Still important for individuals to take responsibility

REGARDING ‘‘No plans to stop hitching’’ (ODT, 16.10.19).

Thank you, Aaron Hawkins, for pointing out that ‘‘focusing on individual action as a solution to the zero carbon transition is a red herring, when we need structural and systemic change.’’

What a relief that after 45 years of minimising waste, recycling, resisting consumerism, growing our own fruit and vegetables, going offgrid or planting thousands of trees, I can now relax and wait for directions from above.

Why make an effort when it is far easier to make excuses and live by ‘‘do as I say and not as I do’’?

Make structural changes, for sure, but may I say it becomes a bit of a trust issue and slightly hypocritical not to make any effort to live sustainably and avoid environmental degradation on an individual basis.

Peter Wutz Macandrew Bay

History lessons

THE facts of New Zealand history are controversial; on one hand, there are documented records, and on the other, oral folklore.

The Government has dictated that teaching of New Zealand history in our schools is to become compulsory. Before that is imposed, it is essential a balanced and universally trusted Truth Commission be established to test the accuracy of disputed aspects of New Zealand history.

Without such a body to remove controversy, and recognising the present onesided, unbalanced and compulsory indoctrination of students in occupational tertiary courses, sometimes offensively presented, the process will be no different in our schools.

Further, without such testing, the process will be the same as China’s forced reeducation and indoctrination of its Muslim Uighur population; except, hopefully, New Zealand children and their families will not be detained in state internment facilities. Graeme Bridge

Wanganui .....................................

BIBLE READING: He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. — 1 John 4:10.