Letters to the editor: Matariki over Guy Fawkes; age no barrier

Matariki is a more important and relevant occasion to mark with fireworks than Guy Fawkes, a reader says. Photo / File

This year John Paul College will be prioritising the celebration of Matariki with every faculty involved. Our staff and student body are beginning to understand and appreciate the significance and richness of this annual event.

I would like to respectfully recommend to the Rotorua Lakes Council that our city abandon the anachronistic Guy Fawkes event in favour of a fireworks display to celebrate Matariki.

As the first bilingual city in the country it defies common sense that we celebrate each year an attempt to blow up the English Parliament 400 years ago.

Matariki is eminently more important and relevant for our community. Lighting up the winter sky in a dazzling display of colour and sound would capture the very spirit and essence of Matariki.

We must come of age and have sufficient confidence to take ownership of our own traditions and culture rather than clinging to an event which is totally disconnected to us.

PATRICK WALSH
Principal, John Paul College
Rotorua

Age no barrier

Well Ms Evans (Letters, February 24) you seem to be of the same opinion as the rest of society, that once a person reaches a certain age they must be grateful for what they get – money free travel, and they must sit in a corner, sit down and don't bark.

Well I'm sorry to say, I will not sit and not bark. I don't have a car but a mobility scooter. I am an independent person with the right to say what I want, go where I want, and express my opinions.

Oh by the way I am female and I don't drink coffee.

G. BRYANT (MRS)
Rotorua