Letters, February 8: Don't waste that dogfood

Waikato Times

Might I ask as a very disappointed observer, why bury whales that have died when stranded? Surely it's a dogfood delicacy chopped up for doggies (who do not bite people). There is a myth in Maoridom that the beast is sacred, and so must be tapu and buried. What bloody rubbish and waste. Surely my karakia (grace), thank you God for this food, Amen, would suffice.

TOKO POMPEY

Franklin

 

Knight's attitude

Keith Harry (Waikato Times letters, January 29) reflects on how his day out with the family was spoilt by the antics of a drunk and the recent award of a knighthood to the successful alcohol manufacturer and distributor, A D Myers.

Other recent letters have also commented on the perversity of giving accolades to an alcohol manufacturer, a product linked so closely with the negative side of New Zealand society today, for example, domestic violence, crime, road crashes, and so on. Personally, I was most astounded by the radio interviews following the announcement of the latest New Year's honours. Helen Clark said she had spent most of her time in politics trying to give better life opportunities to those most disadvantaged in society. Mr Myers said he disagreed with almost everything done by Miss Clark's Government. Mr Myers was born into a privileged environment which gave him every advantage in life, including the very best education money could buy. Sad that someone who has enjoyed so many of the benefits of a good start in life should be opposed to a politician who tried to give better opportunities to the less well off. Sadder still that our Government should award a knighthood to someone with attitudes like this. (Abridged)

DAVID COY

Hamilton

 

National standards

The recent debate around national standards at primary schools has arrived at the point where the Government is accusing the unions of protecting jobs, rather than seeing the criticisms offered as a professional body seeking to put into effect best educational practice.

It is as if, for example, the health profession were to be charged with implementing a common health standard for, say, obesity, and declaring that BMI is the national standard to chart success or failure.

No matter that the professionals say this is an inappropriate measure to use, that's declared policy.

Except that we listen to the professional bodies in the area of health because they know what is best practice.

In education the myth seems to be that because we've all been to school, we all know how to teach and can tell the teachers how to teach.

Already the Government is indicating that this blunt, unproven instrument for testing children is also likely to be used to assess teachers.

No wonder the professional bodies, the principals' federation and the NZ Educational Institute, are asking for trials at the very least and non-implementation at best.

We have a world-class education curriculum based on best practice.

Let's not impose an untested system on top of that.

ALISTAIR McBRIDE

Hamilton

 

Real reform

Today New Zealand stands at the crossroads: to pursue real reform leading to sustained prosperity and higher incomes for all; or fail the challenge, avoid the inevitable pain of change and continue to drift down the comparative wealth and income rankings.

Any chance of sustaining the costs of the ageing baby-boomer demands on health, superannuation and welfare, means we have no option but to accept the need for change. Among other things, reform means major changes to the tax system, and to superannuation and welfare entitlements.

It means a greater role for the private sector in providing health, education and welfare services and an overall reduction in the size and cost of government, both central and local. Appeasing special interest groups (like teachers' unions, and so on) and populist tinkering will not work. In the end we are all worse off. It's inevitable that some will feel the pain more than others. Thus those on low incomes in particular must be adequately compensated. The current Government, especially the prime minister, has unprecedented political capital, some of which it could well afford to spend in taking the path to reform and future prosperity. Sadly, it shows no sign of grasping the opportunity.

VINCE ASHWORTH

Morrinsville

 

Council contracts

Stories are circulating about the contracts signed by the Hamilton City Council for services. Streets landscapes for the next three years went to CityCare owned by the Christchurch City Council.

When I raised this in my previous letter in the Waikato Times contracts committee chairperson Cr Maria Westphal wrote a letter to the Times, saying it was only a contract which had been renewed. Later another reader wrote that the CityCare website said it was the first time they had got the Hamilton contract.

There was no apology from Cr Westphal.

Cr Westphal used her casting vote to renew another contract with Montana caterers, without even giving an opportunity to other local caterers. Why?

If the Christchurch City Council can own CityCare and make profit and does not increase the rates, why can't the Hamilton council own a company and make a profit rather than paying our rates to another council? Any reason?

CityCare's annual turnover is $110 million and it employs 900 staff. The dividend to its council for 2008 was $34 million which reduced the annual rates required from Christchurch residents. (Abridged)

MANO MANOHARAN

Hamilton

 

Golden jubilee

The Rotary Club of Hamilton East is holding its golden jubilee weekend on March 5, 6 and 7, 2010.

Past members, GSE team members, youth exchange, ambassadorial scholars, youth leadership exchange and other programmes under the auspices of the club are encouraged to urgently contact the convenor, to register for the jubilee, on 078482096.

FRANCIS CHARLETON

Golden jubilee convenor

Rotary Club of Hamilton East