.

Collaboration on tourism, infrastructure, and more – yes; but not this nonsense.

Although it is so bizarre that it may actually reflect the covert intent of these local government apparatchiks.

Either way the whole concept – and the commission – now lack credibility and should be ditched. Wellington should withdraw immediately from the process. KERRY McDONALD

Khandallah generous terms, then why would the teachers in charter schools fear it as Neil Harrap implies (Letters, December 19)?

The simple truth is such schools are a political response because a lot of existing teachers do not want to simply hand over teaching to the untrained ‘‘market forces’’ brigade so beloved of our present Government.

That is also why these charter schools have budgets far in excess of the norm for a state school and those lower state school budgets are also probably why no state school may have scored 100 per cent in NCEA to date.

At least the New Zealand teachers-for-life have usually actually been trained, unlike the ones in charter schools. PETER SULLIVAN

Johnsonville