I HOPE BUS ABUSE IS AN ISOLATED INCIDENT

On the abusive man on the 130 bus (March 27), we have been volunteers who over the years have helped many refugees make New Zealand their home.

Our present families are from the Middle East. We have feared they could experience prejudice as unfortunately any society has misguided ignorant misfits.

Based on our experience of the refugee community, I want to assure those who may not know these recent arrivals that they are potentially fine citizens who enrich New Zealand by their presence. They appreciate what our country is doing and they want to contribute.

We believe New Zealand for its part treats refugees well. Newly arrived refugees have a lot of interaction with Work and Income, Housing New Zealand, desired. Wairarapa voting could ‘‘stymie big projects’’.

Surely if this is true then it is equally true of other areas like the Hutt and Kapiti. His chief executive says Porirua would struggle financially on its own if not part of a wider regional council, citing its low number of rateable properties compared to its population.

This may be true if the council teachers and medical people as well as people in shops, bus drivers and neighbours. We have been proud to be part of a society that is open, friendly and helpful.

These good relations are fragile, and they could so easily be ruined. We hope this remains an isolated incident that will soon be forgotten. LINDA and NORMAN WILKINS

Petone [abridged] continues its current spending on non-essential items.

However the council has an excellent Standard & Poor’s rating, no doubt because of the high level of rates paid by its citizens. Perhaps the council should press the government to contribute fairly to Porirua’s rates in respect of state housing. CAROLE NAYLOR

Papakowhai