It's only a game
I wish to ask why there was even any consideration given to touring Pakistan, let alone deciding to go? After what happened in Rawalpindi 18 years anyone in the position of making a decision on this current trip is not at all informed.
That area of the world is a "war zone". So why go into such an area to play a game of cricket. It's only a game not a military tactical tour.
"Pakistan had deployed commandos from Pakistan Army's Special Services Group, soldiers and 4000 policemen for the matches in Rawalpindi" said Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in the Herald on Sunday.
This is a very unusual crowd of spectators to be attending a cricket match.
How irresponsible of all concerned involved in making the decision to travel, including the players, when leaving their families, friends and fellow Kiwis with all the concern for the safety of the touring party.
Who has paid for the charter plane to evacuate the members of the touring party from Rawalpindi to Dubai? I hope not my fellow taxpayers.
I know I'll be criticised for saying "it's only a game" not "a life an death situation" but from what I've read it could have turned out to be a life and death situation.
John Mead, Waiheke Island.
Vax centre folly
The drive to get 90 per cent of the population is a good move.
However the advertisements for vaccination centres on Auckland's North Shore have the three centres listed in places very hard for people to get to by public transport and they certainly don't offer coverage for the whole of the North Shore — how can someone living in Belmont or Milford get vaccinated easily?
Who decided that these were popular or easy access vaccination sites? Obviously someone who lives in Wellington who has no appreciation for how big the North Shore is.
Lesley Baillie, Murrays Bay.
Vaccination drive
It is marvellous and outstanding to see the effort put in by the health authorities to get Auckland's population vaccinated.
Unfortunately there will be a percentage that will not take part and are commonly known as anti-vaxxers. One wonders if these people wear seat belts or have their brakes checked in their cars.
The worldwide approach seems to be to bar them from where people gather such as restaurants, bars and suchlike. Punitive measures often fail because of workarounds such as fake documents or identities.
Education is the most effective answer even if it has to be rammed home in the most graphic way such as the number of deaths or hospitalisation of non vaccinated compared to those who are. This could become very evident when we attain hopefully that 90 per cent mark.
Reg Dempster, Albany.
Jab priority
I can't help wondering why, instead of vaccinations by age group, that priority should have been given regionally.
Auckland has been at the frontline continuously and has been the vanguard of MIQ. As the biggest populated city in NZ it is irresponsible of the Government to have exposed 1.6 million people to regular level 4 lockdowns. It is unsustainable if this is to continue.
Every citizen in the country is now urged to be double vaccinated as soon as possible. Every effort is being made to encourage people to be jabbed.
With Auckland being the most vulnerable, why weren't we given priority at the outset?
Susan White, Hobsonville.
End of mateship
The Prime Minister's comment that new Australian nuclear powered, non-nuclear armed, submarines would not be welcome in NZ waters, takes the prize. Duly noting the nuclear units for these craft are small, fully self-contained, and require no renewal during their lifetime.
New Zealand has a couple of aged Navy frigates and no Air Force effectiveness. We spend 1.5 per cent of GDP on defence that has no international security capacity, with Australia spending twice that in order to have world class capabilities.
At some time in the future, when NZ needs protection from an attack, which is becoming more likely as time passes, we simply live in hope that US and Australia will come to our aid. For our Government to pour cold water on this prospect, with our Prime Minister's comment, is simply naive and unacceptable. In Australia, and elsewhere, New Zealand appears embarrassingly foolish and short-sighted. While the world is becoming much less safe, we thumb our nose at our closest neighbour.
Former Australian External Affairs Minister, the wise and experienced Alexander Downer, now Executive Chair of the International School for Government at King's College London, previously described our countries as the greatest of mates. But he now says sadly, apparently no longer.
Hylton Le Grice, Remuera.
Short and Sweet
On name shame
Why are the couple who travelled from Auckland to Wānaka during our lockdown being named and shamed daily in the Herald, when there have been several other lockdown breaches in Auckland, including a tangi which was attended by more than 50 people?
Lee Cleverly, Mt Roskill.
On rugby edge
When I played rugby in the 60s coaches emphasised that the team that gets the ball to the wings the fastest wins. That is why the All Blacks score so many points from accurate kicks to the wings and Aaron Smith's bullet pass to the fly-half, the best in world rugby, gives the All Blacks the edge — until other sides catch on. Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay.
On staying home
And many of us thought Sydney people were fools heading to public places — and a sunny day sees many Aucklanders doing the same. What don't you get about staying home? Linda Beck, West Harbour.
On empty buses
I am limited in movement while recovering from an operation but overlook an intersection on the North Shore. I am amazed how many buses go past in an hour with hardly any passengers. Surely they should be operating on a Sunday timetable at the most? What a terrible waste of citizens' money and unnecessary pollution. David Speary, Northcote.
The Premium Debate
NZ needs business
Good leaders lead, Jacinda Ardern just reacts. No planning or forward thinking. The vaccine rollout is a prime example. Mark X
One step that could contribute to a solution is for an entity to lease a suitable hotel ( Auckland or Christchurch ) for use solely for MIQ by business-related travellers under existing protocols, but independently manage the booking system for that. These travellers can reliably be expected to pre-pay for each room occupation. Graeme W
Sam Morgan tried something. Gave up in the end. Anaru B
This article makes the most sense of anything Covid-related I've read. It's a clear, workable plan for our vital export industry. A true political leader would pick up the phone and ask Sir Ian and his business colleagues to meet with the Cabinet asap so we can get back to doing business with the world pdq if not sooner. It's essentially the only solution to paying off the huge debt being accumulated. Jonathan F
Very good proposal, and it should work better than 95 per cent of the time which is needed, because business keeps the wheels turning. John L
Double-vaxxed business travellers should be isolating at home. Glenn R
