Pushing loyal tenants out is feudal

Two letters to the Editor were printed after the NZH Opinion piece by David Glen. This one below is from John McConnell, Greenlane.

 Cornwall Park trustees did a  “building” grab of the showground assets by not working with the A & P Showgrounds Board. Now it looks like they want to do the same with the 100 or so houses, many of them gracious homes built by owners who have been good tenants of the land.

It doesn’t make sense. Why does the Cornwall Park trust board want to remain a residential landlord (when the other Trust Boards have seen the light). They have all the hassle of maintenance of buildings and grounds and a minimal return. They could take a leaf out of the successful Dilworth Trust and be a smart industrial or commercial landlord  with major companies as lessees, security of rental income, regular rent reviews, and a 5 or 6 per cent yield.

Taking back these homes when loyal tenants  are forced to walk is feudal, it might improve their balance sheet but won’t help their revenues much.

Letter 2

I have some sympathy for the Cornwall Park leaseholders association but the fact remains they have lived in privileged surroundings for many years which thousands of Aucklanders would have loved to also enjoy but could not afford. It is simply a case of ‘caveat emptor.’ Their lawyers should ahve warned them ….The recent decisions and attitudes of the current Cornwall Park Trustees demand a public inquiry by the retired High Court Judge. Their attitude of ‘we know best’ with no discussions to be entered into, has no place in New Zealand society in 2023 and is simple not good enough. Bruce Tubb Devonport