A quick word

I believe I’ve worked out why Christopher and Nicola have been so evasive about answering quite simple questions about their financial wizardry. After trying to convince us we’re in a recession, we learn NZ’s economy has risen this quarter by 0.9 per cent. That the “Reset twins” think we’re in a recession proves they don’t know which way is up or down. Jeremy Coleman, Hillpark.

The Government is not entitled to crow about avoiding a recession, when it has come with pump priming and at the price of inflationary and wasteful excessive expenditures.

Larry Mitchell, Rothesay Bay.

It was surprising that neither Hipkins nor Luxon could see the advantage of rental interest deductibility. It could reduce the upward pressure on rents when compared with numerous changes of the last six years all adding to rents.

S. Palmer, Mt Albert.

Where’s the howl of protest and nanny state calls from school principals and others over Chris Hipkins’ policy to ban sugary drinks in schools vis-a-vis National’s phone ban policy?

Bernard Jennings, Wellington.

An 8/10? Self-praise is no praise. I give myself a 10/10 for lasting 10 minutes.

Glenn Forsyth, Taupo.

A Luxon-led National or National/Act government will implement policies which will see the rich becoming relatively richer and the poor relatively poorer. The writings of Thomas Piketty and Max Rashbrooke should be required reading for MPs. Clive Britton, Hobsonville.

Hipkins was asked what he thought his best policy was and he said free dental care for the under 30s. Luxon said a worldclass education system. So Luxon wants to provide people with the opportunity to get ahead. Hipkins wants to fix your teeth. That won’t get any families out of poverty.

Dave Miller, Tauranga.

National and Labour have so much in common, including first names, that they could govern together. They could take turns at being leader. Keith Duggan, Browns Bay.

Would Ian Foster start Cam Roigard at halfback against Italy and change the All Blacks game plan to running and scoring tries instead of kicking?

Gary Carter, Gulf Harbour.

Much discussion in the Premium Debate about who to drop for the ABs next game. I suggest Ian Foster.

Clyde Scott, Birkenhead.

I read with astonishment about a serious assault in Auckland. The defence lawyer claimed as the attack was of short duration the sentence must reflect that — in spite of the man being punched, kicked and stabbed. If we take this to its next logical step then murder with a single shot should only carry a prison sentence of a few days or perhaps just home detention.

Dr Alan Papert, Queenstown.