Windier, wetter, bigger warning
A timely article by Neil Reid, “Windier, wetter, bigger” (February 18), and one that couldn’t have come at a more opportune time, as the clean-up after the latest massive storm to hit our country continues.
Interviewing both Professor James Renwick and Earth Sciences New Zealand chief scientist Chris Brandolino, he notes their dire warnings for us over the next few decades, predicting worsening conditions that will cause greater destruction and death. Renwick, particularly, stresses how governments over the years have shown little sign of tackling climate change. “Banging my head against a brick wall,” Renwick states as he refers to priority and expenditure going elsewhere.
There is no doubt that our living conditions are changing. We need to agree to look ahead and prepare for where and how we live more safely.
To ease our heated planet, we have to move quickly off the use of fossil fuels and embrace newer and cleaner energy providers.
Why, I wonder, has it taken us so long?
Emma Mackintosh, Birkenhead.
Caring about dental care
We must show we care – and provide dental services for children and teens.
Your article on dental care for teens (February 18) highlights the concerns expressed by David Excell, the president of the New Zealand Dental Association. Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora is evidently not providing the resource for that care.
As an 82-year-old retired dentist, I say “I care”.
Nearly all materials and equipment involved in providing dental care is imported. Costs are high.
The children and adolescents are our future. Care for them.
While fluoridation of public water supplies and the introduction of hygienists have reduced the decay level in the community, saving millions in dental treatment costs, regular consultations, oral hygiene education and early prevention are still essential.
Health NZ, show that you care.
Craig Fraser, Mission Bay.
Urgency needed
So now we are to get a Crown team to review why the Moa Point wastewater plant became inoperable on February 4, with plans for it to report back in June (February 17).
June? We need action now, not in June. It is disgraceful that two weeks later, the plant in our capital city is still inoperable.
I would like to ask the minister, Simon Watts, some awkward questions.
1) Instead of a review team that must still be appointed after its terms of reference have been settled, how about urgently hiring a team of experts from around the world to fix a plant that, had it happened in Japan or Singapore, would have been up and running by now?
2) Why has Wellington Water chief Pat Dougherty still got his job?
3) Why is the catastrophic failure of this vital public infrastructure veiled in so much secrecy?
There have been many previous letters in the Herald on other topics warning of us descending into a Third World country. I fear that we are already there.
Johan Slabbert, Warkworth.
Save Jones statue
I share Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s concern at the news that the bronze statue of Sir Michael Jones at Eden Park – captured diving to score the first try of the inaugural Rugby World Cup – has been put up for sale.
Like many Aucklanders, I had assumed the statue formed part of the assets of Eden Park or New Zealand Rugby. It has since emerged that the work is owned by CBL Insurance, a listed company now in liquidation. As the statue has an indicative value of $330,000, it is understandable that CBL’s creditors are seeking to realise its financial worth.
Brown is right to pursue the acquisition of this significant piece of sporting heritage. The statue commemorates an iconic moment not only for Auckland, but also for New Zealand rugby history.
I suggest the council explore purchasing the work in consultation with the Auckland Art Gallery within its existing acquisition budget, or alternatively, seek support from New Zealand Rugby. Given the statue’s subject and national significance, a collaborative approach would seem both appropriate and responsible.
Randal Lockie, Rothesay Bay.
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