My experience with the national health system has been wonderful in the past, but now I worry about getting proper care from overworked and underpaid healthcare professionals.
The relationship between various ethnic groups seems to be worsening. The treatment of vulnerable people does not seem to be improving.
While all of the above issues are the direct result of actions or lack of actions by politicians around the world, those politicians would not be in power without the support of the population. We as individuals are the only ones who can resolve these issues.
Here’s hoping that 2025 will see a shift in public sentiment and a greater desire to work together for the betterment of the world.
Dunstan Sheldon, Hamilton.
Maca reminder
Thank you to senior political correspondent Audrey Young for her objective and comprehensive summary of the evolving situation around the Marine and Coastal Area (Maca) process (NZ Herald, December 16).
For too long this process has flown under the radar, out of the public eye. Most of the public does not realise this is version two of the controversial foreshore and seabed issue that evoked a public outcry and inspired the 2004 Foreshore and Seabed Act, which eventually led to the formation of Te Pāti Māori.
Media reports on the Maca have been sparse. There are significant territorial rights that go with a Customary Marine Title (CMT) and which have the potential to constrain public access to or use of areas of the coast. The veto right on any resource consents gives CMT holders absolute power over development on the coast and out to 12 nautical miles (22km).
Thankfully, the Supreme Court decision restores some balance between Māori customary rights and those of the general public. The Government’s amendment bill goes further in ensuring the outcomes fit within the original intent of the law.
Undoubtedly, Māori deserve to have their customary rights recognised in some areas of the coast, but surely not the entirety of the New Zealand coastline, as was likely to happen before the Supreme Court decision. Hopefully, the current surge in activity around the Maca will raise awareness of a process that affects every New Zealander.
Glenn Clark, Waipu.
Funding failure
I am appalled by this Government’s refusal to fund foodbanks. Foodbanks exist because of a need in the community where families are unable to afford to feed themselves and their children.
If the Ministry of Social Development is referring beneficiaries to foodbanks, it suggests that it is refusing to provide food vouchers to those in need.
Minister Louise Upston’s comments that it is in the interests of the public that the Government focus on improving the economy instead of funding foodbanks is not in the interests of those in need either in the short or medium term. What callousness – children are suffering and will suffer as a consequence of this decision. They and their carers are neither “wealthy” nor “sorted”.
Rosemary Cox, Tūrangi.
Justice delayed
It seems that convicted fraudster and former Blue Chip boss Mark Bryers has just learned the hard way that in Australia, all criminals are treated the same, regardless of the colour of their collars (NZ Herald, December 16). White or blue, over there all are equal when up before the judge.
Quite a shock for him because, no doubt, he had been expecting a slap on the wrist with a damp bus ticket as happened back here in New Zealand. But, hey, he wasn’t wearing a gang patch, so was not really classed as a criminal type maybe.
Elizabeth Urry, Devonport.
Bridge breakdowns
It cost $3.7 million to build the Wynyard Crossing bridge in 2011. The repair bill to fix the bridge was $10.6m in 2024, and it has malfunctioned in the first week (NZ Herald, December 16).
Surely it would have made more economical sense to replace the bridge and dump the faulty one? Even if it cost double the original construction cost, the replacement could have saved millions of dollars.
Bob Wichman, Botany.
