Letters: Kindness after luge accident

A reader is thankful to those who helped out after an accident on the night luge last Sunday. Photo/ File

I wish to thank the unknown couple who came to our assistance with the kind gesture of giving us a substantial amount of money to get back to our accommodation from Rotorua A&E after my daughter's severe crash on the night luge [last] Sunday night.

It was very kind and took some stress away after a very stressful few hours. I would gladly repay the money if you wish to make contact via the Rotorua Daily Post. I hope your A&E visit outcome was satisfactory for you.

Thank you also to the young crew at the luge, both before and after the accident, who made the whole experience memorable, and also to the cheerful St Johns staff who kept my girl calm and reassured. My daughter is in for many months of healing and possible skin grafts, but she still had a great time at Rotorua, and we appreciate and want to acknowledge you all. Keep up the good vibe, as this is what makes Rotorua the place we keep coming back to for our holiday breaks. Thank you.

NAME WITHELD
Auckland

US sets freedom camping example

Regarding freedom camping, last year I freedom camped through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico, using a small tent and chilly bin of bread, cheese and beer. There are great camping areas wherever you go, some with showers and all with fireplaces, you can camp anywhere on public land, same as our DOC land. I've camped in other states on other trips as well - all good facilities average $3 a night for campgrounds. Last year was the centenary of national parks there, so all camping areas were free. For a large country like that to have great camping areas and freedom camping rules you would have thought we could do better by now. DOC needs to get their act together and stop treating all campers as idiots. In years gone by I've camped in many places in New Zealand, lit many fires to cook my food and caused no problems.

CHRISS TAYLOR
Rotorua