Letters: Willis’ plan to replace workers with AI won’t be a cheap, simple fix

The many millions of dollars necessary to implement AI will go to the world’s largest and richest overseas companies.

Frankly, I would rather have my tax dollars pay people so they can afford to raise families, shop locally and pay taxes.

David Pauleen, Professor Technology Management (retired), Waharoa.

Targeting the vulnerable

I have been away on holiday for a week – lucky me and grateful. Back to the daily news now – our Government announces plans to cut thousands of public service jobs and family carers could be denied support despite rulings in a recent case from the Supreme Court.

Let’s target the most vulnerable and other low-hanging fruit to present a positive Budget position. Pointing the arrows towards further separation in our society – rich/poor/nothing in between.

These terrible decisions are so carelessly made, appealing to potentially hardline voters before our fast-approaching election, without care for New Zealanders’ future as a whole.

Do we still aspire democratically for a comfortable, fair and caring, happy New Zealand society? Or are we okay with slipping down the OECD ranks?

I hear from the front line in education that often children receiving school lunches will take them home to feed their families. How does that sit with you? I’m appalled.

Please don’t walk past that donation bin in your supermarket. The least we can do.

Janette Anderson, Paeroa.

Labour’s terrors

Labour’s reticence to release policy details until after the election is reminiscent of King Lear’s futile pledge: “I will do such things – What they are, yet I know not; but they shall be the terrors of the earth!”

Mike Wagg, Freemans Bay.

Helping the voters

With Labour not knowing the details of its “cornerstone” policy regarding the Future Fund, and its refusal to let the public know what their policy issues are, it does make it easier for the voters to decide which of the other parties to vote for.

Ian Doube, Rotorua.

Heart health

It’s encouraging to see the Herald reminding readers that hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease and urging New Zealanders to get their blood pressure checked (May 19).

According to the Heart Research Institute, around four million Kiwis – virtually the entire adult population – have at least one risk factor for heart disease, and about a third have high blood pressure.

Readers should also be aware that even people with “normal” blood pressure levels may still benefit from modest reductions.

Research suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure by as little as 10 points can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk, including the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Importantly, there is growing evidence that safe, simple lifestyle measures can help achieve this. These include a few minutes of daily isometric exercise, along with regular consumption of nitrate-rich foods such as beetroot and green leafy vegetables, and potassium-rich foods such as kiwifruit.

Small daily habits can make a meaningful difference to long-term heart health and lifespan.

Stephen Bayldon, Mt Roskill.

On Western values

Steve Clerk writes about the erosion of Western values due to illegal immigration in his letter to the Herald (May 18). Who gave the mandate to the so-called Western countries to invade and colonise Asia and South America, when these countries were self-sufficient?

In this context, one can ask what are Western values? Looking at values, it is the immigrants who are working in the essential services.

They also are visible in other areas such as ministerial and CEO jobs. Aren’t these values compatible? Or is the skin colour of some immigrants the hard pill to swallow?

Nishi Fahmy, Avondale.

Keep car access

I oppose the Cornwall Park Trust Board’s desire to make the park a “car-free zone”.

The main reason people visit the park is its car access to what is an environmental ark in the central city. We already have a one-way system and there is little traffic movement problem in the park. There are few other parking options in the surrounding area.

People who have limited walking ability will be discouraged from what is a fantastic facility for picnicking, playing family games and getting close to nature, including animals, birds, trees and gardens.

I am a regular user and in its current developing state there is plenty for all to enjoy.

Peter Cowley, Mt Roskill.