At no time did I feel in danger; but obviously our society is at risk as we halt the building of social housing and increase rents, remove people from emergency motel housing, ask the police not to handle the mentally ill and “move people along”.
In American cities, the homeless often congregate in tents in public places. I have even seen it here in front of the central city public library on occasion. Is this New Zealand the way we want it?
Peter Davis, Kingsland.
Don’t know how you do it
Due to a fall, it was necessary for my wife to attend the emergency department on Saturday, as she had very sore ribs and a heavily bruised arm and a few other abrasions. Nine hours after arrival, we were discharged. During that time, either spent on a bed in the corridor or sitting on a chair, we witnessed why working in that domain is not for the faint-hearted.
Being a Saturday, in limped or staggered the sportspeople in droves and the number of people like us in their dotage was more than noticeable.
At all times, we were treated with courtesy and received professional help. The duration of stay was strictly down to the number of doctors in relation to patients. Our doctor seemed to be continually on the run. When a man comes around with sandwiches, you know you’re not getting out of there soon and it’s obviously an everyday event.
So thanks A&E. Don’t know how you do it. Just wish help was on the way.
Reg Dempster, Albany.
Praise for Cotterill
Bruce Cotterill’s opinion piece in the Herald (June 6) should be prescriptive reading for all. It was insightful, concise and surely what most of the general voters are feeling at this present time.
Six months goes quickly and we can only hope that more comments like this one come forward before November 7.
Lesley Seaman, Torbay.
Whingers and whiners
How easily the words “whingers and whiners” slips through the lips of the well-heeled. Here we have it from the well-fed mouth of weekly contributor Bruce Cotterill.
The whingers and whiners are the people fighting against the changes that will affect the lives of many, changes that will reduce the chance of many to live decent lives.
They are calling for financial input into safety-first areas like health strategies, housing for our people and, most importantly, climate change strategies for our future. Such things should never be seen as a lolly scramble. In fact, they should be in place, secured down and bolted in.
Emma Mackintosh, Birkenhead.
Space in the back seat
Given the tone of Bruce Cotterill’s column “Whingers should take a back seat”, perhaps the folk back there may want to scoot over and make some space for him?
John Capener, Kawerau.
Insane schedule
What an insane schedule for the upcoming South African rugby tour. Three games against their top provincial teams in 10 days before the first test.
The All Blacks will be lucky if they have a fit team after being smashed by the top provincial South African monsters. Then they have to play a fresh, well-rested South African test team.
What was New Zealand Rugby thinking when it approved this ridiculous schedule?
After the first test, the All Blacks have a mid-week game then a test, followed by another mid-week game and another test. Absolute lunacy!
Obviously, player welfare was not considered.
It has to be all about the money.
With such an insane playing schedule, the All Blacks’ image will take a further pounding.
By the time they get to the third test, the South Africans will have turned the All Blacks into the walking wounded, with no show of winning.
I bet South Africa wouldn’t tour New Zealand with such an arduous schedule.
Jock Mac Vicar, Hauraki.