A Last Word on New Zealand

I met with developer Alan Trent when he first proposed to reshape the New Zealand environment with a California-style housing development (“It Reminds Them of California,” by Corie Brown, Oct. 26). I was prepared to make allowances for any lack of cultural sensitivity. He indicated a willingness to rethink the options for his coastal cliff-top land and include organic gardens, vineyards and fewer dwellings. Since then, I have been less than impressed with Trent’s efforts. If he has re-vegetated the cliffs, there is little evidence of it having been successful: The cliffs have eroded catastrophically.

Trent would be smart to adopt the best elements of our culture rather than try to re-create Malibu, Pebble Beach or Dana Point in Tasman Bay, New Zealand. Most people, including Americans, who have made their homes here have adopted our egalitarian ways and more moderate lifestyle. I suspect that the Alan Trents will find the New Zealand experience much more enjoyable when they learn to chill out and truly embrace and contribute to the qualities that attracted them here in the first place.

Mike Ward

Member of Parliament

Wellington, New Zealand