The Northern Express Herald
Letters to the Editor

Letters: Severe weather events mean we have some difficult roading decisions ahead

Letters
NZ Herald
The Waiwoeka Gorge between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne has been closed by slips this year. Photo / NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
The Waiwoeka Gorge between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne has been closed by slips this year. Photo / NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Difficult roading decisions ahead for NZ

The current problem with access through the Awakino Gorge is bringing extra costs, with transport services needing to use alternative routes.

Unfortunately, this is but one of our many highways at risk from severe weather events exacerbated by global warming. The East Cape and much of the Coromandel come to mind.

At what stage do we abandon some of these routes? When do we make these decisions?

We will have some extremely difficult decisions to make in the near future.

Linda McGrogan, Taupō.

A new coalition?

National and Labour are possibly the two parties closest to the “mild centre” politically. What would happen to MMP if they went into coalition together – rather than continuing to play the traditional rivals game?

Would the minor parties – all now out of government – be forced to move toward the centre or the exact opposite – be more radical? Would some fold altogether?

Could a coalition of National and Labour be the stimulus that everything and everyone needs?

Paul Kayes, Pāpāmoa.

Tackling important issues

What interesting ideas were aired in the Herald (April 28). First was the comprehensive piece about New Zealand’s so-called population “bombshell”, and then the editorial on the future of aged care. Both of these important issues deserve discussion by the wider community.

There are several models that other countries and states, including Ireland, Oregon and Iceland, have used to involve the community when important issues are at stake. Sortition is an ancient practice from Athens, the cradle of democracy, that has been used to solve quite complex problems. In this way, people can concentrate on ensuring their descendants have a decent future.

Furthermore, we need evidence-based information. The report by Sir Peter Gluckman and Paul Spoonley is surely a good start.

Glennys Adams, Ōneroa.

All aboard

Former Auckland Mayor Sir Dove-Myer Robinson’s vision for a rapid rail system for the city must be honoured in the naming of the CRL. Sir Robbie or RRR for Robbie’s Rapid Rail would be perfect. A te reo name, Porowhita (circle or ring), could also be given. This alludes to the French word vite, meaning quickly. So a quick, circular route.

Owen McMahon, Lynfield.

Impact of AI

I think Sir Peter Gluckman has amazing insights in everything he pens.

I’m a little surprised his article about the New Zealand of the future in the Herald (April 28) doesn’t mention the AI revolution and its impact on jobs or tax revenue.

My assumption would be something similar to the technical revolution with job losses, with accountants etc taking up painting and plastering, or jobs like driving buses and trucks, or work currently done by new immigrants or people on work visas.

Randel Case, Howick.

Anzac spirit

Christine Taylor (April 28) may be comforted to learn that A Call to Peace, a multi-media presentation by Karl Jenkins at the Auckland Town Hall on Monday evening, satisfied the large audience’s Anzac expectations. Auckland Choral, augmented by the talented Madeleine Pierard and Faamanu Fonoto-Fuaono and accompanied by a sparkling Auckland City Brass under Mark Close and the silken touch of Uwe Grodd, made a deep impression on the lucky audience. Many related to the cinematic images, the conductor himself sharing his own family links with the war.

The work emphasised that on many levels there are no winners, just jubilation at victory, sobering memories of sadness and a legacy of grief at the brutality witnessed by young and old during the enforced period of rationing and deprivation that pleads for lasting peace. The evening was a true triumph.

Mary Tallon, Hauraki.

Speaking out

I noticed our Prime Minister was quick to condemn the shooter at the White House media dinner. I fully agree with him.

It would be better if he found the courage to speak out against the many murders, assassinations, deaths and destruction of livelihoods being carried out at the instructions of President Trump.

Katrin Woermer, Ōtorohanga.

‘We are us’

Recent derogatory comments by a leading politician and a city mayor made the news. They were directed at recent and prospective immigrants to New Zealand.

With over 150 native languages Kiwis are diverse;

In each of these our various communities converse;

As citizens of this country “We are us”;

Of our differences let us make less fuss;

Our cultural diversity may we each embrace – not curse.

David Hopkins, Remuera.

Rescue mission

It was fitting that it was reported that the Royal New Zealand Air Force completed a successful medical evacuation, bringing home a patient working with the US Antarctica Programme from McMurdo Sound the day after our Anzac remembrance celebrations.

Bernard Walker, Mount Maunganui.