Forgotten suburb
Yes, we are fortunate in Castlecliff to have the best medical centre we've ever had. In fact, it's undoubtedly one of the best in town.
However, we seem to be fighting a losing battle because in the minds of council bureaucracy and, seemingly, the majority of the newer councillors and many citizens, we are just a far-flung, lower socio-economic suburb "way out there".
Surely the fact that it's nearly impossible for anyone moving into town to find a GP means any medical centre must be encouraged to expand. After all, newcomers aren't affected by outdated prejudices.
They also don't think it's too far to drive 10 minutes to a medical centre and would be quite happy to use one in Rakau Drive.
How many people have driven through there lately to see the new developments and smell the clean country air with ample parking.
We all know how difficult it can be to cut through the red tape - after all, that's why another city close to us has progressed more.
Yes, things are changing for the better, but at times the focus seems extremely narrow.
There are exciting new business opportunities in the pipeline, perhaps even a pharmacy, but we could still do with more. Encourage them, don't throw obstacles in their path.
I acknowledge I have received a reply from one councillor, who is living up to her promise of always answering inquiries. Even though there isn't a lot she is able to say, at least she does respond.
SHIRLEY FORWARD, Castlecliff
Woeful Wagner
Since the weekend there have been a number of articles about National MP Nicky Wagner, the Minister for Disabilities, and her tweet about "Rather be out on the harbour than at disability meetings".
Sure, on a nice day anyone would rather be outside enjoying fine weather than cooped up attending a meeting. However, the way she worded her tweet was bad and has made those of us in the disability community feel even more of a burden.
She was at a meeting that was supposed to be about assisting the disabled, to find ways to improve their lives and how they can better fit in with society at large.
Her comment only reinforces a negative image of us which, in turn, makes our lives that much more difficult, and makes it harder for us to be fully accepted.
Our Prime Minister thinks Ms Wagner is well respected by those she purportedly represents; since the weekend I've found the opposite: those who have heard her speak say she does not come across very well.
This display of able-ism and lack of empathy for those in need makes me wonder if she is in the right position in the Government.
If she wants meetings out on the harbour, she should book a ferry that includes access for the disabled and a buffet lunch. At her expense, of course.
If the job is too much for her, she should ask for another position and give her current one to someone else.
JULIAN EMMETT, Whanganui
Climate accord
Keith Beautrais appears to think the Paris climate agreement was somehow going to save the world when it was clearly going to do no such thing.
In a typical "climate change acolyte" spiel, Keith fawns over the agreement, and uses name-calling to belittle anyone who disagrees.
Quite apart from the fact that climate scientists are unsure about issues like how much CO2 actually affects climate and how much of the current changes in climate can be attributed to humans, he misrepresents the Paris agreement.
He ignores the fact that it did not require some of the world's largest polluters to do a thing about cutting their emissions. If you really believe CO2 is the problem, how can you be such a cheerleader for an agreement that does not deal with that problem?
Meanwhile, he attacks US President Donald Trump, and anyone who agrees with his stepping away from the Paris agreement. Trump's refusal to sign the agreement in no way means the US will not continue to be a leader in reducing emissions, just as they were after President George W Bush withdrew from the Kyoto agreement.
I do find it funny that people who opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement because of the way it manipulates us and reduces our sovereignty are in favour of agreements that do the same thing but under the guise of "battling" climate change.
- Edited
K A BENFELL, Gonville
Path to happiness
Frank Greenall (Chronicle, June 22) wonders how we New Zealanders can be so successful in some areas but so poor in personal happiness in others - think suicide.
We have a large portion of our society who aren't in the group enjoying their lives. These people spend too much of their time immersed in the problems of the world, never lifting their heads to feel the sunshine and smell the roses.
This wouldn't be so bad if they did not push all this worry on to our young - these kids should be left to enjoy their early days, plenty of time for them to try and sort our problems when they are adults with some political power.
They don't want to know your opinion that the world is going to hell in a handbasket, so get off their backs, stop taking them to protests and let them get on with skateboarding, biking, sports and all the other things that help them on what should be an enjoyable trip to adulthood.
G R SCOWN, Whanganui
Race-based fund
A fund of $4 million has just been launched to assist young Maori to get their driver's licences so they are better able to get work or keep out of jail. Many young people cannot stump up the three-tiered cost of $338.20 for the licence.
Why is the taxpayer funding yet another programme based on ethnicity, and why doesn't our elected Government govern for all NZ citizens based on need, not on the squeaky wheel of tribal Maori elite?
MAUREEN J ANDERSON, Tauranga
One person has been found dead after a house fire in the lower North Island.