A valid point

Peter Moeahu makes a valid point (Letters, TDN, Dec 24) the Waitara leaseholders’ rent will not increase now for 21 years. He also argues, based on an average inflation rate of 2 per cent, that over 21 years a $4000 lease would actually reduce by 30 per cent, with the real cost being $2775. I don’t dispute this. I also acknowledge that some Waitara leaseholders are prosperous and own multiple properties. And now they can freehold, thanks to the passing of the NPDC Waitara Lands Bill, they will do very well financially. I don’t begrudge them this exciting financial opportunity. Their success is good for Waitara.

But my question (and concern) remains: what can the Crown and the NPDC do to protect the vulnerable leaseholders (those who are too old or don’t earn enough to get a loan to freehold their land, plus they’re struggling to pay their lease)? I am still not convinced the NPDC is doing enough to help some of the at-risk Waitara leaseholders. It would be a sad indictment on us as a caring community if we passively allowed upwards of 20 per cent of leaseholders to suffer. The NPDC and New Plymouth MP Jonathan Young deserve high praise for their energetic tenacity in getting the Waitara Lands Bill across the line, but there is still a lot of work to do to ensure a segment of Waitara leaseholders are not marginalised and forced to sell. Bryan Vickery, New Plymouth