Rod Emmerson's take on Tama Potaka's announcement that controversial reforms to the Conservation Act have been dropped after a backlash from conservation groups.
The problems of Washington algae and MMP
There is something sadly ironic about the algae blooming at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, DC.
United States President Trump has blamed radical left vandals, but it’s a perfect metaphor for something rotten brewing in Washington.
But before I get too smug, the MMP election circus has rolled into New Zealand, and with it all the attendant political salvos being lobbed in all directions.
It’s to their detriment that politicians aren’t reading the room. New Zealanders are becoming jaded and politically weary of unrelenting sniping, which is perhaps why the Opportunity Party is gaining traction.
There is a simple answer for this malady. New Zealanders are pragmatic and upfront and would welcome any political party that stated honestly that there is no magic cure for the ills plaguing Aotearoa right now.
However, if they pledged to work tirelessly to rectify, with cross-party consensus, if necessary, the challenges we face, that party would most likely gain a majority in Parliament. All that is needed is courage and a dearth of the disease plaguing the US Government at the moment – an excess of hubris.
Mary Hearn, Glendowie.
Normalising violence
Russell Hoban’s letter (June 28) is correct in raising concerns about Eru Kapa-Kingi suggesting that his training bag is the Prime Minister as Kapa-Kingi risks normalising violence against a public figure.
Kapa-Kingi is becoming what today is euphemistically called a public influencer. He is young and his posting could have a negative effect on young followers who may not view his actions as critically responding to Luxon’s policies.
Social media platforms have become rife with those who could see Kapa-Kingi’s actions as not just a symbolic gesture. They could regard it as affirming and legitimising violence against elected public officials. To many people the punching bag is just symbolic. However, to some it could be a call to action with catastrophic results.
Bernard Walker, Mount Maunganui.
Rod Emmerson’s cartoon of Tama Potaka scoring an own goal (June 28) was hilarious.
From his facial expression, it was easy to imagine what word would accompany the picture in the final panel!
Lorraine Kidd, Warkworth.
For how much longer will Tama Potaka be prepared to tolerate being wheeled out to the media by this Coalition Government to try and defend the indefensible? It must be increasingly painful and harmful to his self-respect?
Bruce Tubb, Ngataringa Bay Marine Park.
The United Nations report released on June 24 raises important concerns about the ongoing situation in Gaza.
The report highlights distressing allegations of harm to civilians, including children, resulting from military actions. It emphasises potential violations of international law and calls for accountability and justice.
As a nation dedicated to human rights and peaceful conflict resolution, New Zealand can play a meaningful role in supporting efforts to protect innocent lives and promote peace. Understanding the findings of this report can foster informed discussions and compassionate responses.
Continued awareness and dialogue are essential in advocating for human rights and encouraging all parties to seek lawful and peaceful solutions. Supporting such initiatives aligns more with New Zealand’s values of justice, compassion, and international co-operation than what the current coalition Government seems to prioritise.
Dana A. Patterson, Ōneroa.
With the first two weeks of the Fifa World Cup just completed and the group stages over, the tournament is now reduced to 32 teams.
I have watched parts of all 72 games played to date and enjoyed the precision pin-point passes, scintillating strikes, amazing acrobatic athleticism and responsible refereeing.
As with all sporting endeavours, there are victors and vanquished, but from what has been shown on television screens across the world, the biggest winners must be the football fans.
It is great watching the fans in the stadiums representing all ethnicities, creeds and cultures as they enjoy the moment. We really are a Brotherhood of Man and Sisterhood of Woman inhabiting this little blue marble called Earth, sharing similar ambitions no matter where we live, what we look like, or which deity we worship.
Unfortunately, we don’t live in Utopia, as every country has politicians wanting to govern and lay down laws, gaining support with messages of hope and fear.
In keeping with the sentiment that the World Cup unites us all, maybe billions of football fans could send a message to politicians worldwide by adopting a chant in protest, such as the 1972 folk song by Scottish band Stealers Wheel: “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right; here I am, stuck in the middle with you.”
Bernie Smith, Parksville, Canada.
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