Medical tragedy
I was very saddened to read Katy Thomas's account (NZ Herald, June 16) of terrible distress to her son and witnesses at Starship ED. Prescription cannabis often costs $5-$30 daily to help reduce seizures, alone or with anti-epileptic drugs. It can also relieve emotional distress and its ripple effect on whānau.
The Ministry of Health Cannabis Use Survey 2012-13 found that half of illegal cannabis users took cannabis for medicinal purposes. The negative referendum outcome means we have failed them.
The Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill would allow all cannabis users, medicinal and recreational, safer access to less expensive cannabis.
Referendums are not best practice for major public health decisions. This Government could still do the right thing and bring the Bill to Parliament.
Unfortunately, meanwhile I understand why patients and whānau continue to use illegal suppliers. Tragic.
Dr Graham Gulbransen, Cannabis Care Clinic and Addiction Treatment Services.
Charging time
Regarding Andy Freeman's comment (NZ Herald, June 16) that all you need is a three-pin plug to charge these electric cars, it's okay for your hybrids and smaller all electrics but no good for anything else.
Charging times without a dedicated high capacity charging unit can be days on a 10amp outlet. Then the power transformers in areas with a high percentage of e-cars will need upgrading so the imported coal they burn in our power stations can feed the demand. Green in name only or maybe it's the colour behind the gills of our politicians making these decisions?
James Archibald, Birkenhead.
Teacher breaks
I agree with Alison Kelly (NZ Herald, June 16) on teacher demands.
This year in New Zealand there will be four terms of approximately 10 weeks each. After each of three of the terms there are two weeks' holiday. After the final term of the year there are five to six weeks holiday. This is a total of up to 12 weeks paid holiday per year compared to an average of four weeks paid holiday in the business world.
I understand there may be a burnout issue for some, but is 12 weeks' holiday conveniently positioned regularly throughout the year, coupled with teacher-only days, not enough time for planning and rest and relaxation?
Teachers are not the only professionals who experience burnout.
Janet Boyle, Ōrewa.
Class struggle
Why I know not, but all through my life there have been amongst my friends many, many school teachers – including three ex-partners. Every single one of them has or does spend way more than 3pm to 5pm daily in lesson preparation, marking and other administrative time-wasting tasks.
For decades it has angered me that so many people who should know better think teachers have an easy ride.
I will never forget a young teacher saying to his colleagues, "It is not until you understand that your survival is more important than the kids that you can start to become a good teacher." The others all understood, and agreed.
Today, with ever-increasing demands, too often teaching is a matter of sheer survival.
A. J. Forster, Mt Eden.
Prodded to act
It was good to hear that the lady from Greenlane had a good experience with the Covid-19 vaccine centre. Unfortunately, it doesn't happen to everyone.
A widow who lives nearby hasn't had any advice because due to previous good health she does not have an NHI number, no computer and has very limited knowledge of technology. Urged by others, she rang the Covid-19 appointment 0800 number but was advised that, because she has not the required technology, they couldn't help and she was advised to present herself at a Covid-19 vaccine centre and arrange an appointment.
The concern is that there will be many other people in the same position and will not just apply to the aged. There needs to be a special process for these people and it should be well communicated.
Reg Dempster, Albany.
Full of rubbish
A huge new landfill for the beautiful Dome Valley.
The Huntly power station could easily be converted and burn all of Auckland's rubbish, producing free electricity. This is being done very successfully in many European cities.
Instead, we import thousands of tons of dirty coal to burn while this Government prides itself on being clean and green.
Vince West, Milford.
City of chaos
What an excellent article by former Auckland City Council director Grant Kirby (NZ Herald 15 June), which sums up the current chaotic situation in Auckland extremely well.
He hits the nail on the head when he asks whether the current councillors find it easier to increase rates than scrutinise expenditure items.
He is also correct when he points out the lack of co-ordination and control regarding projects, and the ideologically driven decision-making, and questions the cost benefit of under-utilised cycleways.
Instead we have a city of cones and deliberate congestion being created by the council and Auckland Transport
Ken Graham, Greenlane.
Untidy bliss
"Birdsong silenced" by John Clark (NZ Herald, June 15) highlights our need to celebrate the shade, insect and animal life associated with trees.
My backyard 10-year-old oak tree attracts caterpillars and other insects which attract birds, eager for a feed. This tree attracts both native pigeons and tūī.
The same is true of the 10-year-old pōhutukawa tree, which I found uprooted on the beach and now lives in my backyard.
Both of these trees have attracted one complaint each.
I am disappointed that many people in our city and suburbs worry about untidy berms, plants and trees in our city landscape.
Why would anyone prefer a tidy concrete jungle?
Caroline Mabry, Glen Eden.
C'est la vie
The defence of the America's Cup will most likely be contested somewhere other than New Zealand. Over the decades I've followed the thrill of Auld Mug challenges with a passion. Now dead in the water, it's no longer of interest. The timeless spirit and combativeness of competitive racing in big keelers has been bludgeoned, KO'd and substituted by egocentric billionaires showboating with marine technocraft that are as far removed from the original spirit of the America's Cup as it would be possible to get. They're welcome to it.
Tony Harper, Mt Eden.
Short & sweet
On Team NZ
Grant Dalton is torn between being being under-funded or being highly competitive. I am with Dalton on this, do what it takes to secure the funding and our sailors will not defect. Dave Miller, Matua.
Auckland Council is crying out for money on many essential and beneficial projects in housing, water, rates etc. Why could it spare such a huge sum for an extravagant sport? Manh Bui-Van, Clover Park.
The next America's Cup event may not be held in New Zealand. As the sergeant-major said: "Oh dear. How sad. Never mind." Graham White, Papatoetoe.
On EVs
In regard to Andy Freeman's letter (NZ Herald, June 16), many new built apartment blocks don't have garaging. Are we going to see charging stations on the kerb for all the cars that have to be parked on the road? Diana Nairn, Pakuranga.
On bridge
A simple and cheap solution for cyclists wishing to cross the harbour is to own a hydrofoil e-bike, no infrastructure required and a boost to a local business. John Macfarlane, Bucklands Beach.
On Prebble
Richard Prebble (NZ Herald, June 16), if the free market is so infallible then why did the Government have to buy back our national airline and railway network? Why did the BNZ have to be bailed out, twice. And why was Auckland's CBD plunged into darkness? C C McDowall, Rotorua.
On movie
I sit on neither side of the "You are us" film controversy. Made by artists - films, books, sculpture do not require permission to be made. If it had to be gained, much art would not exist. Barbara Matthews, Onehunga.
