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