Scheme set to prove bit of lark

Shane Jones’ work scheme will likely prove popular. In private employment the boss requires an effort which will show a profit. Employees often work tediously in relative solitude to achieve this.

Employees will lark about in the sun in congenial company of like minded mates, supervised by someone not required to recover costs, probably known within the community, and very careful not to over work and antagonise the charges. All on the relatively generous New Zealand minimum wage.

Presumably someone will inform the workers of their full paid sick benefit entitlement, their right to attend tangi, and the reward bonanza available through the Employment Court.

Immigrants’ limited knowledge of these factors and reluctance to utilise is one reason many jobs go to them first.

Bob Culver, Avondale

Jones’ concern correct

Whether related to him or not, Shane Jones is right to be concerned about the need to restore a culture of work readiness.

It would help if he employed the thinking behind the name-change years ago of dole to “Job Search Allowance”. It is positive as it helps those between jobs to feel that not being able to get a job is their responsibility alone.

As union representatives in the north are saying, whenever checkout jobs arise there are scores if not hundreds of applicants – the greater problem is job creation. Steve Liddle, Napier.

Rainwater storage

Napier/Hastings and indeed all New Zealanders could take a leaf out of Beachlands/Maraetai's book.

We are all on rainwater catchment tanks as our main source of water (some people have bores).

All you have to do to help overcome the water shortage is install a rainwater tank, collect from your roof, store and use for your garden, washing your car, etc.

Its not rocket science, it rains plenty in New Zealand and we should all have rainwater storage precisely for these seasons and reasons.

Councils get all jumpy about use of untreated water but its fine and an easy, relatively inexpensive solution.

Paula McKeown, Beachlands.

Definition of democracy

The general accepted definition of democracy is: The majority governs in consideration of the wishes of minorities.

I read a great number of letters to the editor in newspapers from people who are unhappy with what has taken place after the general election and wonder if they realise this is what democracy is all about.

The largest party not necessarily represents the majority. The current situation may frustrate quick political decisions but it will give more balanced and by a wider public accepted legislation.

Hans Apers, Whitianga.

Thank you, Leighton

For 30 years we have had Leighton Smith, the voice of reason and common sense and a beacon of hope on the radio most weekday mornings.

His constant assurance that there are some people who aren't swayed by the socialist rubbish being bandied around the world has brought an element of comfort albeit small in the face of the “fake” information onslaught.

At least he has given us fair warning of his eventual departure and we will have another year to adjust. Thank you, Leighton.

Jim Radich, Hillsborough.

‘Operation Rat’ part of story

The Herald's report on “Operation Rat” tells only part of the story. Gene manipulation of pests so that they produce only male offspring (daughterless gene) not only works on rats but will do the same for possums, stoats, rabbits and all the other introduced mammal pests infesting New Zealand.

We have to be careful if the US military is involved as they have a history of lying even when it is easier to tell the truth.

I am opposed to genetically modified crops but introducing the daughterless gene into pests is different. The idea of the daughterless gene is the pest, as well as the gene, dies out so there can be no spread.

Furthermore, since there should be no wild mammals in New Zealand in the first place, we have little to worry about aside from the inevitable lies that will be produced by the US military if they are involved in any way.

John Caldwell, Howick.

Proper work for proper pay

Shane Jones is right. No one should get paid for lounging around. But it should be proper work at a proper pay rate.

I am sure there are many projects that need to be done planting trees is the obvious one. This need to be done directly under government control not used as cheap labour for other employers.

Creating a cycle/walking track off the public roads the full length of the country would be another.

With trade training as well, we could get all these young people doing something worth while.

J Longson, Kawerau.

Academic-corporate ambition

I take issue with my colleague James Russell's statement that “Science is just science”.

You could have tried to make the case 50 years ago, but it is now clear that contemporary science is personal ambition, academic-corporate ambition and political ambition.

Proven techniques for manipulating public opinion are being used, with strong outside interest, to soften New Zealand into ready-to-roll status as a test ground for gene-drive technologies that are yet to be developed.

There have been public meetings. The Royal Society is preparing a position paper. Overseas experts have been paraded. The Pentagon is paying. Big money from intellectual property will be at stake.

Can anyone tell me of any forum where a single expert voice of dissent, the very fabric of proper democracy, has been invited as a participant, even as a token?

Peter Wills, University of Auckland

Jones spot on

Shane Jones’ suggestion that all ablebodied young people have to work for the dole is spot on. Don't just lie in bed and think it's your God given right to put your hand out and take the dole.

The over familiar catch-cry in this country, that the government owes us is wearing thin, and embarrassing. Where's your pride? Susan Lawrence, Kohimarama.

Subsidy on hearing aids

I would suggest that the Government increase the subsidy on hearing aids. They have been at the same level for oodles of years while the cost of hearing aids has increased.

Elderly people often feel isolated, as they cannot decipher sounds in group situations, they cannot watch television without subtitles, are unable to attend meetings, and cannot understand people with strong accents.

Low cost hearing aids do not work for some of them. That depends on the kind of hearing loss they suffer.

Maybe, a means test and some kind of assessment would be a good idea to help these people afford to live in a world of clearly defined speech and not just a jumble of mumbles.

Ailsa Martin-Buss, Glen Innes.

Gender assumptions

There has been moving and high drama as the Australian parliament moves the marriage equality bill through the legislative process.

The preferred use of “same-sex marriage” associated with the legislation comes with its own set of gender assumptions and limitations. Where is the post-modern sophistication able to step over binary categories, and why the always failure to recognise the separate natures and of gender and sexuality as independent and unique components of personhood?

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull spoke of a road “littered with injustices”, and Labor leader Bill Shorten used semibiblical language calling for atonement for inaction, failures of the past and the seeking of forgiveness.

The reality for many other hundreds of millions of people in the world remains not only injustice, but the real threat of death. Nine countries still hold legislation imposing the death penalty on adults loving other adults framed by religious righteousness.

It took almost 2000 years for Christianity to remove itself from moral complicity with slavery. It and every other religion that wishes to associate itself with goodness, compassion and mercy will eventually apologise for the reprehensible, ignorant and myopic religious positioning of gender and sexuality. It will just take a very long time.

Russell Hoban, Ponsonby