Letters: Why prayer or karakia can be valuable in politics

Prayer and karakia can remind us to care for each other, writes Robin Peirce. Photo / 123RF

Decades ago, people worked to get into politics in order to make peoples' lives better in some way.

They recognised a power higher than their own, and aimed to become worthy statesmen and women.

We now have an egotist culture which puts the individual at the centre of everything. We are taught to believe only in ourselves.

We think it is clever to keep religion and politics separate when in fact they are entwined. Jewish leaders, Jesus of Nazareth and Mohammed were all political figures — not as fundamentalists would have us think, some kind of ancient televangelists.

Many Māori belong to established religion; many cling to ancient spiritual beliefs. All this is valuable, because it reminds us we are here to care for the wellbeing of each other.

Of course many politicians don't want prayer or karakia before the day's work begins; they don't want to be reminded that they are not God.

ROBIN PEIRCE
Marton

Sculpture gifts

It is wonderful to read that renowned sculptor Hamish Horsley, whose works are found in collections all over the world, has generously gifted a sculpture to Whanganui (Whanganui Chronicle, May 15).

Recognition and gratitude must go to Bill Millbank who orchestrated this, an individual who sees the worth of world class art gracing Whanganui.

What the article did not mention is that the enormous cost of transporting this sculpture to New Zealand was contributed to by donations from the public who were approached by Millbank. Without the public's generosity the "miracle journey" may never have taken place.

I felt sad that this was not acknowledged in this article.

LOUISE BARNICOAT
Whanganui

Adding up thanks

One of the beneficial side-effects of doing the quarterly domestic accounts is to amble through the past three months' various shopping and service experiences.

The Whanganui locals below have brought pleasure into our lives in many ways.
I've arranged them alphabetically so as not to show favouritism — all have enhanced our lives in many ways, through excellent service, high quality professional input and a significant degree of very welcome cheerfulness.

It has meant willing and competent support for health, diet, home, vehicles, technology — and the occasional coffee.

What's not to love about Whanganui?

●Central City Pharmacy
●Challenge Petrol Station
●Countdown — checkout staff
●Farmers
●Harvey Norman
●Jolt
●John Collins Motors
●Littlegrass
●Medical and dental services — Aramoho and Wicksteed Health Centres; The Dentists
●Mitre 10
●Plumber Dan
●Rutland Arms
●Specsavers
●Technoman
●Whanganui Glass

PATRICIA and TERRY CUNNIFFE
Whanganui