Letters: We should be doing more to tackle meth problem
.5 billion. Photo / NZME" data-test-ui="article-media__image" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" />Meth problem a sign of failing policies
It has been reported that water data throughout New Zealand identified a 100% increase in meth consumption over the last year.
The social and economic costs last year were reported to be $1.5 billion.
And yet the Government response is pitiful – $30 million over a four-year period to control imports, apprehend meth criminals and fund rehabilitation.
New Zealanders of all social and age groups are victims.
This is a problem all New Zealanders need to be concerned about.
All in all, this growth of meth use is terrifying evidence of the failure of the coalition’s law-and-order policies.
Angela Yatri, Ōrātia.
Take a human approach
I was disappointed to read Heather du Plessis-Allan’s article suggesting that the “solution” to rough sleeping is simply to “tidy up” the city centre (November 9). To speak of people experiencing homelessness as “nonsense” that needs to be removed is not only dehumanising, it betrays a serious lack of empathy that’s not helpful as part of any serious civic discussion.
Rough sleepers are not litter to be cleared away so that shoppers and cruise passengers can enjoy an untroubled stroll down Queen St. They are human beings, often living with trauma, poverty, mental illness or the failure of our social safety nets. To frame their visibility as a political problem rather than a human one is shameful.
A truly “tidy” city is one that takes care of its most vulnerable residents, not one that hides them or moves them out of sight and out of mind. Strength of leadership isn’t shown by sweeping hardship out of sight, it’s shown by addressing the causes of that hardship with compassion, investment and dignity.
If our leaders are so worried about “looking weak” in the face of criticism, perhaps they should ask themselves what real strength looks like.
We know what works – housing first, build and fund more social housing, real support and a commitment to treating homelessness as a social responsibility, not a public nuisance. The only thing missing is the political courage to do it properly.
Huw Dann, Mt Eden.
Threat to Te Tiriti
In boasting in your pages “Why I’m removing Treaty rules for schools” (November 5), Erica Stanford has, I believe, unwittingly revealed the direction of the coalition’s programme to remove any Treaty obligations from anyone.
It seems clear that the removal of Te Tiriti obligations from education, health and all other public service providers is the first step in a process that would include legislating – likely under the cover of darkness and urgency – to cancel the Crown’s obligations as well.
This would leave no legal obligation anywhere and effectively achieve the goal of eliminating guardianship of the Treaty completely from this country’s political life.
Peter Beyer, Sandringham.
Pilot’s pros and cons
The article under the heading “Chhour backs bootcamp pilot despite flaws” shone a light on the pros and cons of the Government’s bootcamps (November 8).
Changing behaviour is a real challenge and, considering that the bootcamp was for “some of the country’s most prolific young offenders”, it wasn’t realistic to expect everything to run smoothly and that all aspects of the trial would be successful.
Children’s Minister Karen Chhour said: “It felt like everyone wanted them to fail and that people were waiting to celebrate when they failed.”
Unfortunately, there are always people who have that kind of attitude, but usually they have nothing better to offer even when given the chance.
However, it’s clear there were signs of positive change coming from the pilot and these should be celebrated. Going forward, building on what was learned from the trial, the successes and the areas for improvement, in both the residential component and the transition back into the community, the next bootcamp should be more successful. Good luck.
Lorraine Kidd, Warkworth.
McKenzie’s brilliance
It was great to see a rugby team like Scotland playing such an open game. The All Blacks were fortunate that we have such a gifted player in Damian McKenzie to show us how it’s done.
Our backline is too flat, bunched and seems to lack flair, although we know some players have that ability.
There needs to be a rethink in the backline tactics as all other teams know exactly what we are going to do, which is why our play is so stifled.
Scotland produced the spectacle and only lost because of the brilliance of one of our players.
Reg Dempster, Albany.
Man of the Match
Finally, Damian McKenzie is recognised as “Man of the Match”.
How often, however, does he play a commanding game off the bench but not receive the appropriate accolades?
He so often features as an outstanding player who demands he be selected to take part for the whole 80 minutes of a test match.
Hylton Le Grice, Remuera.