perhaps a human response to the increase in serious "security incidents".
Research confirms what we inherently know: the environment we find ourselves in has a significant impact on our behaviour and wellbeing. It is worth putting energy into making sure that this is appropriate and supportive. Design matters.
Tim Metcalf of Jigsaw asserts that the only protection against security incidents is "changing the culture into one that treats people with respect and dignity".
The ministry's built environment should support and reflect this also.
Deputy chief executive Stephen Crombie, our community deserves better.
DUNCAN SINCLAIR
Black Pine Architects
Robbie's view
John Archer's suggestion of adding calcium fluoride to the water supply (instead of the contaminated compounds the so-called Ministry of Health demands) reminds me of an interview granted me several years ago — namely by former Auckland mayor Sir Dove-Myer Robinson.
Not long after fluoridation was introduced to New Zealand, Mr Robinson objected vehemently. He told me how he was not only concerned about individual rights but about the effect of the fluoride pH on Auckland's ageing copper reticulation pipes.
To placate the health officials, he suggested the more neutral calcium fluoride be used instead. But he was as much ridiculed for this idea as for opposing fluoridation in the first place. Calcium fluoride? Far too expensive — and what about the eager suppliers of the other stuff?
Or perhaps the officials were sceptical about Robbie's membership of the New Zealand Soil Association, which recommended organic farming long before it became fashionable.
We hope other mayors will follow the late Sir Dove-Myer Robinson's example.
HEATHER MARION SMITH
Gisborne
Road abusers
Our PM, Jacinda Ardern, wants to do something about our roads, but let me tell you something. There is nothing wrong with our roads, it's the bloody idiots on them.
Tell the police to do their job.
GARY STEWART
Foxton Beach
Deluded view
Yet again (March 20) Potonga produces a deluded view of history with his claim that Bob Jones and Don Brash write racist propaganda when they state that Maori were saved from self-annihilation by the arrival of Europeans in colonial times.
Chief Taipari of the Bay of Plenty said exactly the same thing, while at the 1940 opening of the meeting house at Waitangi, statesman Sir Apirana Ngata said, "But for the sovereignty handed over to Her Majesty and her descendants, I doubt that there would be a free Maori race in New Zealand today".
More than 30,000 Maori were killed and eaten by other Maori in a few decades before 1840, about 1200 when the Waikato tribes captured the Te Ati Awa pa Pukerangiora in 1831, while more than 2000 met the same fate in 1821 when Ngapuhi captured Mauinaina pa.
There were fewer deaths in all the tribal rebellions of colonial times. Who were Potonga's real savages? The answer is obvious.
BRUCE MOON
Nelson
