Hard not to agree NZ has done well in Covid fight

IF ever we need to be reminded of how fortunate we are to live in New Zealand, it is right now.

In spite of the persistent and negative commentary of some selfstyled experts, such as Mike Hosking and Michelle Boag, the statistics cannot be ignored. We are leading the world in how we are dealing with Covid19.

As of Thursday, New Zealand had 1476 Covid19 cases and unfortunately 19 deaths.

Compare those figures to Sweden’s. Its Government decided not to enter into lockdown and claimed the strategy was successful. But at what cost to human life?

Sweden has a population of

10.3 million, just over twice New Zealand’s, and by Thursday, had 20,302 coronavirus cases and 2462 deaths. Even the other Scandinavian nations, each with a population close to that of New Zealand’s, and which are considered to have done well in their response to the virus, have case numbers and death rates 10 to 20 times that of New Zealand’s.

Our prime minister and Government listened to the advice of people who knew what they were talking about, such as our own Sir David Skegg, and acted decisively. Thank goodness. Warren Jowett

St Clair

High salaries

AT first glance of the article ‘‘Hayne contributing to hardship fund’’ (ODT, 25.4.20), I thought, ‘‘Oh, that is a very nice thing to do’’. Then I read just what the annual salary for that position is and I almost choked on my cornflakes.

After reading that, I have no doubt that the Remuneration Authority dropped the ball somewhere. That incredible salary is way above that of our prime minister, who has not had a day off in over a month, while most university administrators have been at home, working or not.

When concerns over Covid19 have subsided, I suggest our prime minister be given the highest award this country has to offer for outstanding service to the people of New Zealand, and a new commission be set up to regain some sensible remuneration.

There are going to be a lot of people out of work over coming months, and food banks are going to be placed under enormous pressure. Paying the mortgage, rent, power and weekly food bills will be a hardship for a large number of people, and knowing that a select few can dine on caviar and Champagne during those extremely trying times will be a hard pill to swallow.

Melvyn Hollis

Mosgiel