Ill-informed cellphone policy
If Prime Minister Christopher Luxon thinks banning mobile phones in school and having a compulsory hour of reading, writing and maths in primary schools is a “key result” of the Government’s work to date (The Post, March 8), we should be very very worried. These are not results. At best they are activities or “inputs”, but they are definitely not results.
He says he is proud of these “education pieces” and certainly “piecemeal” is how this approach to education should be described. I hope he gets some advice on the difference between inputs and outcomes and how to measure the actual results of such an ill-informed policy. Helen Wilson, Mt Victoria
KiwiSaver research
As is often the case with surveys that produce responses favourable to the sponsor's interests, suggesting a majority of Kiwis want KiwiSaver to be compulsory (March 7) is nowhere to be found on the website of National Capital, who carried out the research.
It would be informative to know who was sampled and what actual questions were asked. Financial services industry representatives keep lobbying for compulsory KiwiSaver without considering the potential impacts on low income earners, many of whom make the rational decision to not be in the scheme, or to withhold contributions, at least temporarily.
Rather than seeking the crutch of compulsion, the industry’s energies should be directed to selling the benefits of joining KiwiSaver, and to looking after current members. And leave the research to an independent body like the Retirement Commission.
Malcolm Menzies, Newtown
Ripping up roads
Once again, we have the unwelcome sight of a thousand orange cones, a large squad of orange workers and host of huge Downer vehicles about to reseal a perfectly fine road. The latest offence against logic and sound use of public funds is occurring on Khandallah Rd.
They have just finished another pointless “upgrade” on Awarua St. A smooth, quiet road is now a loud, rough road thanks to cheap chip. Councillors I have contacted on these matters say they are frustrated, but it’s an operational matter. Well, everything is an operational matter at some point. Just because something is in the plan doesn't mean it is a wise move once the plan falls due. It wouldn't matter if the council was flush with cash, but it ain’t. We wait now for the unnecessary new road surface to be destroyed by water coming up from beneath, from pipes we can't afford to fix. John Boyd, Crofton Downs
Where’s the plan?
The Post recently had a very interesting article about KiwiSaver and the desire to see it become compulsory.
While it is a good idea to “encourage” savings for your future, there is much more that needs to be reviewed about KiwiSaver other than making it compulsory. We saw under a previous National Government, the running down of KiwiSaver and then under a Labour Government of six years not one finger lifted to bring KiwiSaver back to its original plan, as created by the late Sir Michael Cullen.
My questions are: Does any government have any strategic plan (other than compulsion) for KiwiSaver to ensure New Zealanders save for their future? Or are we just going to bumble along and see further demise of what could be a brilliant scheme?
A dollar spent now (through greater tax relief, start up subsidy, savings incentives) by a Government on an individual KiwiSaver will relieve the need for future safety nets by a Government in 20 and 40 years’ time. Come on coalition Government, show some real leadership and strategic actions, not just ticking off a 100-day plan of minutiae.
Graeme Dickinson, Tawa
Looking back
Further to Joyce Gibson’s letter (March 8), I would totally agree with her sentiments. I would also like to add that today’s young parents do not know how to look after a family and home.
In the 1950s and 60s homecraft was taught in schools, as was mothercraft (Joyce will remember those days). Budgeting was one of the skills taught in those curricula. The young parents today seem to want everything now. Instead of waiting until they can afford it, they purchase on expensive finance terms.
We did not expect a house to be “walkin ready” when we got married, but worked to earn the luxuries of furniture, lounge suite, and carpets, etc. Nowadays they are stuck into such heavy mortgages to have their four-bedroom houses with en suites, double garages, swimming pools and walk-in wardrobes, etc, straight away. This is why they can't afford to feed their kids and are dependent on welfare to do it.
Of course I am exaggerating, but I am sure it will strike a chord with quite a few people.
Robin George, Waikanae