Kāinga Ora housing decision is dismaying
The move to sell off social housing land in Port Chalmers (ODT 30.8.25) is very sad news for our community. Kāinga Ora should retain this land for its intended use.
In 2023, the six social housing apartments on the site were demolished, and existing tenants were ‘‘moved on’’, to make way for 11 brand-new social housing units. Earlier this year we were gutted to hear that the rebuild was cancelled, after nearly $1 million had been spent on the project.
Now the site is up for sale on the open market, with no prior discussion with the local community or local housing providers. It’s a bad move.
The land is a long-term state housing site, which Kāinga Ora acknowledges is well placed for the purpose, with proximity to schools, open spaces, doctors, shops and public transport.
There has always been social housing there, and people need those homes more than ever. The decision makers should stop the sale and talk to our community.
Duncan Eddy
Purakaunui
[Duncan Eddy is on the West Harbour Community Board, and standing for re-election.]
Wrong place
So, Wanaka is to get a new $300 million hospital with all the bells and whistles. Pretty amazing really considering all the trials and tribulations of the $1.8 billion half-baked effort that the government will probably deliver sometime in the future in Dunedin.
The Wanaka hospital may well have the backing of Queenstown Lakes District Council but is it really likely to solve the critical lack of health infrastructure in Wanaka and Central Otago?
Firstly, there is no mention of co-operation with Te Whatu Ora: Health New Zealand. It will be a privately funded hospital built for the benefit of private patients and provide no relief for those members of the community who cannot afford health insurance. For those Wanaka residents who cannot even get a free blood test taken, you will still need to pay or face a journey to Dunstan Hospital.
Secondly, it’s in the wrong place. Even if there was a public emergency department, a journey of well over an hour is needed for Central Otago patients and their visiting family and friends from Alexandra, Roxburgh, Maniatoto, Bannockburn and even Queenstown. The sensible place to site such a facility is in the logistical centre of the region, Cromwell.
Bob Scott
Central Otago
[Bob Scott is a candidate for the Central Otago District Council.]
Freedom of speech
I was one of the candidates at the Port Chalmers meeting (ODT 30.8.25), and the heckler was indeed loud and objectionable.
He claimed his right of free speech, but denied candidates their right to speak, and the audience’s right to listen. No-one’s rights ought infringe another’s. Courtesy and respect enable a civilised exchange of ideas.
Quotes later in the article indicate that few understand how freedom of speech underpins and defines democracy.
All of those tasked with ensuring best use of public money must expect public scrutiny. Censoring criticism will not fix those problems.
Hugh B. O’Neill
Pukehiki
[Abridged. Hugh O’Neill is a Dunedin City Council candidate; Marian Poole, point noted.]
Not the home that’s the issue, it’s the contract
Pauline and Jim Gladding (Letters 24.8.25) make an important point: their village is their home. Nobody disputes the friendships, security, and lifestyle that many enjoy.
The concern raised by Brian Peat and the Retirement Villages Residents Association (RVResidents) is not about the home, but about the contract. That is where the trap lies.
Many residents are happy day to day, but the unfairness of the contract only becomes clear when they - or their families - try to leave, sell, or reclaim funds.
Then they discover their money may be tied up for months (sometimes years), fees can keep accruing after departure, and any chance of re-entering the property market is gone because they have no share in capital gains.
An RVResidents survey of more than 11,000 residents found:
• 58% did not fully understand the contract before signing.
• Over 50% experienced financial stress when leaving a village.
• 83% support reform of the Retirement Villages Act to create fairer terms.
So, while Pauline and Jim may feel content, thousands of others face serious hardship.
It is the contracts, not the homes, that need reform, so every resident can enjoy their home without hidden traps waiting beyond the rock pool.
Pat and Bruce Abbott
Mosgiel
Give something
I notice in the ODT (26.8.25) that Tuhura Otago Museum desperately needs funding. The lack of philanthropy in New Zealand puzzles me. There does not seem to be large private donations to public projects such as hospitals, fire and ambulance services, and schools. Give-a-Little appeals seem to have great success but Give-a-Lot does not.
Susan Easterbrook
Dunedin
Airport article was alarmist
The opinion put forward by Ben Mitchell (Opinion ODT 29.8.25) appears to be designed to frustrate local input about our Wanaka Airport, by conflating the plans for Queenstown Airport, with our own.
Mr Mitchell insinuates that there is already a ‘‘master plan’’ for the future of Wanaka Airport, suggesting wide-bodied jets to provide for international flights.
This is a very alarmist statement, aimed to disburse scare tactics within our community, in light of the current and ongoing local discussions, as to the future of Wanaka Airport.
After over 18 years’ employment with Wanaka Airport, I have attended many meetings and had private conversations with QAC board members and staff, local airport users, commercial and private aircraft owners. I can categorically say that I have never heard, or seen documentation referring to wide-bodied jets flying into Wanaka.
Wanaka will be an airport of aviation excellence, through being allowed to expand in a timely and well-planned manner.
I would encourage people in Wanaka to have their say about what they want for ‘‘their airport’’. This is what the community has been asking for for years. The process might not be perfect, but it's our opportunity.
Ralph Fegan
Wanaka
Tell us how you really feel
I have to admit to being a little bit gobsmacked at the moment because of this idiot government.
They have just spent over $2 billion on five new helicopters and two new planes, and over $5b on the rail tunnel, yet they are not prepared to build this new hospital which the South needs more.
But anything south of the Bombay Hills doesn't even get a look in. This government couldn't care less about the South Island and that is why I will never vote for this bunch of idiots.
Bill Swift
Dunedin
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