Irish recipe for road safety
I feel Simon Wilson identified the problem in his first article, "More police enforcement" (NZ Herald, January 3).
As a former police officer, I'm convinced a major overhaul is needed with road safety enforcement. A trip overseas by the Minister of Transport would be helpful.
A good
first port of call would be the Republic of Ireland. In 2005, Ireland had 396 deaths on its roads; the same year New Zealand recorded 405. The populations of each country are similar with both countries just over five million.
Ireland had 130 road deaths in 2021 while we lost 319 souls. Ireland has made this turnaround in the reduction of deaths by huge commitment and hard work.
Australian states have also made huge progress, at a time New Zealand has reached a plateau in reducing the road trauma.
I suggest that the Minister of Transport should head to Ireland and get a good understanding of how they have improved their road death statistics so convincingly. The Herald could also allow Mr Wilson to accompany Minister Michael Wood so that we get, first-hand, the Irish recipe to reduce a road toll.
George Wood, Forrest Hill.
Dangerous mindset
A point that seems to be missing thus far from the arguments over road safety is the psychological behaviour.
It is known that people will act up to what they personally perceive as the danger point. Studies have shown that the safer the authorities make something, the more that safety point will be pushed.
In the case of driving, make cars and the roads safer and many drivers will decide that the risks have been lowered so "I can drive more aggressively".
The real problem for those who would rule over us is how to brainwash the natural risk-taking out of the human race.
G. N. Kendall, Rothesay Bay.
Teenage limbo
My boys got their initial Covid shots more than six months ago.
At that time, if you were 16 or over you could get the jab, which they dutifully did.
They are now six months past so should be due for the booster shot.
Today it was announced that the limit for the booster had been dropped from six months to four months.
So once again, they dutifully trotted off to get their booster shot, only to be told that they had to be over 18 to get the jab.
Does this not sound to you like an oxymoron, with Omicron knocking at the door?
There must be a lot of 16+ but not yet 18-year-olds who are due by the six-month limit, which is now four months, and should qualify for a booster shot.
With the academic year fast approaching, you would think they should get the shot?
A. Nicholson, Māngere Bridge.
Hollow triumph
The article "When Lange triumphed" (NZ Herald, January 4) was misleading. Lange's decision in about 1984 to deny entry to a US naval vessel - and a supply ship at that - did great harm to New Zealand in terms of both its international reputation in the Western world and economically.
Yes, it was lauded in the NZ media but the reality is that Lange and thereby NZ was shunned by Western governments as he made a world trip. The only place in the UK where he was welcomed was at Oxford University, where he addressed like-minded dissidents.
My memory of Lange was of an eloquent speaker, a nice fellow to meet socially but, as a leader of a nation, he was more like Neville Chamberlain in Britain pre-World War II, having an unrealistic view of the real world.
Declaring NZ nuclear-free in terms of visiting ships is like declaring your local street burglar free. And aiming at our close ally USA, who saved us from Japanese invasion only 40 years earlier, resulted in NZ being - understandably - booted out of ANZUS, which showed his lack of statesmanship
Bill Capamagian, Tauranga.
Experts supported
My partner and I are New Zealanders living in Australia. We wish we were home.
The NZ Government has listened to the excellent advice of its scientists, prominent among them Professors Hendy and Wiles.
How can the University of Auckland possibly justify failing to protect these scientists from doxing and physical threats from people who object to their research findings and expert advice? How can the vice-chancellor claim that engaging with the public via broadcast, print, and other media is not the role of Professors Hendy and Wiles?
The NZ public funds universities through taxation, to generate and disseminate knowledge and perform the crucial role of "critic and conscience" of society. Hendy and Wiles are exemplary academics, who continue to help NZ find its way through this awful pandemic.
Like many ex-pats, we have children whom we hope will study in NZ, so many will be watching how Auckland University handles this.
Marg Stewart, Adamstown Heights, NSW.
