Finance Minister Grant Robertson delivered the dollars for beneficiaries in his Wellbeing Budget 2021. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Kerry Farmer (NZ Herald, May 24) seems to think that only by not accepting benefits can folk "pull themselves out of problems with hard work and self-discipline".
There may be some individuals who are virtually unemployable because of entitlement attitudes, drug addictions, laziness, criminal tendencies and so on.
However, by
far the majority of those who must rely on benefits for support have little desire to remain in this impoverished position for longer than essential. Many are young women or men, struggling to be good 24/7 parents with no support of a partner who has accepted no responsibility for the situation created by their desertion.
Others may be affected by the Covid-19 cutbacks and had trouble finding other equivalent work without some retraining. Some may have health issues such as anxiety or poor immunity, leading to frequent bouts of ill health - not appreciated by any potential employer.
The truth is, there is no such thing as a "beneficiary group". People are individuals.
In some difficult situations, swallowing one's pride and accepting the benefit, to which they may be legally entitled, is the best short-term solution.
They will slowly pull themselves up out of their situation by hard work and self-discipline.
Carolyn Sutherland, Hamilton.
'Financially stung'
The concept of retirement homes was always a worthy one. But Anne Gibson's report (NZ Herald, May 24), gives a revealing insight into the ineptitude of government agencies.
When Associate Minister of Housing Poto Williams was asked about changes to strengthen the complaints process and to review contracts ensuring residents are fairly treated, her reply was "no immediate plans to reform the law". Other answers included her pipe dream that self-regulation could work.
Also John Collins, executive director of the Retirement Villagers Association - the lobby group for owner/operators - is holding a firm line against any reforms.
However, Jon Duffy, chief executive of Consumer NZ, found that contracts "unfairly favoured villages and risked costing residents dearly". Also, that "agreements consumers must sign before they move into a village can have a nasty financial sting". Quite obviously the minister's inactivity towards this growing problem will lead to a lot more people being stung.
Could it possibly be that the Government's plan of non-interference is simply to help create more private housing stock as a result of unsuspecting retirees continuing to move into these villages?
John Norris, Whangamata.
Hacking day
I have as recently as May 17, the day before the Waikato District Health Board was hacked, had cardiac surgery at Hamilton Hospital.
While I was in an intensive care bed on May 18, I had a front seat view of the activity on the front line.
I watched and listened to doctors, nurses, admin and other associated staff with fewer than the normal amount of hand-held devices working on how to keep the hospital functioning.
I was incredibly impressed with all the staff on that day and for the next four days against such adversity. I heard one nurse say to her colleagues it was like going back to the dark ages.
I have nothing but praise for all their care and attention during my recovery in Hamilton Hospital
Barry Rowan, Pāpāmoa Beach.
Near and far
I am in group 3 for the Covid vaccine and I live in Whangaparāoa. Reading the MOH Covid website, I will at some stage be offered a jab, this will be at the Highbury shopping area. My GP's website says they will not be administering the Covid vaccine.
I have some problems with the fairness of the offer, Highbury is closer to Manukau than Whangaparāoa.
The timing is also unfair. People in the Chathams, Pitt Island and along the Whanganui River have been vaccinated.
The PM and Dr Bloomfield earlier explained that we in Auckland North Shore were at greater risk, hence the extra lockdowns we endured.
I would like an explanation of why group 4 people in remote areas, nowhere near any Covid cases, should be given priority over those at greater risk in the Auckland conurbation.
Patrick Grant, Whangaparāoa.
Cheap labour
New Zealand owes migrant workers a particular duty of care. Because of our isolation, it's difficult and expensive for migrant workers to come - and, go.
How can we pay them so little that they cannot save enough to deal with emergencies such as they faced with Covid? They are living from hand to mouth on restricted work permits and, if work dries up, they have nowhere to live, no means of support, no one to turn to. They are stranded in a country that really doesn't care enough about them.
If migrant workers were paid more, they might be able to save enough to support themselves to a greater degree. But wait, then Kiwis might actually want to do those jobs.
Cheap migrant labour is a moral and ethical issue New Zealand needs to address.
Barbara Callaghan, Kohimarama.
Blasted noise
I'd like to support Jock Mac Vicar (NZ Herald, May 24) about the music being played during rugby games. Here in Christchurch, the volume and frequency are just as intrusive and disrespectful of patrons and players. Occasional music to celebrate the home team's sublime skills is fine, but it should stop immediately the game resumes. It's a rugby match, not a concert.
When we read so much about the importance of brain health in the face of a projected growth in the number of dementia diagnoses, being bombarded with music in shops, cafes and now at the rugby (previously a bastion of shared witticisms about the opposition, the referee, and his parents) is surely not healthy.
Many of us are still willing and able to communicate in person and are happy to chat to the people we sit by. And there's nothing wrong with some silence during a break in play just to reflect on the game and enjoy the sights on the field and in the stand.
Perhaps the administrators of the matches could show some consideration for people who don't mind conversing, or who can cope with sitting with their own thoughts?
Barbara Purvis, Casebrook.
Gaza peace
Thank you, Frank Ritchie (NZ Herald, May 24). You have set out in a clear and precise manner the background to the complex issues in the Middle East.
Your solution, however fanciful, is likely to be the only lasting answer.
If only Israel, the Palestinians and their backers were humane and sensible enough to take notice.
Andrew Smith, Remuera.
Palm off
Why plant expensive nikau palms in the public areas of Auckland City?
They do not give shade in summer. The fronds are heavy and dangerous when they fall off.
Furthermore, green waste recyclers do not accept palms.
Leave the nikau alone to enjoy their lives in wetland forests and instead plant more people-friendly city shade trees.
John Bruce, Birkenhead.
On vaccine
When Rudyard Kipling wrote about Auckland as "last, loneliest, exquisite, apart" maybe he was a soothsayer and able to foresee the Covid inoculation roll-out. Robyn Speller, St Heliers.
On parsnips
What is going on with parsnip seeds? One used to be able to plant a row and have to thin them. Now one can plant a whole packet and be lucky to get one to germinate. Mervyn King, Matamata.
On fireworks
Thank you to The Warehouse for deciding not to sell fireworks, from all the four-legged members (past and present) of the McAinsh family: Buffy, Precious, Fluffy, Sheba, Timmy, Jessie, Holly, Muffin and Thor. Robin McAinsh, Red Beach.
On cold
In the UK many years ago, we children dressed to go to bed in the winter in woolly jerseys, socks, hats and gloves. Our unheated stone house let in damp patches on the walls. We almost never had a day off from school. Pamela Russell, Ōrākei.
On rates
Over the next 10 years, Auckland Council is proposing a 43 per cent hike on rates coupled with a 111 per cent increase in water rates. What is missing is the probable corresponding rise in councillors' salaries. Linda Beck, West Harbour.
The Government giveth with one hand and the councils take back with two. Mike Wagg, Freemans Bay.
On travel
Advertised in your publication, a week in Surfers for $899 or a week in Northland for $2699. Decisions, decisions. Richard Telford, Lucas Heights.
The limit was cut to 80km/h in February 2022. Now it's going back to 100km/h.