Vaccination experience was good

Roads are also causing premature damage to vehicle suspension components.

We have read a lot of negative reports on getting the vaccine. We would like to say that for us it has been great. Yes, I phoned for an appointment but couldn’t get through, rang later in the day to get straight through. We couldn’t attend the first date we were given and they gave us another date. We attended today, arriving approximately 15 minutes early.

The staff were very helpful, organised, polite, from the people out in the carpark to those directing us where to go and all the staff doing the vaccinations. We had our vaccinations by the time our appointment time came round and yes they were very busy. Thank you to all of you working on this huge rollout.

Jo and Dean Love Onerahi

Best results

I definitely support, tautoko if you wish, Dylan Tipene’s well researched and lucid letter on achieving the best results possible for all those who struggle with mental health issues. That is not to say that manifestations of manaakitanga, wha¯ naungatanga, awhi and aroha, which are intrinsic to Tikanga Ma¯ ori are not without great value.

However these qualities of kindness and support, empathy and love are also universal to all peoples and cultures.

However it is to say that Mr Tipene is correct in his assertion that the most effective therapists are those who form better relationships with a broader range of clients.

Simply put, “It ain’t whatcha do, it’s the way that you do it.”

It follows then that relying on a particular model, or theoretic doctrine will not guarantee optimum results.

Right now, the mantra goes, “By Ma¯ ori, for Ma¯ ori.” And not just in the field of mental health and wellbeing. The He Puapua document goes on to propose a separate Ma¯ ori administered model on a societal level, and across the board.

This is a breathtaking concept, and as far as I know unique in conception, anywhere in the world.

Taking health alone, Dr Shane Reti, the National health spokesperson, simply says that were National to be elected they would dismantle such a two tiered system forthwith.

No ifs or buts. I know Dr Reti, not well, but enough to say that he is a realist, not a racist, nor is he, to quote Dylan Tipene, part of a corporate interest group, or an ideological lobbyist holding out his hand for preference funding.

GM Tinker Whanga¯rei

Road damage

I read an article recently, about how Northland roads are causing damage to car windscreens. I believe the roads are also causing premature damage to vehicle suspension components.

Food for thought.

A Dekusel Whanga¯rei

Electric cars

Could someone please enlighten me as to how it can be a good idea to encourage people to buy electric cars on the basis they are so good for the climate when the hydro lakes are all struggling with capacity and it has been indicated there may be a shortage of electricity this winter? Am I missing something here?

Also, has anyone ever done a study of the actual energy used to produce one of these electric cars, including their lithium batteries, and what will be done with the batteries at the end of their lifecycle?

We are already struggling with disposing of dead batteries!

Thirdly, why do the owners of electric cars not have to contribute towards the cost of roading in this country by paying any road tax? How long will this be allowed to go on and the powers that be will allow everyone else to cover that cost? Wendy Hutchinson Whanga¯rei