The article about Doug Leeder was a good read. But while I respect the man I think the idea to abolish the regional councils in New Zealand is spot on. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he’s open to it – I say do it man, and now!

They are simply money-wasters that us poor ratepayers don’t need.

Apart from funding native trees and plants for wetlands I can’t think of anything else these councils do that actually make a difference. I mean we all know they can’t run the region’s bus system adequately. And with city council responsible for bus-stops and local roads it seems logical that they sort the busses too.

Moreover, when Bay of plenty Regional Council opted to charge their own rates through a separate system – removing it from the combined rates bill with Western Bay of Plenty and Tauranga City councils – they claimed it would reduce costs to ratepayers. Well, both my rates bills have only risen. So let’s get rid of the regional councils quick smart and lessen the burden on ratepayers.

K Morland, Katikati