Letters to the editor: Anti-car attitude

I've noticed recently a real anti-car attitude from local and central governments.

The car, as we all know, is the most popular mode of transport in NZ, including for the commute.

When I look at alternatives for the car, I find empty buses and bike paths not suitable for most people.

Add in the time factor and the alternatives become even more of a problem. Double is common, triple the time is not unheard of.

My question to the Government is: what do we replace the car with? I want a sensible answer, please.

The answer is that nothing comes close to the car.

Every other consideration is worse by plenty.

What planet is our Government on?

Graeme Martin
Tauranga

I'm slowly learning Māori words and phrases

Dawn Picken's column (Comment, June 19) raised a few issues with me.

I don't quite get the connection between the wealth of Māori business enterprises and the use of te reo Māori. Somehow, I doubt that it would have been used at their bargaining tables.

Like many others, I am slowly learning Māori words and phrases. I do this because it provides a challenge, with a bit of fun. But when I sense persistent, insidious political pressure that tells me I should or must learn it, that takes the fun out of it, and I start to resist.

As for te reo Māori benefitting us all, I think it will be about as much use to New Zealanders as Welsh is to citizens of Wales and Gaelic is to the Scots. Outside of their home country, it really has no benefit at all.

Learning te reo Māori could help non-Māori gain a greater understanding and appreciation of and respect for Māori culture.

That definitely could help unify the country. Unfortunately, the government prevents that by hammering a wedge between us. The disturbing thing, in my view, is that Māori leaders seem to be cheering them on.

Ian Young
Pāpāmoa Beach