Kia ora tatau/Dear readers.
Not long ago I used to be a regular contributor to this opinion page. I ceased when health challenges forced me to redirect my energy and interests to my immediate and extended whaanau.
The internet and social media now play a major part in how I consume news. I am amazed at the amount of non-specific, dubious, unchecked, blatantly false material being promulgated on some of these platforms. Can these viewpoints be trusted as a source to better inform others?
Words can hurt. Rather than a “tit for tat” adversarial discourse in the public arena, personal opinions are more effective if they are well researched, are written in a balanced and considerate manner, and diametrically opposing opinions are accepted as a point of difference not derision.
Food for thought?
