Few investor proposals being realised
It is now five years since the Carrington Resort was sold to Chinese investors, despite many announcements, virtually nothing has happened with the proposed redevelopment of the resort.
This is the case with many of the acquisitions by investors.
If a tenacious news reporter was to research the development properties purchased in New Zealand over recent years, I am sure it will show that very few proposals have proceeded as promised.
The purchasers accumulate and rarely do they liquidate. Murray Smith Coopers Beach
Immigration inequity
It seems that the Immigration Department needs a huge shake-up.
It becomes obvious that there is not a level playing field when it comes to decisions as to whom is granted entry or NZ residency.
Those with wealth or fame have an automatic entry whilst those who are someone’s partner, parent or even child are denied entry.
Even the wish to be a bridesmaid at a sister’s wedding was met with a road block which caused much mental anguish. A son who wished to gain temporary residence to care for his very elderly mother, even though he had attended school in NZ was refused.
These are just two of the many, many examples of discrimination between the privileged and unprivileged by the officials in the Immigration Department.
Like many departments it has been underfunded and overworked for the past nine years and mistakes made, but there should be provision for an independent appeal by individuals who do not have the backing of wealth.
Yet those with millions or are prominent sportspeople seem to
have no trouble gaining entry or residency even when they partake in unlawful activity such as drug dealing, sexual violence or fraud.
Given the latest debacle, hopefully the Coalition Government will scrutinise the work of the Immigration Department more carefully. Marie Kaire Ngararatunua