Do local schools not believe in democracy?
I must say that I am disappointed in the reaction of many Otago schools to Erica Stanford’s moves to make Treaty knowledge voluntary for schools (ODT 14.11.25).
They are not being honest in that they imply that the government is removing all obligations to teach the Treaty in schools.
This is simply not true because if parents through their school boards want the Treaty taught they can put it into effect. Surely parents should have the final say.
All the government is doing is to remove the compulsory aspect of this practice.
This government was elected to remove compulsory Treaty adherence and is only doing what its supporters wanted.
Do Otago schools not believe in democracy?.
Dollars saved
I read with anger and frustration at the almost dismissive approach to staffing shortages at our hospital, detailed by a very brave nurse on the front line.
I am sick and tired of listening to this coalition’s "interpretations" of rules, guidelines and expectations.
Their manipulative machinations show disrespect and arrogance toward those doing their very best under extremely trying circumstances.
They will filibuster, procrastinate and obfuscate as long as they can, likely until the end of the year, and any progress is then stalled until 2026 at which time they will start their diatribes and lies all over again. Did anybody vote for this?
Those holding the line must be under overbearing stress, pressure and having to make decisions they shouldn't be in this position to have to make.
Rather than count the cost in patient welfare, staff burnout and an ever degrading system, their only guideline seems to be dollars saved. Shame on them.
Working models
Professor of Music, John Drummond’s climate article (Opinion ODT 10.11.25) certainly boomed with loads with catastrophic doom forecasts of an uninhabitable planet.
We can add this latest hysterical rant to the 50-year-old, never-ending list of cascading disasters that will have, should have, occurred by now. All of them always wrong on every occasion.
And the solution to solve this, we are told, is to impoverish New Zealand by going net zero, and then transition to a new economic model.
That solution reflects the global alarmist consensus that the old model does not work and everything will be OK if only the new model were to be introduced.
Republican taxes
Regarding the article in the ODT (12.11.25) which covers the purchase of Alliance, by Dawn Meats, from the Irish Republic.
I presume that with the Republic’s company tax rate of just 12.5-15% — whilst New Zealand is 28% — Dawn Meats could benefit by running the New Zealand part of its business as a loss, and so pay no company tax here, but have their Dublin office handle all sales, and pay the much lower company tax on their profit there?
Also, the overseas exchange generated by real wealth in New Zealand would be lost to New Zealand.
Two constructive suggestions for justice reform
Speaking to Jack Tame on Q+A today (16.11.25) Mark Mitchell, the Minister of Police, put great emphasis on " consideration for the victim" in future police investigations of criminal activity.
With this in mind I offer up two areas for his serious consideration.
• Accused’s past criminal history.
In the case of the murder of Grace Millane in 2018, her past sexual behaviour was laid out before the court.
That of her killer, Jesse Kempson, was prohibited.
This is wrong. In order for the judge and jury to reach a verdict they should be fully apprised of the accused’s past criminal history.
• Collective responsibility.
We are frequently saddened by news of a child’s death at the hands of his/her carers.
What adds to our distress is that by closing ranks and refusing to make any statements to the police the family, or occupants of the property concerned, get off scot-free.
What is required in this case is a determination of "collective responsibility", wherein all adult members are held guilty.
Should this prospect cause one of them to "speak up" so be it.
Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: letters@odt.co.nz
