Until governments of whatever political persuasion admit these two simple facts, and reconsider how better to incorporate private health services which underwrite the public service in NZ by an amount not far short of 20%, we will never make adequate progress improving our overall health services.
Dr Hylton Le Grice, Remuera.
SailGP sponsorship
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited speaks of a ballpark figure of $5 million that the SailGP regatta brought to Auckland and the value of spending $1m in sponsorship.
It certainly was a great spectacle and we hope that this becomes a more frequent event for Auckland.
But does this event really bring all the economic benefits claimed? While it is an obvious benefit to the likes of the hospitality industry and provided enjoyment and entertainment for many, is there a downside?
A significant number of the spectators were out-of-towners. Let’s for example say 100 visitors came from Te Awamutu for the regatta and all up spent a combined $100,000. Thus Te Awamutians contributed this to the Auckland economy. Consequently this is $100,000 that largely won’t be spent in Te Awamutu. Thank you Te Awamutu.
While we want Auckland to be an exciting city offering lots of options, we want our country to be filled with lots of vibrant villages, towns and cities. Let our thinking/planning and funding also be focused New Zealand-wide. Te Araroa, the NZ walking trail, is a good example of the type of project we want to encourage.
The decision of what degree of sponsorship the ratepayer/taxpayer provides to the SailGP circuit is very much an ethical one. The weekend was obviously a great success in many ways; it gave enjoyment to many people, but in reality it was just part of the “money-go-round”.
Kevin O’Carroll, Windsor Park.
Dog vigilance
I am writing to express my profound disappointment with dog owner Brent Cooper’s letter which claims that the new dog proposal changes haven’t gone far enough (Jan 22). I wonder if he has taken the time to read the full list of proposed changes.
As someone who appreciates dogs as incredibly social animals and that some breeds require vigorous exercise, particularly through off-leash activities, I find it alarming that the proposed changes would prohibit dogs from being off-leash in areas like Madills Farm and Glover Park and completely ban them from sports areas even when not in use.
During my regular walks to these parks, these spaces have been a source of joy for both dogs and their owners, with no altercations witnessed.
While I understand that confrontations can occur among dogs, some of these proposals seem like a knee-jerk reaction rather than a measured approach. Auckland Council claims to adopt a balanced perspective on the role of dogs in our society; however, some of these proposals suggest otherwise.
I urge all dog owners and animal lovers to thoroughly review the proposed changes. It is essential to recognise that this issue extends beyond merely regulating the number of dogs per walker. Your voices matter - dog owners must be vigilant and make their opinions heard.
Kate Dixon, St Heliers.
Equal rights
Richard Prebble makes a good case for a New Zealand Magna Carta to contain power and protect freedoms (Jan 22).
The original Magna Carta was an agreement imposed on King John of England in 1215 by rebellious barons. It aimed to limit the King’s power and prevent arbitrary royal acts such as land confiscation and unreasonable taxes.
Stats NZ reveals six major ethnic groups in New Zealand and over 130 different nationalities – our own United Nations. It seems that an Equal Rights Bill for all New Zealanders is something that would advance integration and protect all of our peoples.
Nelson Mandela brought in equal rights for all South Africans and the world praised him for it. Now it is New Zealand’s turn.
Gary Carter, Gulf Harbour.
Trump the orator
Glen Stanton’s letter on Donald Trump’s inauguration speech points out the many alarming statements made by Trump as he commences his second term as US president, but one point in particular needs correcting (Jan 21).
The President did not display great oratory skills as Mr Stanton claims, but instead was reading a speech prepared for him by his speech writers, which was displayed in front of him on electronic promoters.
If Trump was indeed speaking “without notes” as the letter writer wrongly assumed, Trump’s comments would have gone on far longer, rambled from topic to topic, and included personal insults and falsehoods, probably ending with some cringe-worthy dance moves.
Trump is many things, but a great orator is certainly not one of them.
Dr Marianne Schultz, Eden Terrace.
