Invisible benefectors
In all the debate about the qualities of MIQ, it is easily forgotten that border controls have been a major tool in ensuring our low death rate.
If New Zealand had suffered the death rate of the United Kingdom – that is, 2000 per million instead of just 10 -
we would be talking not about 50-60 deaths nationally as at present, but 10,000.
Those 10,000 are alive and going about their everyday business, many of them elders, Māori, Pacific people, and those with chronic illnesses and disabilities. But they are unheard. They do not know who they are. This is an unacknowledged gift to the nation, and to the health system.
Instead, what we hear is the anguish of the aggrieved who were inconvenienced by border controls. So, alongside the team of 5 million we have the legion of 10,000 Covid survivors – and now the MIQ-aggrieved.
This life-giving gift of MIQ should not go unacknowledged just because the survivors are unheard and hard to identify. It is surely appreciated in our hard-pressed health system.
Peter Davis, elected member, Auckland District Health Board.
Bittersweet sympathy
Many right-wing commentators have been vociferous about the lack of sympathy for New Zealanders trying to get back through the MIQ system. However, there appears to be no sympathy for New Zealanders doing it tough here - parents and children going hungry, suffering through sickness as they are unable to afford doctor's fees, unable to afford proper clothing and school books.
The proposal from Act for a rebate for those paying 30 per cent tax to shelter them from inflation is yet another example.
There appears to be no sympathy for those worst affected and suffering the most, the low-income earners.
Kushlan Sugathapala, Epsom.
Path to peace
Thank you for a very balanced editorial (NZ Herald, February 8). Russia and China are realities of the world.
Russia is the biggest country in Europe and in many ways complementary to the rest of Europe. One has what the other has not. Neighbours need to find ways to get along through the exchange of goods and services and people. Ambitions to stifle that are most likely futile. Far away from Europe, America may have other priorities and views. And remedies like severe sanctions and isolation are not constructive.
The world order is evolving and one-country dominance and hegemony is no longer a given. I believe any talk of war as a solution to problems is misplaced, especially with two major nuclear-armed states on either side. There is a need to listen to the concerns of either side and stop grandstanding by all involved. Peace and prosperity for all requires compromise, cooperation and mutual respect.
Frank Olsson, Freemans Bay.
Afforded relief
As reported, in "CV shock for families" (NZ Herald, February 8), any Auckland property experiencing a capital value revaluation lift greater than the average of 32 per cent will be penalised. Many low-income families will suffer more than those from the wealthier suburbs.
The Shand Report (still gathering dust from 2007) observed at para 2.10, "The Panel considers that section 101(3)(b) of the Act should be amended to explicitly include council consideration of affordability for low-income households in the development of their revenue and financing policy."
The impeccable Shand Report still carries weight and many of its fine recommendations (including this unaffordability one) have not been adopted.
In present circumstances, where property rates for the foreseeable future will remain in place, relief for poorer families, disadvantaged by the Auckland Council rate increases, must be addressed and counter-balanced by "council's consideration of rates affordability".
Larry N. Mitchell, finance and policy analyst.
Testing averse
Please, no more lectures from the professionals (who are fully employed on government salaries).
The reason people aren't getting tested isn't that they are "lethargic" or "feeling less vulnerable" or "fatigued".
They aren't getting tested because they can't afford to. People are trying to survive.
They have already been to the bank several times to extend their credit, maxed out their credit cards and pared back the fat in order to stay afloat.
They have done everything that has been asked of them: three vaccinations, masks, social distancing and sign-in codes.
They can't do any more.
Being told they have to isolate for five to 14 days will not work. That horse has bolted.
What they need are Paxlovid Covid antivirals and RATs.
Christine and Michael Barnes, Parnell.
