Post by Kiwi Frontline on Mar 19, 2016 6:39:38 GMT 12
Waikato Times Weekend 19/3/16
LAND TAXES
For some time I have considered that the statutory rules concerning the payment of rates on Maori land is simply racism in favour of Maori. I was appalled to read recently in the Waikato Times (March 10) of a proposal to write off the $65 million in currently outstanding rates on Maori land.
I can think of no reasonable rationale that would justify either this proposal, or the fact that there are differing rating rules for Maori land and other land. No owners of other land get the preferential treatment accorded to Maori land. Why should there be any consideration of such land being unused in any practical or economic way, and thereby being entitled to relief? Why should owners of Maori land be treated preferentially, and disadvantage everyone else as a result?
All landowners should be treated alike, be expected to pay their way, and have the identical grounds for any potential relief. They should also all be liable to the same consequences for nonpayment, including particularly the possible compulsory sale to recover those unpaid rates.
M D
Hamilton
Bay of Plenty Times 19/3/16
POLYTECH NAME UNWANTED
Is the suggested new name of Toi Oho Mai Institute of Technology which is being gifted to the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic — really a gift at all?
Quite cynically, I feel it is merely a method of forcing a name change under the guise of generosity.
There is already a Wananga in Tauranga who would surely be delighted to use this gifted name, thus it would still have its place in our education system.
This suggested new name for the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic would in no way represent the majority of students who study there.
The current name of “Bay of Plenty Polytechnic” is plain and simple and if it ain’t broke — don’t fix it! Let the status quo remain!
R B
Tauranga
MAUAO SADNESS
Tony Fellingham (Letters, 15 March) makes some very valid points and assessments about improving the access to the Mount and enhancing the visitor experience. Access to top of the Mount should be a realistic goal for everyone, not just the athletic community.
It is a tragedy but most of us realise that since the unnecessary vesting (gifting) of the fee simple of the Mount in the Mauao Trust by virtue of the Mayan Reserves Vesting Act 2008 (Reprinted 2014) that this is a forlorn hope.
While TCC will, on behalf of ratepayers/ residents, continue to maintain and nurture the Mount by meeting the total costs involved (including the costs of the Mauao joint management committee), locals will effectively have no say in how the Mount operates or develops in the future.
That is a sad commentary on what has happened with the Mount but it is the reality of the situation.
R P
Mount Maunganui
Weekend Herald 19/3/16 (A quick word section)
Well said, Mike Hosking. In the1980s the lawyer Prime Minister said of Treaty claims: -It'll all be sorted in 10 years and you'll be wondering what all the fuss was about."
R K.
Northcote.
LAND TAXES
For some time I have considered that the statutory rules concerning the payment of rates on Maori land is simply racism in favour of Maori. I was appalled to read recently in the Waikato Times (March 10) of a proposal to write off the $65 million in currently outstanding rates on Maori land.
I can think of no reasonable rationale that would justify either this proposal, or the fact that there are differing rating rules for Maori land and other land. No owners of other land get the preferential treatment accorded to Maori land. Why should there be any consideration of such land being unused in any practical or economic way, and thereby being entitled to relief? Why should owners of Maori land be treated preferentially, and disadvantage everyone else as a result?
All landowners should be treated alike, be expected to pay their way, and have the identical grounds for any potential relief. They should also all be liable to the same consequences for nonpayment, including particularly the possible compulsory sale to recover those unpaid rates.
M D
Hamilton
Bay of Plenty Times 19/3/16
POLYTECH NAME UNWANTED
Is the suggested new name of Toi Oho Mai Institute of Technology which is being gifted to the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic — really a gift at all?
Quite cynically, I feel it is merely a method of forcing a name change under the guise of generosity.
There is already a Wananga in Tauranga who would surely be delighted to use this gifted name, thus it would still have its place in our education system.
This suggested new name for the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic would in no way represent the majority of students who study there.
The current name of “Bay of Plenty Polytechnic” is plain and simple and if it ain’t broke — don’t fix it! Let the status quo remain!
R B
Tauranga
MAUAO SADNESS
Tony Fellingham (Letters, 15 March) makes some very valid points and assessments about improving the access to the Mount and enhancing the visitor experience. Access to top of the Mount should be a realistic goal for everyone, not just the athletic community.
It is a tragedy but most of us realise that since the unnecessary vesting (gifting) of the fee simple of the Mount in the Mauao Trust by virtue of the Mayan Reserves Vesting Act 2008 (Reprinted 2014) that this is a forlorn hope.
While TCC will, on behalf of ratepayers/ residents, continue to maintain and nurture the Mount by meeting the total costs involved (including the costs of the Mauao joint management committee), locals will effectively have no say in how the Mount operates or develops in the future.
That is a sad commentary on what has happened with the Mount but it is the reality of the situation.
R P
Mount Maunganui
Weekend Herald 19/3/16 (A quick word section)
Well said, Mike Hosking. In the1980s the lawyer Prime Minister said of Treaty claims: -It'll all be sorted in 10 years and you'll be wondering what all the fuss was about."
R K.
Northcote.