Dear Editor, Time for change. How dare the Budget include an increase of over 400,000 dollars for travel, while our people are suffering. How dare this government take that amount of close to 1 million dollars in a single year for travel.

I worked it out, as we struggle for policemen, nurses and teachers, with salary estimates of $30,000 per year for both nurses and teachers, and $22,000 per year for police officers, the MP travel budget of $913,000 could instead cover:

• 41 police officers (based on a $22,000 salary).
• 30 nurses (based on a $30,000 salary).
• 30 teachers (based on a $30,000 salary).

Imagine what we could do with 41 more police officers, 30 nurses and 30 more teachers.

Our community would be safer, our mapu would have all the teachers they need and our hospital all the nursing staff they need. Nope, this kavamani wants more muni for their parakoka to China and everywhere else.

Police: The travel budget could fill the reported 40-officer shortage almost exactly.

Nurses: 30 more nurses could dramatically ease pressure in hospitals and clinics, especially given health system strain in Pa Enua and Rarotonga.

Teachers: 30 additional teachers could reduce class sizes and improve learning conditions across the country.

So here is my question to Prime Minister Mark Brown and all his travelling MPs: Is the current $913,000 MP travel spend more valuable than hiring 40 police officers, 30 nurses, or 30 teachers?

Yes, is your answer and why we need a change of kavamani in 2026.

(Name and address supplied)