Not unexpected but disturbing for all that
The front-page story about the possible, even probable, shrinking of the new hospital (ODT 27.7.24) is not unexpected, but no less disturbing for that. And the moral of the story gets more vividly clear in the wider context of the government's manic slashing of public spending.
The moral is, governments that starve themselves of resources cannot effectively fund public services. This rather simple and blindingly obvious conclusion should by now have made itself known to the Labour Party, whom one might hope could draw a further conclusion; i.e. that without some radical reformation of the nation's taxes, public services cannot be maintained.
Expressions of indignation and aspirational promises won't pay the bills. A final conclusion, then, is that Labour must get over its apparent need to strategise and keep the other lot (and the rest of us) guessing what might be offered in 2026.
And if Christopher Hipkins feels unable to do this soon, he should step aside for someone who can.
A con job
The tax cuts were a con job. Now people are seeing that the few dollars they got are immediately gobbled up in rent rises, rates rises, transport costs and very soon, prescription fees.
And if you are one of the thousands made redundant in health, other public services, or in general, by the callous coalition of cuts, the benefit is your future. Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis are only interested in enriching the top percentile and that's why they gave $2.9 billion to already well-heeled landlords.
In my view they should resign, but sadly their replacements would be arrogant, mediocre gluttons, too.
Not thrilled
I was so thrilled to see another series of Task Master NZ is about to air and that NZ On Air have deemed worthy the nearly $1 million investment in supporting our struggling small stable of comedians to deliver such quality entertainment..
Who needs our hard earned taxes wasted on trivial issues such as those raised by the crew at Fair Go, gallantly fighting for the little guy or local news bulletins? So much better to immerse ourselves in mindless tripe and give those aspiring comics an avenue to embarrass themselves.
Once a Queens’ girl
At the last Queen's High School reunion I was blown away by the staff and girls' obvious attitude and drive for learning. The deputy principal's action outlined in today's paper (ODT 27.7.24) summed up the visions of a very special school.
Thank you to the wonderful principals who built on this concept since the school began. "Once a Queen’s girl always a Queen’s girl."
Our city stands on its glorious built heritage
The proposed demolition of a magnificent heritage home, designed by renowned architect Edmund Anscombe and located at 284 Stuart St, Dunedin, has been widely reported in the ODT, on radio and even nationally on TVNZ.
The matter attracted many submissions to the DCC against its demolition. A petition has quickly gained a lot of signatures.
Situated opposite the category one King Edward Court, this house forms an integral part of the harmonious architectural streetscape. We cannot afford to lose this beautiful house.
Our unique heritage has enormous value to Dunedin, both cultural and economic. The number one interest of long-stay tourists is visiting history, heritage buildings, sites and places. It is no coincidence that almost all the world’s major tourism destinations are cities that protect their heritage precincts and places.
If the directors of Elim Group are wishing to build of block of flats, then they could do this on one of many vacant sections in Dunedin. There are two vacant sections just 100m away.
They should not be destroying a heritage and architecturally important home, one that has enormous value to the city and its residents.
Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: editor@odt.co.nz
