Kicking protectors in the face
When you see the images of protectors (not protesters) being kicked in the head by security guards at Pūtiki on Waiheke Island, it's easy to take sides. But take a step back and read Anne Gibson's article and another story emerges,
one that resonates across our beautiful city.
Auckland Council's pro-developer, pro-Government, pro-concrete and steel approach to our city has caused friction from one side to the other. The cursory approach to consultation and the arrogant box-ticking attitude to engagement is why we have people across the city taking such a determined and dramatic stand.
These people are not activists. These are people who have never protested before, literally putting their bodies on the line. Why? Because there may have been boxes ticked and a whole lot of talk but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of listening.
And it's not just Waiheke; it's happening across the city from Parnell at Mataharehare, to Western Springs, to Mount Albert/ Ōwairaka, Canal Rd in Avondale and now, no doubt Dome Valley will follow, if those in power don't see sense.
Decision makers need to pause and step back. The future of our city depends on it.
Jo Malcolm, Parnell.
Queue questions
Recent announcements, as reported by the Herald, by Covid Response Minister Hipkins regarding the return of stranded Kiwis from New South Wales, and on future vaccination planning, raise questions that he or the Prime Minister may wish to answer for the benefit of the team of 5 million.
What has happened to the warning of "traveller beware" issued when the transtasman bubble was first opened. Why should those members of the team who have chosen to stay in New Zealand now pay the cost of MIQ for those returning from NSW who chose to take the risk and cross the ditch?
Can the team be assured that planning for administration of booster doses for those who received early vaccination will not put additional pressure on the existing vaccine rollout process, currently performing pathetically in a number of the country's DHB areas? Getting two jabs into all those who desire this should remain the priority to allow the maximum number of our team to have some level of protection.
Brian Milestone, New Plymouth.
Prepared for life
Schools need to teach students how to thrive in the world for the rest of their lives. Some of these skills include how to budget, file taxes, paying bills, managing student loans, purchase insurance.
Although there are classes offered with these subjects, the topics are often spread out among different electives. This is an easy way for students to miss important life skills that may not be explained properly by parents or advisers.
Sometimes students finish school and enter the workplace with no idea how to behave in a professional setting. Communication breaks down because they don't have guidelines and rules for sending an email to co-workers and superiors, or what type of behaviour is polite. Classes should teach how to respond appropriately in a range of situations.
Adults who don't know how to cook will eat food handed to them through a drive-through window. They may have working parents who don't have time to cook, or who never learned themselves. Part of the reason for the obesity epidemic is a large portion of the population doesn't know how to prepare healthy meals. Basic cooking skills will help improve health, save money and create positive family interactions.
Felicia Chen, aged 12, Browns Bay.
Dropping shops
Derelict shopping centres. This is the price we pay for driving everything online.
It is sad many businesses are forced to close or re-direct how they move their goods.
Equally, it is just as sad that people-watching, social interaction, or just a person to speak to, has been taken away.
This leads to many people becoming isolated, lonely, or even depressed, by not having the opportunity, or reason, to get out and about.
How will these people be monitored for the change forced on their lifestyle?
Margaret Dyer, Taupō.
