Time to close Dilworth
The historical gift bestowed to the City of Auckland was intentionally modelled on a concept of "children in need" and has over the past decades been modified by various Governors, Boards of Trustees.
The publicity about who did the abuse, who takes that the responsibility, who knew
about and whether there was more convenience by all "to keep quiet" is disturbing because we put our trust in the State to protect our children.
It is hard to swallow the view that a principal and teachers did not know.
Now it is time for Dilworth School to consider closing its doors; sending the children back to their parents; and to normalise their family and educational development.
The trustees can manage the next phase.
Whereas this form of schooling served a purpose for "needy" children during wars and social development in New Zealand, it has lost its purpose.
Recently, I was present at one of the functions to "attract" children. It was an eerie environment where parents (not single parents) jostled for attention to "get their child accepted" into the fold, suggesting there is a move away from the original intentions of the bestowment. It is a national disgrace.
Dr Judith Selvaraj, education consultant.
Own our emissions
Climate change bill holds sneaky new tax, writes Richard Prebble (NZ Herald, February 17).
What a mad animal man is. No price is too high no sacrifice is too great "to save your country", but when it comes to saving the whole world there's bickering, excuses and procrastination.
There is a way to raise money to lower greenhouse emissions with no "new tax" or penalising the poor. A carbon fee and rebate. A price on carbon, just as there is on sewage. The profligate pay more and the abstemious benefit.
Our emissions have soared during a period we pledged to reduce them. Our emissions are our problem; others' are theirs, and whatever they do or don't, two wrongs don't make a right.
Dennis N Horne, Howick.
Deplorable mockery
What exactly was the intention of Chris Bishop in creating a video based on a new MPs maiden speech? Was it to "take the mickey"; a putdown; to question her intelligence; to embarrass her; to boost Chris Bishop's own ego; plain stupidity on the part of the Nats; bullying; revenge at losing; etc?
Whatever the reason, it was malicious and highlighted the distinct difference between the National Party and Labour Party leadership. The wellbeing of the people and kindness first versus personal and point-scoring attempts is the reason for the Labour landslide victory. Get over it Nats and concentrate on putting your own grubby house in order. Shame.
Marie Kaire, Whāngārei.
Lockdowns unwarranted
When will the Government realise that elimination of Covid is unrealistic, and that containment is the more prudent option?
Imposing lockdown because of three Covid cases has resulted in losses to business of at least $250 million; cancellation of medical appointments; closure of schools and numerous events.
The decision-makers have shown they have no experience or understanding of business and the real world by rushing into lockdown every time there are a few cases.
Since the onset of Covid, relatively few patients have needed intensive care and the death rate is less than half a per cent of our population.
Yet they have created a climate of fear to try to gain support for unwarranted lockdowns while they suffer no financial hardship and continue to be paid.
Janie Weir, Newmarket.
'Soft opening'
Another instance of a lumpy cycleway surface is causing discontent amongst people (NZ Herald, February 17). First, the extension of the Quay cycleway on Tamaki Drive to Ngapipi Rd and now the Karangahape Rd cycleway.
It is important to note both cycleways are still under construction. Some sections are substantially completed, but none of the work has been signed off.
Early use of a project before it is fully completed is known as a "soft" opening.
Where the public is allowed access before completion, the site may be missing landscaping, planting, pavement markings, and signage as these are typically built near the end of a project.
The downside of soft openings is that it exposes AT to the risk of complaints from people who think the work is finished and signed off as fit for purpose and the contractor is no longer responsible.
AT is often criticised, and validly so. In the instance of Tamaki Drive and Karangahape Rd, I accept the recent "soft openings" because they give early access to new, improved infrastructure. Bike Auckland is working with the project teams on the understanding the new work will not be officially opened until it is fully compliant with roading standards, including smooth finished riding surfaces.
Barb Cuthbert, chair and spokesperson, Bike Auckland.
