A quick word

Australia should immediately recall their cricketers from South Africa, concede the 4th test and compensate the SACB for any lost income. Then sack all concerned and ban them for life.

Mike Wells, Kawerau.

All houses proved to be owned by foreigners or wealthy New Zealanders to park money and vacant for more than two years should be onsold (use it or lose it) and the money returned to the owner, releasing 35,000 homes on to the market. Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay.

Auckland Council needs more money, so it is going to boost rates on Airbnb homes. Its subsidiary Ateed claims it is making Auckland an attractive destination. I think we could cut out the middle man here. Tony Gavigan,

St Marys Bay.

So we can spend millions of dollars on a pointless boat race, but we can’t afford to pay nurses a decent wage. Words fail me.

Jack Jackson, Freemans Bay.

While the Government is proposing a new development in Mt Albert of 3000 to 4000 homes, whatever became of the plan last July to fast-track the build of 23,300 new dwellings in Wainui and South Auckland? Nothing apparently.

Mr L. H. Cleverly, Mt Roskill. When Julie Anne Genter grows up she might realise men, and maybe even women, over 60 not only have to keep working but they still have plenty to contribute.

David Hill, Freeman’s Bay.

For a party that did virtually nothing for the whole time they were in government, the everdiminishing Opposition have certainly discovered how to whinge and moan, led magnificently by Simon No-Bridges.

Chris O’Brien, Kerikeri.

Our Prime Minister believes that among all Russian diplomats resident in New Zealand none are spies. It’s a bit like the Aussie cricket coach saying he knew nothing of the ball tampering. Really? Dennis Ross, St Heliers.

Unitec has owned its campus since about 1990 when it bought it for $6-7 million. It has decided to concentrate its campus and has sold the major portion back to the Crown. Who benefited more from those transactions, Unitec or the taxpayer? John Macmillan, Mount Eden.

Well done Jacinda and Winston for not joining the accusations against Russia over this unproven poisoning. It’s Iraq and phony weapons of mass destruction all over again, only this time the target is far more dangerous.

Bill Dyet, RD Albany.