Ask Mike King to write a proper plan for suicide prevention

Mike King should be named New Zealander of the Year for the courageous stand he has taken in resigning from the Governmental panel to reduce suicide (World never better for a suicide, May 21). Those of us who have had to specify objectives and future plans for our employers would’ve been laughed out of the office if we had produced anything like the draft plan released last week. Let’s get King to write the plan so it is measurable and accountable. Like so many of our government departments, the various agencies need to be in constant contact. Surely in our age of advanced technology, this shouldn’t be too difficult. I have had a couple of colleagues and a relative who was not supervised from the mental health facility he was living in commit suicide. The circles of despair, anger and hurt that the act attracts never really go away for the families and friends left behind to wonder why.

Susan Wilson, Waiheke Island

Every Question Time in Parliament we see Labour questioning the Government’s performance in respect to the Auckland housing crisis, and each time Andrew Little mercilessly shot down in flames by Bill English’s responses — citing Labour’s opposition to housing developments in Three Kings and Point England. What is Labour opposed to in respect to these developments, and why? If we voters could understand that, it might enhance our comprehension of the political games our politicians share with us, especially in election year.

Phil Chitty, Albany

Parents, as is prevalent in these times, renege on personal responsibilities in being the primary educator of and provider for their children. Don’t entrust that awesome privilege and responsibility to others, including schools and the like. Their values and morals will most likely