Letters: New Zealand could lead the way at the UN General Assembly and declare neutrality
The benefits to New Zealand of neutrality
When New Zealand gets to speak at the United Nations General Assembly, it would be a great time to set an example to other countries and declare ourselves “neutral”. In 1987, we gained notoriety by becoming “nuclear-free” and many other nations have subsequently followed our example.
Permanent neutrality has already been adopted by Switzerland, Austria, Ireland and others so we wouldn’t be the first. However, it seems a good strategy to me as it would enable us to have excellent trading relationships with both the world superpowers – the United States and China – without appearing to play favourites.
It might also mean that going forward we could prioritise our armed forces’ resources. Maybe the ailing Navy frigates could be better replaced with smaller vessels designed to protect our fisheries.
AI tells me that the three most aggressive countries in the world are Israel, Russia and, top of the list by far, the US.
I would suggest that Israel is too busy with Iran and likewise Russia with Ukraine. The US needs us for our beef and, given that we love Coca-Cola and McDonald’s so much, are highly unlikely to invade us any time soon.
So to summarise, if we were “neutral”, then we could happily get on trading with everyone going forward and save lots of money on frigates.
Glen Stanton, Mairangi Bay.
Blasts from the past
Christopher Luxon seems to be basing his campaign on repeating negativity about Labour’s nine taxes.
I would love to know what those nine taxes are and I wonder if he could list them if asked.
I realise that in campaign mode all sorts of things are claimed and counter-claimed but aren’t we all sick of hearing from Luxon and Willis about what Labour did in office? We know, we lived through that time (or most of us did).
As far as many of us are concerned, Labour did what it had to do in an unprecedented pandemic and, guided by the World Health Organisation, saved many New Zealanders’ lives.
In the process, it inconvenienced a lot of people who can’t forgive that, but it was inevitable at the time. But we know all that and it is very patronising and unnecessary of the coalition to keep harping on about it as if we don’t.
Meanwhile, we can all see what this Government has done as we wait for hours in ED, try to get to see a GP in under three weeks or try to make ends meet in the supermarket.
There is no excuse this time for the appalling rise in the cost of living. But all we hear from National is what Labour did or didn’t do.
Sue Rawson, Pāpāmoa Beach.
How to handle AI
While Professor Alexander Gillespie rightly urges the Government to take a precautionary approach to AI technology (Sept 25), it must be noted that our everyday use of digital devices has thoroughly addicted us to the convenience and speed they offer.
AI and the reckless profusion of data centres are the inevitable progression of our utter dependency on this technology.
Captured governments and regulators are now woven into the powerful profit-driven technocracy, effectively disabled from managing risk and exercising precaution. They just roll over and play ball with the big guys.
Where was the Precautionary Principle when the massive 5G rollout of 2019-2020 proceeded without safety testing for effects on humans and the environment?
Over 200 international scientists called for a 5G moratorium and were ignored. Caution was tossed to the winds of hype and profit.
If the AI horse has bolted onto the fast track, it is people, not governments, who must rein in the excesses through our daily choices.
Reduce the digitalisation of our interactions and the densification of our living spaces.
Michael Fleck, Waiheke Island.
Protecting our parks
Your editorial “Global acclaim is great, but can Kiwis still afford their own backyard?” (Sept 24) rightly argues that the New Zealand we sell to the world must remain within reach of those who live here.
In Auckland, regional parks have long done that job: ratepayer-funded coast, farmland and bush, with low-cost campsites and baches close to the city; there is no $5000-a-night lodge required.
The question is whether that network will keep pace with Auckland’s growth. If Aucklanders in 30 years are to have somewhere affordable to holiday, Auckland Council needs to plan for it now by reviewing its Open Space Strategy to expand regional parks, not just maintain them. Future generations need to secure the land while it is still available.
Luella Bartlett, chair of Friends of Regional Parks Auckland.
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