Letters, February 14: Charter schools, roading and Waitangi Day

A waka crew at this year's Waitangi Day celebrations. Photo / Dean Purcell

Vive la difference

There is only one compelling reason that our socialist lead government wants to do away with Charter Schools.

That being that they provide a choice for parents and young people who wish to explore an alternative and maybe more suitable form of education.

Alternatives to the socialist mentalities are intolerable for another compelling reason.
The system loses control and losing control is abhorrent to the socialist mentality.

All the great socialist powers in history, that have applied the principals of socialism have failed in a very short span of time.

Even China has allowed an intellectual elite to lead the nation into the wider world. The very people who, 50 years ago were pilloried and exiled

We had nine years under a socialist umbrella when we all learned that winning and being a leader in a given field was not desirable, where we played solely to enjoy (ever seen a happy loser?), where personal success that leads to reward was not what life was about.

These philosophies are, as I stated before, short-lived as the human mentality thirsts for differences.

A successful community promotes, caters for, celebrates and rewards differences.

Alas the abolition, despite placatory terminology, of Charter Schools is just one of the tools to attain power and mindlessness of the masses.

Vive la difference.
(Abridged)
A.D Kirby
Papamoa

Drivers at fault

Michael Galloway (Letters, February 12) highlights the dangers of SH2, particularly at its intersection with Omokoroa Rd. While much can be done to improve safety at this intersection it is not the road that is dangerous but the drivers who use this stretch of highway.

Like any road in New Zealand, if it negotiated with care and respect for other drivers and the conditions of the road and prevailing weather, it need not be dangerous. Mr Galloway dismisses the idea of reducing the speed limit as a solution. It would work, but only if drivers abided by it.

Ian Young
Papamoa

Waitangi Day

Waitangi Day has once more come and gone. Yet again, politicians perpetuate the narrative of Maori being victims of colonisation. Colonialists are told how much shame they should feel and make redress for yet again.

It was refreshing to watch Making New Zealand on Prime TV, Sunday night. From 1802, colonialists began making a difference in our lovely New Zealand. They worked with Maori consent, learned from them how to use raupo as part of building materials, the rest of which were imported from England with artisans and tradespeople.

So historic buildings and cities and roads, and quarries and trains and rail tracks came into being and use for all. Schools, hospitals, universities, and businesses and trades were all opportunities created for all to use and enjoy. Being a part of global civilisation was a gift to Maori, not a curse.

Various viewpoints of the original Treaty cannot deny that mutual agreement and mutual benefit was the intention of both the Crown and Maori. Colonialists need to celebrate our national day with pride, not shame. Maori can also be proud of that heritage and culture as well as their Maori roots and culture.

An attitude of gratitude that is mutual, not one-sided, would support an honest and factual narrative.
(Abridged)
Gabrielle Gregory
Omokoroa