Letters, August 20: Robbers are just low-life

In regards to the recent armed holdup at the River Rd dairy (Waikato Times report August 14), I would like to address the low-life no-hopers who felt it was their right to steal cigarettes, money and whatever else they could grab. Do you have even one ounce of guilt as you puff on your free ciggies, count your bounty and plot your next victim?

I live not far from the dairy and stop in there for the odd item. The owners are decent people who work long hours, offer a convenience store for the odd forgotten item, do the right thing by society and do not have insurance because, due to vermin like the robbers, either their policy would be cancelled or the premiums set too high.

I hope the owners of the dairy are not forced to shut, as there are also elderly people who live in the area, and may only head to the supermarket weekly and rely on the dairy for small bits and pieces in between.

The sooner harsh and severe penalties are put into place for these hooded dark clothed tossers the better. Our society namby-pambys around with the likes of these people - I doubt they would even be able to read this letter.

If they were educated, decent human beings then, like most of us, they would be out working, living decently, and contributing to society, not preying on innocent people. I hope the tables will soon turn on them.

HEATHER WALKER
Hamilton

The Waikato Times' front page item (August 13) "Pointed message" is abhorrent. And the inclusion of the "art" work in the finals of a competition beggars description.

The artist wished to create an artwork which "embodied what New Zealanders have been talking about". Has not society "had a gutsful" of the whole lurid saga? The "art" work will be very offensive to many, including the police. We need to acknowledge what has happened and justice is necessary. Life will never be the same for the guilty and the victims, but they will wish to put the past behind them. Society, likewise, needs to move on and have systems in place to prevent a repeat of such actions.

R.G DAWSON
Hamilton

Front page eh? Shock tactics for the Waikato Times readers (August 13)? The "art work" by Emil McAvoy has certainly given people "Better work stories"; like was there any thought at all given to the feelings of those who have been sexually abused with batons or similar? Or did anyone even consider the photo and story might cause further suffering to those already victimised?

Louise Nicholas isn't the only victim to have suffered in this manner; is not the only person to have endured similar abuse. There are a lot of sadistic people out there, be a little more sensitive to the feelings of their prey.

MAL PACE-SMITH
Claudelands

Oh what a sad story "Bibs for busy Kiwi parents" (Waikato Times, August 13) was. They aren't the first throwaway bibs in NZ, just look in the thousands of $2 stores around NZ, you're bound to find a few brands there, and they have been there for a few years. It's also a shame to see the Waikato Times "advertising" products that fill our limited landfills. New Zealand is running out of space to make landfills, what then? Will they open a recycling plant for their throwaway bibs?

They claim to be useful when out at the beach, but if New Zealanders continue to use throwaway products at the rate they are, the beaches won't be a "green" place to visit for much longer. I dread to think how many throwaway bibs I will see floating in the sea next time I visit. How can a parent be too busy to wash a bib? It's just like washing baby's socks. And if you are packing a nappy bag you might as well throw in a washable bib.

Hamilton has a higher than average percentage of throwaway nappies filling the weekly inorganic rubbish - nationally five per cent, Waikato eight per cent. It's time that was changed and decreased, not added to with more throwaway products. (Abridged)

MELISSA TAIT
Baby Cuddles
Hamilton

Maori Party MP Hone Harawira is quick to follow up his jibe at Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard, calling him a "racist bastard". Mr Harawira has now been on "enemy turf" where he abandoned a select committee trip to Australia at the expense of New Zealand's taxpayers and had an unauthorised diversion to Alice Springs.

It is all very well for Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia to praise Mr Harawira as "a passionate advocate for indigenous people's rights, social justice and reconciliation" (Waikato Times August 11) but what about his honesty and integrity when using taxpayers' funds?

Suppose an Australian visited New Zealand and told Mr Harawira he and his party needed to address issues in their own backyard before criticising others; told them they had a serious and evil epidemic to resolve where so many Maori children are wantonly abused and killed, often after the abusers have used liquor or drugs? What would be the reply?

Come home Mr Harawira and set your house in order, then the Aussies and Kiwis may take notice of you and your party.

KEITH M HARRY
Hamilton

I have just come out of ward 14 of Waikato Hospital and let me say the staff are the most dedicated people I have ever come across.

I live in New Plymouth and was in Waikato Hospital for a quadruple bypass. The staff, from surgeon down to the cleaners were just polite, courteous and so friendly. I saw a TV programme about how they have had to cancel surgeries because of sickness. I was there when this was happening, and the staff were still happy and friendly and more determined, it seemed. I have never seen such a sincere caring group of workers.

I went from Hamilton to New Plymouth. New Plymouth was as good in efficiency but had a coldness and no warmth about it. Waikato Hospital and especially ward 14 deserve an award. I will be a very strong advocate for the health system in the next election. The health system should never have to operate with the shortages of equipment and staff the way it does.

EMIL STEFAN TKACZYK
New Plymouth