Sociologist: Closer ties with China a necessity

17/04/2012 1:29:05 p.m.

Fellowes wrote:

Mr Spoonley misses the point. It doesn't matter if it is Chinese, American or German corporations buying the land. The world needs our produce so we can sell our produce to the world without them buying the land as well. An issue as big as this needs a referendum so Kiwis can decide if they want to keep control of their country. No one party, and certainly not Mr Spoonley, can decide for us.

16/04/2012 5:19:50 p.m.

Realistic Kiwi wrote:

With $$$, any investor can invest anywhere in this almost bankrupt world....and NZ is foolish not sharing part of the rich mouthwatering cake!

16/04/2012 12:10:23 p.m.

Chris wrote:

There are a number of points that John needs to understand. First regarding land ownership the outcry against land ownership by foreigners is subsequent to the Chinese offer to buy the Crafar farms... If we as a nation feel this should not happen then let this sale go through under the current rules and, after a referendum or election, change the rules if that is what NZ's want. More importantly, whether we like it or not New Zealand is part of the global world. We have relationships with and trade with the rest of the world. NZ's depend upon it actually as we are an exporting nation. We can choose to live in isolation but must accept a significantly lower standard of living and be considered as more than a little backward... perhaps the hayseeds of the world. Thirdly exciting, energetic, vibrant countries are countries which evolve and change; the ones which accept other cultures and view points and are tolerant. The US is a classic example of vibrancy and success, alternatively some of the middle east and asian (North Korea)countries suffer. Fourthly as NZ's collectively, and I'm not talking about Government here, we have chosen to spend more than we earn... borrowing from foreigners to make up the difference in order to enable us to live a life we cannot really afford. The consequence of this is that, however you slice and dice it, our assets which includes land are already part owned by overseas entities. The classic saying "don't be fooled, the bank owns it" is so true in NZ. So when you make the sort of statements you have made, just be aware you cutting off your nose to spite your face and furthermore you are speaking for yourself and finally, because you have borrowed so much money to live the good life you have lost control anyway.