Police officers observe at a FreedomNZ protest in Kensington Park, Whangārei on Saturday. Photo / Michael Cunningham
Are those who demand their "rights" unaware that our right comes with an equal responsibility to not harm others' rights? In trashing protective measures they destroy our best chances of not getting seriously ill, losing loved ones, jobs, businesses, freedom of movement and choice. Smugly trying to justify such selfish behaviour is an offence against the rights of the rest of us. We are doing it hard to safely get to greater freedom. Stop the sabotage. Are you Team Human or Team Virus? You want choice? That's it.
Mary Cornford, Point Chevalier.
Cheerful walk in park
Auckland's city parks kept me (and countless others, I imagine) sane in lockdown with the cheerful winter/spring blooms to appreciate. Hopefully, Cornwall Park will not be an outlier next time round, taping off its seats despite Covid never being caught from outdoor surfaces. It's a shame none of the fountains (except Cornwall Park's) are operating. Now the dam levels are back to normal could the fountains be turned on? Albert Park, Jellicoe Park, Mission Bay etc. They lift the spirits, especially for little ones.
R Howell, Onehunga.
Vaccine mandates
The refusal by the Mayor of the Thames/ Coromandel District Council, Sandra Goudie, to be vaccinated this year, has raised some important questions.
What, if any, is the council's policy on the vaccination of its employees, including councillors, most of whom will interact face to face with the public?
If there isn't such a policy, how soon will one be implemented in light of the mayor's stance? She displays poor leadership at best and could endanger the health of those around her.
Her stance has opened up a wider discussion about all councils and the importance of their instituting policies that mandate vaccination, as has been done for Health and Education.
Diana Walford, Greenlane.
Lockdown issues
Many Maori /Pasifika advocates had asked for a continuation of lockdown level 4 in Auckland; that this would increase the safety of these populations, who still have a lower than average vaccination rate, despite a successful weekend Vaxathon. However, speaking from experience, it seems to me that the longer the lockdown (even level 3), the less willingness to comply, the greater the need to start mixing with friends and family and then the increased transmission of the virus.
The Government's focus is rightly on vaccination, not more restriction. And not a percentage target per se but hospital capacity; the latter is not guaranteed by the former, no matter how much we want to have a plan set in concrete or a fixed date for freedom.
B Darragh, Auckland Central.
Only future is on Earth
Prince William has criticised private space travel by prominent wealthy individuals. I recently watched a podcast by an eminent planetary scientist (Carolyn Porco) who spent years involved in space exploration projects.
It is clear from this podcast that the idea of colonising various parts of space is an illusion, and humanity's very long-term future of humanity is on Earth. Research in space is valuable, however the grand plans by the likes of Elon Musk to colonise Mars can never happen.
Too little gravity, no oxygen, inadequate levels of CO2 are just a few reasons and Musk will waste a lot of money trying. Scientific outposts are possible, but humans cannot live more than a few months away from Earth.
Jeff Bezos mistakenly thinks he can build Earth-orbiting space colonies to save humanity, and along with Musk and Sir Richard Branson, is spending a small fortune on private space flights.
I agree with Prince William that they would do much more for humanity if they turned their attention and resources to restoring Earth to a liveable environment.
Peter Cooke, Whangaparāoa.
Returnees and MIQ
A recent Kiwi returnee, I am serving 14 days in MIQ in downtown Auckland and happy to do so.
However, considering the Covid situation in the upper North Island and particularly in Auckland, I wonder at the necessity of this servitude when I, and all other returnees, had to show a negative test result within 72 hours of boarding our return flight, in my case, Canada, testing negative again on arriving in Auckland and entering MIQ and having tested negative twice since.
My argument against the need to serve 14 days, however, is aimed more at the present drive by Government to get more Kiwis in the community vaccinated to help prevent the spread of Covid in the community. Quite apart from testing negative several times, how can we returnees be a threat to our community when we have already been vaccinated?
James Reed, Auckland.
Penalise lawbreakers
I have long believed the penalties imposed on those who break the law are intended either as a deterrent to others or to provide an opportunity to re-educate those who offend. Clearly, the present action or inaction by the police against those who deliberately break the Covid restrictions is having neither effect.
What those lawbreakers are doing is not just irresponsible, it's dangerous, threatening the health, lives and livelihood of Aucklanders. Despite this, they boldly declare their intention to continue doing so. I believe I have the right to both feel and be protected against such people but, as things stand, I'm badly let down by the Government and our law enforcers. What is the point of making laws if they are not rigorously enforced?
Gerald Payman, Mt Albert.
Key moment
It is great for the country that the Vaxathon was such a success and is helping us achieve desired Covid vaccination rates. For those who have forgotten, credit is due to Sir John Key — it was his idea after all, and a very good one. At last the Government appears to be starting to listen to people with good ideas — something that has been lacking.
Denise Dalziel, Westmere.
Incentives work
The Vaxathon proves incentives work. Why are there no rewards for those who have chosen to be vaccinated? Hospital services, and businesses such as restaurants and hairdressers with vaccinated staff should be open to those double-vaccinated. This could prevent further mental-health issues and business failures as people see practical advantages in getting the jab.
Why is the proposed passport vaccination not to be available until the end of November? This means of loss of valuable time to encourage more vaccinations. Yet no action is taken against those in the Domain protest. Mixed messages.
Janie Weir, Newmarket.
Protecting yourselves
Kia kaha, Aotearoa, on a massive nationwide effort to increase our numbers of vaccinated Kiwis on Super Saturday. The closer we get to having all New Zealanders vaccinated, the sooner our lives can return to normal. This message has been clearly stated.
One would hope that all those cognisant of the concept of manaakitanga, Pakeha and Maori , would ensure as a matter of urgency that all rangitahi, mokopuna and wider whanau protect themselves and others by getting vaccinated.
Dr Cam Calder, Devonport.
Freebie awaited
While people and businesses in Auckland are suffering from the severe isolation rules of lockdown level 3 (step 1), others who did not front for their first jabs were enticed with money, coffee, chickens, sausage sizzles and numerous freebies.
Aucklanders, who have obeyed the rules and been kind, are forgotten. We look like a divided country. Next weekend perhaps Jacinda Ardern could spend a couple of days in Auckland, and see how hard nine weeks of isolation is.
The only thing we want for free is freedom.
P. Salvador, Hobsonville .
Hypocrisy to tout success
It is the height of hypocrisy to claim success for Saturday's vaccinations. Rather, the Prime Minister should be ashamed so many are still not vaccinated.
The vaccination programme was months late in starting, the initial rollout was chaotic in spite of the efforts of the staff, there was no sense of urgency, which is why there were so many still available on the weekend and so many still to be vaccinated. The MIQ process could hardly have been mismanaged to a greater degree.
Rod Lyons, Kumeu.
On vaccination
Those of us concerned about the minority refusing to be vaccinated must accept that obduracy rarely concedes to logic. As: "My mind is made up; don't confuse me with facts". Brian Pittams, Whangamatā.
Please can we pass a new law that says only those that are double vaccinated are entitled to protest the lockdown. This will go forever if protests with unvaccinated people continue. Alison Feeney, Remuera.
Do any unvaccinated still want restrictions in place? Huw Dann, Mt Eden.
Vaccine mandates work. No jab, no job works. Vaccine passports work. Put the tools in our hands, Prime Minister. Juliet Golightly, Whangārei.
On breaches
One pair of women break Auckland border regulations to roam around Northland. Despite being unco-operative, they remain anonymous, unnamed, and unseen. Another pair break Auckland border regulations and travel to Blenheim. Quickly they are named and photographs published. Where is the consistency? Brian McDonnell, Grey Lynn.
On masks
I get that wearing a mask when jogging is uncomfortable, but could joggers at least pull their T-shirt over their nose as they "huff and puff" past? Allison Kelly, Mt Roskill.
It may be too late to go early, but the police still need to go hard. These so-called protesters are trouble-makers who need to be instructed in the rule of law. Colin J.
Seriously, people (not all) are asking for opening up the border. Here we have a bunch of people who are exposing themselves without a concern of the impact on the wider community. I am really tired of police inaction. It is pointless to enforce rules after the event. It is time that certain individuals should be charged and taken away in handcuffs to reinforce the message. Is it time to stop handling this thuggish behaviour with kid gloves?Ernest S.
Surely offenders have to be held to account with meaningful punishments to ensure this behaviour doesn't repeat? These are extraordinary times that require everyone to comply. When there is consistent non-compliance by a few that detrimentally effect the majority, why be lenient? The silent obliging majority carry the can again. Enough. Kim B.
My concern is that for some, there is no prosecution or "outing", eg the women in Blenheim, the gangs. Look at Long Bay on Saturday: 2m apart? Are the "rules" being followed? ... The protests speak volumes: the Government failed to communicate its message effectively. Sara M.
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A judge says the truck driver wasn't at fault, as the road markings lacked clarity.