Letters: Could Winston Peters be the Prime Minister New Zealand needs?
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (left) and Foreign Minister Winston Peters. Could Peters take over as PM, a reader wonders. Photos / NZME
Political leadership
Having read Matthew Hooton’s opinion piece in the Herald (March 6) on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s lack of leadership and the group of contenders vying for his job, it seems obvious to me that there is only one possible contender with the skills, experience and the ability to deal with an aggressive media – and that is Winston Peters.
His policies are broadly in line with National’s and he certainly has the skills required to win an election. A joint National/New Zealand First campaign under his leadership would be a formidable force.
This country desperately needs strong, intelligent, articulate leadership with vision and passion for our future.
Allan M. Spence, Waiuku.
Flaw in refinery strategy
The flaw in Vince West’s argument (March 7) that New Zealand would have greater security of supply for petrol and diesel if the Marsden Point refinery was still operating is that, on average, 80% of the crude oil processed through the refinery came from the Middle East, through the Strait of Hormuz.
Compare that with the current situation, where companies importing petrol and diesel can source it from refineries throughout Asia and the United States’ West Coast, who have access to crude not only from the Middle East but also Asia and the US.
New Zealand’s petroleum products supply chain is more diverse, and therefore more resilient, now than it ever was with the refinery.
The country’s fuel situation would be even more resilient, and our balance of payments would be stronger, if the transition from petrol and diesel was much quicker than it currently is. If 30% of our vehicle fleet was electrified, the impact of oil price shocks would be halved.
Jon Eriksen, Parnell.
There will always be opposition to military action
Well said, Heather du Plessis-Allan (Herald on Sunday, March 8) in defence of the actions of the USA. If only Christopher Luxon had articulated her viewpoint, there would be no angst about his delivery.
There will always be people who oppose such military action being taken but I am sure there will be many more who support action taken over such an evil regime. Supporting the action taken does not indicate support for everything else that the US President has done.
Barry Towers, Morrinsville.
Rogue dog owners’ fault
Reading the Leonie Excel views about the problem dogs in Northland, it appears that these dogs aren’t the problem. Apparently, Northland dog owners are far too poor to register their dogs, but this begs the question – how can they afford to feed multiple dogs, ones which are large enough to seriously injure or kill people, let alone annual vaccination, regular worming and vet fees?
No one wants to touch on the topic of what sort of people own large, savage, unregistered dogs, so l won’t go there, except to say more freebies for these dog owners will solve nothing whatsoever. Neither will more draconian laws penalising responsible dog owners for the sins of others.
Why don’t we face the real facts here: it’s the individuals who have these dogs that are the key problem. Simply put, they shouldn’t ever be allowed to own dogs and the most obvious solution is that they do not. Our politicians and media would prefer to make out that it’s all a “dog” issue, rather than the reality that it is the owners.
Most decent, responsible dog owners have well-behaved and socialised dogs and they shouldn’t have their enjoyment totally ruined due to local government authorities not doing their jobs with the perfectly adequate powers they currently hold; that is, to seize dogs off bad owners.
The courts also need to be prepared to ban ownership for life for those found guilty of dog abuse.
Steven Ginders, Blenheim.
Six Nations
Scotland beating France and, for the first time, Italy beating England in the Six Nations has thrown the rugby competition wide open.
England will be lucky to hold on to fifth position, with their last game against France to come.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. New coach maybe?
Gary Carter, Gulf Harbour.
Sky Tower in blue
The New Zealand Police do an amazing job, very often in dangerous and unpredictable situations. To remember officers, here and worldwide who have died while on duty, by lighting the Sky Tower blue to mark the Interpol-led International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Police Officers was a wonderful way to honour them. Thank you.
Lorraine Kidd, Warkworth.