Letters: End of Life Choice Bill step in right direction

David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill was debated last week before Parliament. Photo/file

Some see the end of life as the beginning of another, others see it as the end, full stop. But no matter your views on life and fairy tales, it is an inescapable fact of life that one day, you, me and everyone we know will die and their time on this planet will end.

In an ideal world, the way in which we spend our final days would be up to us, but a small number of us do not get this choice due to terminal illness or a degenerative condition.

Currently, someone facing these conditions has no legal choice, other than to live out their days, some in inhumane conditions, until their body gives out.

MP David Seymour's End of Life Choice Bill, debated before Parliament last Wednesday night seeks to give those facing irreversible health conditions the choice of how they wish to spend their final days.

Seymour's bill would allow those facing only worsening health conditions, to make the best choice for themselves.

Of the three MPs based in Rotorua, Tamati Coffey and Fletcher Tabuteau voted yes for the bill to progress to the next stage, and Todd McClay voted against the bill, and in turn voted against giving people the choice and power over their own lives.

I hope that the progression of the bill will see adequate safeguards put in place and the bill be made law, so that people, not politicians, will have power over their own bodies in their final days.

RYAN GRAY
Rotorua

Kindness flows
Every vehicle that is likely to break down does so at our gate towards the top of the hills outside Rotorua on their way north. The most common requirement is water for their radiators so I have a marked container there which I make sure is full each day.

I know what it's like to break down in the deserts and jungles of the world and, though the outskirts of Rotorua hardly compare, the frustration must be almost the same.

I went to refill it the other day and found a $5 note underneath. It was such a surprise but really not necessary or expected. Thank you to that kind and thoughtful person.

RICHARD KEAN
Mamaku