The positive feedback on criticism about National Government's performance was heartening, with the main observation being the points made should be elaborated on. The Resource Management Act possibly needed streamlining but garnering support from the Maori Party in return for race-based deals was untenable, especially when NZ First offered to support legislation provided iwi provisions were dropped. The freshwater saga continues; everyone agrees ‘no one owns the water' yet National continues to have secret talks with iwi cobbling up deals to alienate control while also encouraging regional councils to do likewise via race-based elected and unelected people having input on councils and committees. The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement without the United States of America's support is finished. Yet National continues to promote and support something that is heavily criticised. As for the flag referendum, Kiwis spent $27 million just to satisfy one man's whim and flight of fancy. The crazy, unbridled immigration policy – with a net 70,300 – which defies belief has cost New Zealand dearly, fuelling housing costs, affordability and availability while giving developers a carte blanche to print money. How much longer will Kiwis, who should support only parties that are concerned about all New Zealand citizens, tolerate this unmitigated nonsense? The large attendance at Katikati recently to hear Winston Peters reflects the mood of voters.

R Paterson, Mount Maunganui.