Issues and goals: Letters, 19 September 2011

The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters and comments from readers. Here you can read the letters we have published in your newspaper today.

Letter of the Week:

 

 

 

Pupils on doorstep seeking donations for schools are learning wrong lesson

Recently while reading the Bay of Plenty Times, I was interrupted twice by knocks on my door from young girls begging for money for their schools.

 

What ideals of work, value and integrity are we teaching our children when their schools send them begging for donations door to door.

If they had been selling chocolate bars or lollies or "anything" I would have bought all they could carry. The beggars left empty-handed.

Bad form school leaders (I wouldn't call them principals as I don't think they seem to have any when it comes to fundraising).

Roy Edwards, Tauranga

Strategies to work with Maori absent

I also was at Dr Brash's pep rally. It's noteworthy that I was the only person under 35, the only Maori and the only person taking notes. Ask any policymaker in our history and they'll say their policies have been on a "one law for all" basis.

Yet this simple, well-meaning concept has resulted in Maori over-representation in our worst statistics. Either Maori have made a culture-wide choice to be this way, or alternatively, social order is massaged, by successive Pakeha Governments (Brash archetypes) to produce this outcome under the banner of "one law for all".

Completely absent were strategies on how to work with Maori. When the foreshore and seabed act came up, there was no answer when challenged about existing private ownership vs Maori claims. This could explain Act's odd polling results being that the elected leader, Rodney Hide, was against the act and the pirate who took over (Brash) is for it.

I can only hope Banks fails in Epsom, that would see Act as the new NZ First, outdated and irrelevant.

How is it a man like Hone can outperform Brash when it comes to working within our respectable democracy and getting a mandate from a constituency? Doesn't say much for Brash, does it?

(Abridged)

David Rangihika, Matua

Traffic worry

Your report (News, September 2) that the Cameron Rd/Eleventh Ave intersection has the worst crash record and that forthcoming changes will make it safer has me interested as a longtime resident in Eleventh Ave.

Given the volume of traffic an average 10 crashes a year is not that much.

Often I see the results of safety improvements are simply being to restrict traffic flows and send the crashes elsewhere. That is a waste of ratepayer/taxpayer money. Some of this is the result of unrealistic expectations that traffic engineers can solve a driver problem.

There have been changes to lane layout and the light phasing recently which may well be better overall, although not to my personal benefit.

Accordingly, I am apprehensive after noting that the improvements are designed to reduce crashes as a goal, whereas it should be making the intersection work better for all current users. I accept that there is some commonality.

A "work better" goal may well mean no money is expended at all.

Bill Capamagian, Tauranga

Migrant issues

I find it a bit rich to read that Margaret Mutu wants the Government to cut back on white immigration, especially looking at her photo which reveals a high percentage of European blood.

Just how much Maori blood does Mutu have in her system? I presume she would welcome immigrants from Asia, the Middle East and Africa, all non-white nations but I hate to think of what this would do to everyone else in this country.

The white immigrants who bravely settled in this country, despite having to deal with cannibalistic hostile warriors and an unfriendly environment, have turned this country into what it is today.

Despite hardships they built roads, houses, schools, hospitals and universities with very little support from Maori who enjoy the benefits of their work.

Why can't we settle for being New Zealanders and cut out all this racist trouble-making? People from South Africa have come here to escape apartheid, not to bring it with them.Mary BrooksTaurangaBig rates increaseI just looked at my bank statements and am amazed that you all accept what's happened in two years. In October 2009 my rates monthly bill was $150.24 cents and in October 2011, only two years later, it's $191.06. That's over a 25 per cent increase in two years.

I think the people of Tauranga should ask the Government to take control of Tauranga before it's too late.

You don't accept it from the power companies but you all accept it from the council.

D.R Jennings, Papamoa

Helping health

Here's some timely good news on the issue of preschool kids' health.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says over 100,000 4-year-olds have now had a B4 School health check, and he is hearing reports of life-changing outcomes for children and their families.

"The B4 School Check is really an opportunity for a stock take - to see exactly where a child is at, physically, emotionally and socially," he said.

Mr Ryall also welcomes a partnership between TV cartoon characters, the WotWots, and B4 School Checks and the Ministry of Health.

"The WotWots is a made-in-New Zealand children's television show that has gone global.

"The characters are very popular with young children, and we hope the promise of a free WotWots book and sticker will have children all over the country pestering mum and dad to take them for a check."

Mr Ryall said there was a serious message behind the launch - making sure children are ready for school, and don't have any issues that could impact on their ability to learn.

More information about B4 School Checks is available at www.moh.govt.nz/b4schoolcheck

(Abridged)

Max Lewis, Mount Maunganui

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