Nicola Young: Key's comments were disgusting

ALL PALS: John Key with new Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull last month before the Christmas Island issue blew up.

"BACKING the rapists", the tribulations of getting my children to eat dinner, Conservation Week and bowel cancer - that's my choice of topics this week.

This diversity should avoid another overlap on this page as occurred last week. I can't imagine fellow columnist Terry Sarten is juggling quite the same busy mind as mine.

To keep it brief and to the point, I was disgusted by Prime Minister John Key's comment this week that Labour and the Greens were "backing the rapists" by standing up for the human rights of detainees on Christmas Island. Then to double up on the disgust, Speaker David Carter blew it completely in his handling of complaints about the offensive comments.

My utmost respect goes out to the MPs who stood up against those cheap shots and walked out of Parliament - this is not done lightly. I'm also deeply moved some shared their personal experiences of sexual assault - again not done lightly, but it may help engage people in [the question of] how to challenge our society's high levels of sexual offending and low rates of reporting.

I hope journalists stay on the original story around Kiwis being deported from Australia - including the truth around how many do not actually have serious criminal records - as well as the outrageous way Australia treats asylum seekers, including children, in its offshore detention centres.

My children, however, don't have it tough. I lovingly prepare healthy balanced meals for them each night (except on fish 'n' chip Friday - and other occasions!) and then wait to see which of my sons is going to throw a wobbly because I cut his potato the wrong way, or be traumatised because the chicken he loved eating the night before is now hideous when presented as leftovers.

I've asked friends how they've handled this period of meltdown that occurs around 5.30pm each night. One answer was to make them watch a video of starving children in Africa! I haven't done that yet but as I've been sponsoring a World Vision child (first in Tanzania, but now in Burma) for the past 15 years, it probably is time to give them some global perspective.

Healthy Nature, Healthy People was the theme of 2015 Conservation Week, which just finished. During my 10 years at DoC, I was on the team that designed Conservation Week so it brings back memories. I've written a number of times about research that shows the link between health and spending time in nature. This time though, I want to focus on the wonderful people I worked with.

Pam, Tim and Elizabeth were my closest workmates for many years and in reality, when I think of DoC, I mostly think of them. There have been many other wonderful workmates in various locations who stick out, including Bill in Whanganui, but that Wellington trio may remain my all time favourites.

Sad news this week that one of the wider DoC family, top botanist John Sawyer, passed away suddenly. It is a reminder that we only get one shot at this life - there are no returns, no second chances and sometimes, unfortunately, life can end suddenly.

However, that is not an excuse to not look after yourself. I finally forced myself to see the doctor about that troublesome and embarrassing side effect common after having children - haemorrhoids. Yes, it involved a level of medical intrusion I wasn't enthusiastic about. Yes, I have now had several strangers examine places that I would prefer remained private. And yes, there is more poking around to come, although results to date look good.

Please go see the doctor if you're having any symptoms that could be early signs of bowel cancer - while it's no walk in the park, it's not that bad. All the medical professionals who I've seen so far have smiled kindly and eased the nerves, so get off your backside and take action.

-Nicola Young has worked in the public and private sectors in Australia and NZ and now works from home in Taranaki for a national charitable foundation. Educated at Wanganui Girls' College, she has a science degree and is the mother of two boys.