Today's Letters to the Editor from readers include a tribute to former Dunedin mayor Jules Radich and praise for Dunedin Hospital staff.
Radich a fair, pragmatic and engaged politician
I am saddened by the sudden passing of Jules Radich.
Over the past four years I came to know Jules through my interactions with city councillors.
I found him to be fair, pragmatic and conciliatory, someone who consistently sought compromise between opposing extremes.
Some may not like this approach, who may find it odd that a liberal-minded progressive such as myself would value this approach.
As I learned in my youth in the United States in the era of Newt Gingrich and the “New Republicans”, the collapse of a multi-generational, bipartisan, stakeholder approach benefits no-one.
It leads either to flawed outcomes or to no outcome at all.
In this respect, unlike many in Kiwi politics, Jules listened and engaged with the work I and others have done promoting the return of Intercity passenger rail between Christchurch and Dunedin. He understood that the South contributes more to the national budget than it receives.
He also understood the difficulty of persuading local, regional and national government to invest in a transport system that many (particularly those under 60) have little lived experience of, but which those of us who have lived overseas take for granted. True to his nature, he approached the issue pragmatically.
I am sure the current council will build on that groundwork when - and it is now when, not if - regular Intercity rail services return to the South. Jules was approachable.
He was always willing to chat, whether in the street, over coffee, or in more formal settings.
On the morning of the last election, we spoke at length.
I was struck by how calm, pragmatic and accepting he was.
He looked forward, not back.
That is a fitting tribute, indeed.
Dr Duncan Connors
Dunedin
Giving thanks
Thank you Jean Balchin for your words (ODT, 29.12.2025). The history and your own stories of Hogmanay were enlightening. It has inspired me to want to celebrate New Year more, sparklers and all and give the tradition the special recognition it deserves as the most important day of the year.
Robert Kerslake
Otakou
Every Saturday I always enjoy reading Steve Braunias’ opinion, The Secret Diary Of... Today’s (ODT, 3.1.26) column had me laughing out loud. Well done Steve, you made the political leaders’ voices sound in my head as they commented on New Year’s resolutions and poor old Jacinda. It was like a television news reel or maybe an old episode of McPhail and Gadsby.
Susan Johnston
Mosgiel
Just to say what a great team we have in our poorly maintained hospital.
I was treated at A&E and admitted to ward 8 because the orthopaedic ward was full to capacity and I cannot speak highly enough about everyone that was caring for me. The standard of care was exceptional, the shortage of staff was obvious. Doctors and nurses run off their feet in every department went out of their way to see that I received the best treatment available. So many thanks to all involved: catering, cleaning, orderlies, doctors, surgeons, nurses and technicians.
Happy New Year to all.
Colin Perriman
Waldronville
Why no Braille?
New Zealand has three official languages: English, te reo Māori and NZ sign language. Given how important Braille still is for blind and visually impaired people (ODT, 2.1.2026), why is Braille not one of our official languages too? Does this reflect that society values people who are deaf or have hearing impairments more highly than people who are visually impaired?
Hazel Agnew
Oamaru
Hope attitude will be noted
My hope for the election year of 2026 is that more will be able to see the desecration happening under this government.
It is sheer lunacy to say yes to a mining operation that will have a tailings dam full of toxic chemicals in an area where we have many successful businesses. In my opinion, this government is the most callous of my lifetime as it is punching down on our most vulnerable.
I guess we shouldn’t be surprised as they cling to the neoliberal theory that if you are poor, you just don’t work hard enough, which is absolute rubbish.
And more homeless people are being ignored which is a dereliction of duty.
I also think this government’s attitude to the Treaty of Waitangi is disrespectful. When the prime minister was asked if he would be at Waitangi this year, his response to the journalist indicated that he thought it was all drama and soap box stuff. I was shocked by this absolutely appalling attitude towards tangata whenua regarding a highly significant event in our history and lives. We can do so much better for people and the planet.
Lou Scott
Kenmure
Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: letters@odt.co.nz
