Don’t come running to me in the tough times
It is interesting to see various dairy industry leaders telling us that we should be grateful we are allowed to buy their products no matter the cost.
As this industry was profitable for the past few years I can only imagine their profits must be very high today. So be it.
But come the next semi drought, or simply bad week for these farmers and their mates, they should not expect taxpayers to once again bail them out.
No ‘‘mates rates’’ loans, no public wailing, no taxpayer handouts at all.
You keep your profit, keep your semi arrogance, but keep away from the taxpayer trough next time things get tough.
Keith McCabe
Sunbury
Attitude dismays
As a long-standing ratepayer of Dunedin, I was both disappointed and dismayed by the recent outburst of Cr Jim O’Malley directed at Jason La Hood (ODT 22.7.25) regarding his opposition to the Albany St cycleway project.
Mr La Hood exercised his democratic right to question a public project that affects the community.
For this he was met not with reasoned debate, but with what can only be described as an unprofessional tirade by an elected representative.
Cr O’Malley’s conduct in this matter was unbecoming of his office as chairman of infrastructure.
What is more troubling is that subsequent admissions by the DCC confirmed that consultation processes had indeed fallen short - vindicating Mr La Hood’s concerns.
Cr O’Malley’s own comments suggesting he may not seek re-election seem apt, given his conduct. Ratepayers deserve representatives who welcome scrutiny, listen to constituents and uphold the values of democratic governance - not belittle those who dare to disagree.
Robin Whyte
Dunedin
Lake Onslow
The letter by Dr Duncan Connors (30.7.25) notes that pumped storage at Lake Onslow could contribute to a strategic hydropower reserve in support of solar power.
The Lake Onslow scheme will come back into focus if the government changes in the 2026 election. Being pumped storage, the scheme would be a net energy consumer. Every 1000MWh generated would require prior purchase of at least 1200MWh.
The need for that considerable input electricity would be a significant economic incentive for constructing new local solar power generation.
If the Lake Onslow pumped storage scheme goes ahead, anticipate a Central Otago ‘‘solar gold rush’’ for the best available sites.
Earl Bardsley
Hamilton
To the heart of the sun
In regard to Dr Duncan Connors’ letter, it is interesting that having worked at an energy institute on nuclear power for a decade he has not included that as a power option for New Zealand.
I think a nuclear plant in Waikato (for Earl Bardsley) would be close to a high-consumption area and a further one at Warkworth for Auckland. To get rid of the nuclear waste I would suggest taking it to the Mahia peninsula and sending it to the sun by rocket to keep that big candle burning for us all.
As far as Dr Connors’ idea of a pumped hydro scheme at Lake Osbourne the only lake of that name nearby (Lake Osborne) is in Tasmania.
Alan Leitch
Wyndham
[Dr Connors’ auto-fill inserted the incorrect lake, something which was missed in the editing process. Editor.]
Library story reminder of power of reading
I enjoyed reading the front page story about the Lilliput library Stu McEachen made as a tribute to his daughter Halie (ODT 29.7.25). It set me thinking about an unsolved mystery.
Until a few months ago there was a book box in Great King St in Dunedin, near Otago Museum. What happened to it? It was nice to have such a centrally located street library in Otago’s biggest smoke.
I have a book box outside my house and it’s interesting to see how its contents change. Build them and readers will come. Long live the humble book box.
Hazel Agnew
Oamaru
Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: editor@odt.co.nz
