Letters: Hobson's Pledge promotes equality for all

Former National Party leader Don Brash representing a new group called Hobson's Pledge.

Several people were identified as protesters at the [Hobson's Pledge] meeting on Monday.

One found it offensive and insulting that they would come to Rotorua - "the core of Maoridom". Why? Hobson's Pledge stands for treating all citizens, whatever their ethnicity, according to their need: that includes Maori and all others regardless of their roots. Race specific legislation is not the answer. "When you label me, you negate me." (Kierkegaard)

Another protester was rightly concerned for the well-being of his children and grandchildren.

I think the majority of parents and caregivers would echo those thoughts and I think you will find quite a few educators who might also agree that the education system is far from perfect for many students.

However, the Dunedin study also informs us that a child's future ability to adjust socially, and in education, can be quite accurately predicted by the age of 3 so there is something else amiss here.

I was disappointed to hear Trevor Maxwell, for the second time in the past week saying that he was "...happy there was little support for the group... It shows that Rotorua has grown up".

The problems we are experiencing in NZ, often associated with poverty in all its guises and a growing gap between rich and poor, are mirrored around the world and, one way or the other, affect everyone in all aspects of life.

We need to agree to work together so that everyone counts and everyone gets a fair deal. "He iwi tahi tatou."

CAROL SMYTH
Rotorua

Patient in distress

Recently, while leaving our public hospital, outside the main entrance, I noticed a young woman, sitting on a seat, wretchedly sobbing. People were walking past and ignoring her!

I sat down and asked if I could help... She had an unbearable ear ache and I saw the blood on her ear. She said A & E wouldn't help her because she couldn't provide her passport, and yet she was in the system because she had been to A & E before.

I went and inquired on her behalf and was told I didn't know the full story, but they would see her again. I accompanied the young woman back into A & E, she thanked me and I left.

No, I didn't know the full story but what I saw was a fellow human being in distress and what a sad society we have, if one of us can't stop and offer comfort and support.

JILL KENT
Rotorua