The Post letters to the editor: April 18
Saturday, 18 April 2026
Have any of your readers noticed that Radio New Zealand has quite quickly transformed into Radio Auckland and in doing so has become increasingly irrelevant to most of New Zealand? Even traffic reports in the morning refer to places like Papakura but never Paraparaumu or Parklands.
A similar thing happened to the BBC but it was corrected by moving programmes to Manchester in order to make it relevant to the whole country. Is it too late to restore the balance?
Geoffrey Horne, Roseneath
Due diligence
I would have thought given the number of high calibre candidates from all walks of life in the running for New Zealander of the Year that a degree of due diligence would be involved before a finalist was named (Police asked to investigate Drury, April 17). Just a thought for next time from this old timer.
David L F Smith, Wainuiomata
Rail fails
I was pleased to read Eric Crampton again make the case for transit-oriented development in our major cities—building medium or high density housing around train stations on MRT (mass rapid transit) lines (The superpower that could unlock billions for KiwiRail, April 13).
However, I question whether a rational overseas investor would put money into such schemes in New Zealand, given our recent political history.
After the Christchurch earthquake, the government of the day imposed a low-density, car-centric strategy on the rebuild programme. Christchurch city is still trying to secure and protect a cross-city corridor for a future light rail line.
The government changed and the NZ Super Fund and CDPQ Infra proposed building an autonomous light metro line in Auckland, similar to the one CDPQ Infra had built in Vancouver, British Columbia. The government ignored this proposal and came up with its own design, which the current government scrapped.
In Wellington, Let's Get Wellington Moving proposed transit-oriented development along a MRT corridor from the railway station to Island Bay. The current government scrapped this plan too, in favour of road-building and car-dependent greenfields development.
As Eric notes, Greater Wellington Regional Council has championed transit-oriented development around its train stations. The current government is scrapping the regional council.
As long as New Zealand remains hostile to these investments, the money will go elsewhere.
John Rankin, Wellington
Water charging
The new, improved water entity Tiaki Wai confirms that water meters are to financially control water use and availability in that it promises water will not be turned off if you’re struggling to pay your bill. Tiaki Wai has, however, not ruled out restricting water supply as a last resort when non-payers refuse to engage despite being able to pay (Wellington renters warned water bills could flow through without hardship protections, April 15).
As a water user if I choose not to access my water from the Tiaki Wai water monopoly but collect my own free water from the sky I assume I can disconnect from Tiaki Wai’s water supply, avoiding any volumetric water charge, or the cost of a volumetric water meter.
Teresa Homan, Upper Hutt
Ugly language
Such vitriolic, ugly language from Joe Bennett on the vanity of Donald Trump, his hair, teeth and skin, and the awfulness of ageing women (A black hole of vanity and delusion, April 15). This shows a complete ignorance of how others live and exist, who breathe in and out as Trump does, aware of the brevity of life but making the most of what is available in the present time. Yes, he is unpredictable, making decisions others disagree with, brusque, gruff and unlikeable but yet at the depth of him is a person who desires world peace.
Isha Wagner, Masterton
Lebanon agenda
Lebanon is a troubled country. Its government is made up of different groups, one of which is the Shia who support the Hezbollah armed forces.
You might ask why the Lebanese armed forces are not strong enough to control Hezbollah, but there are other forces in play.
Israel and its lackey the USA have no wish to see a strong Lebanese military that might bond with Hezbollah. Nor do they want Lebanon to have the ability to defend itself against Israeli forces.
There is an agenda as some Israelis are pushing for south Lebanon to be permanently occupied and become part of Israel. A strong Lebanese military would prevent that.
John Whitty, Aro Valley
Unequal punishments
In Israel the punishment for a Palestinian who kills an Israeli is death by hanging, while the punishment for an Israeli killing a Palestinian is… well, nothing. If this obvious apartheid situation in the state of Israel is not condemned loudly by the many Jewish organisations worldwide that Israel claims to be representing, then the silence will be interpreted as implicit support. And then, sadly, who will be surprised by a universal increase in antisemitism?
James Aubrey, Ngaio
Editor’s departure
I am sorry to hear that Tracy Watkins is leaving The Post (Editor Tracy Watkins to depart The Post, Sunday Star-Times, April 17).
It certainly is my choice of morning newspapers and I have enjoyed reading it over the last 60 years. Hopefully I will be reading it for the next 60 years (I wish).
Tracy has done a great job keeping standards high. All the best for your new career path Tracy.
Frank Glover, Waikanae