Letters: Look after Kiwis first

Tauranga drivers are are not doing too badly, a reader writes.

Look after struggling Kiwis first

Surely if it is feasible for campaigner Murdoch Stevens to raise awareness regarding a "community sponsorship pilot programme " for additional refugees in New Zealand, then how much easier should it be to raise this same awareness around our own struggling families, unemployed and homeless?

This type of proposal really irritates me. IMr Stevens makes it sound so simple " the programme is only for 25 people, that's about five families. But that allows either church groups or any kind of group to get together...." (News, July 11 ) and we all know that this type of programme is not simple because you are dealing with people's lives on a long-term basis.

I would much rather see this type of enthusiastic support going toward helping our local struggling families. The fact that the homeless and unemployed in the Bay of Plenty aren't fleeing some war-torn area doesn't make their situation any easier.

Another point made is that Mr Stevens feels that as Australia is talking about increasing their quota of immigrants, New Zealand should follow suit.

Anyone can see the difference between our two countries, not only in land mass, population, infrastructure but also economically, to know that we cannot expect to keep up with any other country just in case we are embarrassed. It's just not economically viable to increase the quota of immigrants as this country is struggling to feed and house its own people.

Charity begins at home.
(Abridged)
Isabel Ashmore
Tauranga

Great care given
I recently required the services of Tauranga Hospital for an acute health issue.

I am writing to give my sincere thanks to all the competent, professional and caring staff in the various departments involved in my care. These include the emergency department, radiology department; ward 4b, medical team, theatre staff and orderlies.

It was obvious to me that staff at the hospital were at times stretched. Despite this I received excellent treatment and care delivered with respect and compassion by all.

Fortunately, I have not required the services of the BOPDHB before this, but am so grateful these caring professionals were there when I needed them. To the BOPDHB and everyone involved in my care thank you, you are all very much appreciated.

(Abridged)
Jim Lovegrove
Bethlehem

We're not too bad
My reaction to your article on the 10 worst intersections (News, July 7) is that we are not doing too badly.

The worst Cameron Rd/11th Ave is only seven per year. Cameron/Chadwick about the same and the others are three or four.

While it doesn't feel right to say that any crashes are acceptable, the reality is that some of us make mistakes, some are plain stupid and some a little unlucky.

I don't think there is much for council engineers to study, they will know what common-sense improvements may achieve something without unduly inconveniencing the majority of motorists. Certainly no more traffic lights.

Many drivers make unwise choices in turning right or going straight through from a minor road in heavy traffic. Sometimes I prefer to use a longer route including the benefit of traffic lights, and more so in rain.

Overall, Tauranga's drivers are doing well and should be congratulated.

Bill Capamagian
Tauranga

No need for haka
We braved the cold, chilly, early morning America's Cup on TV races for three-morning starts.

We clapped and cheered, the nail-biting edge of our seats final, and oh the wonderful feeling of elation when yes, yes, the Cup was finally ours. But the best viewing of all, no hakas, no blessed hakas to distract from our jubilation.

Barbara Chapman,
Tauranga