Letters: We all need to speak up about child abuse
Child abuse crisis
We read (February 19) that children are no safer now than when 5-year-old Malachi Subecz was killed by his so-called caregiver five years ago.
This in spite of two substantive reports making recommendations for change since then. Chief Ombudsman John Allen said that the latest review findings raised the need for “cross-agency collaboration, for health, education, welfare and justice, to keep working together for a better care and protection system”.
Surely, police should be part of that system since, as reported, most perpetrators were already known to police.
Often agencies such as Oranga Tamariki are at the bottom of the cliff. Minister for Children Karen Chhour is correct when she says it is up to us all to speak up when we think a child is at risk.
It is obvious we are becoming involved in the lives of some children much too late. As a society, we are often held back for fear of infringing adult rights and freedoms. However, if this means children are neglected or abused, that must give way to the rights of the child.
We should demand nothing less.
Glennys Adams, Waiheke Island.
Six Nations
Scintillating Six Nations rugby is currently being played and with the Rugby World Cup now a mere 21 months away, it reminds us of the patchy record our team have chalked up this winter.
The All Blacks are no shoo-in for the Cup, based on the two games recently played here against the Old Foes, South Africa. Having squeaked home at Eden Park, the next week the ABs were annihilated 43-10 in Wellington.
The new coach will have his work cut out.
Larry Mitchell, Rothesay Bay.
Convention Centre
Like many others, over the weekend, I availed myself of the opportunity to check out the long-awaited new International Convention Centre in Auckland.
A superb Shane Cotton panel was well-sited and a large, beautifully carved waka sculpture caught my eye.
In the main conference theatre, the seats in the body of the auditorium were very comfortable.
Those in the rear, banked portion of the room, however, were spaced such that only a child or a very short adult could stretch their legs, rendering them, clearly, unfit for purpose for a day-long conference.
Who is responsible for rectifying this ludicrous situation?
Cam Calder, Devonport.
Andrew’s arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor would appear to have indulged in a rather depraved and indulgent lifestyle associated with Jeffrey Epstein, but also leaked confidential documents to Epstein while representing Britain as its trade envoy overseas.
To be given this kind of duty while only having on his CV the job of being a royal who happened to fly a helicopter during the Falklands War is incomprehensible.
If Mountbatten-Windsor is consistent and all this goes to court, he will plead not guilty on all counts probably, due to his ignorance and rather blurred recall of past misdemeanours made hazy by an indulgent upbringing.
However, ignorance of the law is no defence. The only conclusion to all this, if he is found guilty, would have to be jail. Nobody is above the law, including royalty.
Bernard Walker, Mount Maunganui.
Military Tattoo, Māori overdose
The long-awaited visit to the spectacle that is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo came to pass on Friday last when my wife and I, together with our daughter and son and their spouses, fought our way to Eden Park during Friday’s homeward-bound traffic.
One hour after leaving the motorway at Newton Rd, we arrived at our designated parking facility, the Kōwhai School grounds. Our disability card’s registered number allowed us this privilege. The short hop via electric golf cart to the designated stand went off without a hitch, while the others walked. The assistance from all who helped us was wonderful and we settled down with much anticipation.
After 87 years, I was going to enjoy some of my heritage; my last visit to Eden Park was for the British Empire Games in 1950. The introductory challenge by a Māori concert group came out first and was well-received then, straight after interval, we were handed another dose, this time of longer duration. Did we need this extra helping? We all went there expecting to see the pipes and drums, just as in the Edinburgh event.
All the other contributors were outstanding, but a three-hour trip to Rotorua will give me all the Māoritanga I need.
John Campbell, Parakai.