Letters: Politicians must stop scapegoating foreigners

Flags of different countries were raised at a civic vigil for the victims of the Christchurch terror attacks at Rotorua's Village Green. Photo/Stephen Parker.

Ask any parent, "What do you want for your children?", most answer "a world with more opportunity than I had".

Thanks to the Christchurch terror attack, we all must do better to ensure children have this chance.

Crossing Whakaue St heading to the Lakefront was a place of happy memories, as a child with a freshly scooped Lady Jane's hokey pokey icecream, or counting down until fireworks lit up the new year sky.

Last Friday was different, as while crossing Whakaue St with my 3-month-old son in my arms, a police officer was standing guard at the other side of the road holding a rifle - something I have never seen before.

It was beautiful to see people coming together to share their love for the Muslim community, however, it's clear New Zealand must do better.

Politicians must stop scapegoating foreigners, and we must call out any hint of racism or intolerance.

For our children's sake, we must ensure that New Zealand remains the place we think it is, loving, tolerant, full of opportunity, and it's up to all of us to make it happen. (Abridged)

Ryan Gray

Rotorua

Lakeside Concert

The Lakeside Concert went off along the Lakefront but it seemed different this year. Suzanne Lynch all dressed in blue sang "Yesterday when we were young" and it was a brilliant song.

And Rewa Ututaonga's version of "The way we were" was awesome. The local and overseas artists did really well.

The only negative comment was the big population of young kids who seemed to run all over the place which made it difficult to watch the concert for many. All in all, it was a great night - and fireworks too.

Pamela Fletcher
Mt Maunganui

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