Your views: Marine reserve concept spot on

The proposed marine mammal sanctuary

For those of us who have been involved in what some refer to as the Treaty industry, it's a familiar scenario.

It seams that seabed mining will happen in spite of strong opposition. The Sealord deal for Maori was another classic example.

We were offered a deal in which we would exchange our customary fishing rights for commercial quota. No one wanted a bar of it but it happened anyway. Assimilation of indigenous people and their culture against their will.

Mineral rights were not awarded to Maori even though there was doubt that in signing the Treaty Maori relinquished them.

There are many other examples of such shonky deals imposed on New Zealanders ever since 1840.

But the Green Party leader has given me a glimmer of hope with his inspirational idea for a marine reserve.

I took a similar idea to a parliamentary select committee on fisheries chaired by Winston Peters some years back. No luck.

So let's get behind the Green Party on this matter. It's the most sensible thing that I have ever heard from any politician.

POTONGA NEILSON, Castlecliff

Devoted agency

Their preference, or otherwise, for the Trans-Tasman Resources mining decision is something all New Zealanders are free to voice, and I salute their right to do either.

However, for Paul Brooks ("Who is standing up for the seabed?", Chronicle, August 24) to be so dismissive of Environmental Protection Authority staff is evidence of the very prejudice he mistakenly assumes we adopt when making such decisions.

We are a Crown Agency, independent of the government, with a staff of just 160. Almost half of them are respected scientists and technical experts whose intellectual talent contributes extensively to national and international decision-making.

We rely on the professional skills of our decision-making committees to make findings based on the evidence, carefully weighing benefits and risks, and applying the law. Sound decision-making of this class is not about being popular, but it does involve being accountable.

We are aware decisions we make help shape New Zealand's history, its ability to thrive and be successful. While no one can visualise with any certainty the shape and form of New Zealand in 10, 20 or 50 years' time, every one of us is committed to making a difference, working alongside businesses, Maori, and the community to create an environment and economy that supports the betterment of all.

ALLAN FREETH, Chief executive, Environmental Protection Authority

Stop killer dogs

What a homecoming! I came home from my two weeks away to find one of my old sheep, dead, with dog bites all over her.

She had been dead for two days, obviously a slow death from internal injury.

Then I noticed that the sound of newborn lambs that rang the hillsides before I went away were missing.

A visiting friend told me there had been dogs killing sheep in the area and my neighbour had lost 18 lambs.

The council animal control people have been so helpful but admit there is little they can do to prevent this yearly slaughter.

We have so many dogs now with practically no regulations for their control.

When a dog gets bored it will find something to do which usually means hunting and killing prey. They are a top predator.

Penguins, kiwi, seals and many other native species as well as farm animals are being killed like this on a daily basis, isn't it time we did something about it?

ROB BUTCHER, Aramoho

Media mush

As an enthusiastic consumer of news, I feel increasingly disappointed by what is on offer, and who is commenting on what issue.

For example, if I want information on the state of mental health, I want to hear from the Office of the Chief Science Adviser, not a left-wing activist acolyte like Kyle McDonald.

If I want to learn about what is going on in social services, then I desire opinion from those actually involved in service delivery, not someone trying to channel a vapid version of misandrist Clementine Ford in Lizzie Marvelly.

When it comes to politics, I want to hear from those on the front line of the battle, not someone who has never had the courage to stand for office, like Patrick Gower.

Facts needs to have first priority. If I ever need help to form an opinion, I will be sure to request Kyle's, Lizzie's, and Patrick's assistance.

Please, New Zealand media, can we raise the bar a little on this issue?

DYLAN TIPENE, Auckland

Facts, please

It is interesting to compare the leaders of the two prominent political parties.

Bill English states facts and figures that are relevant to his party's campaign, very clear and concise.

Jacinda Ardern seems to have to wait until after the election to establish what her party is about.

Surely the voting public needs to know pre-election what a party is going to do.

JOHN SLADE-JONES, Whanganui