University challenge is overseas
Hugh Rennie, QC, stated his view (Letters, Oc 31) that the proposal to change the name of Victoria University of Wellington to the University of Wellington might disadvantage the branch campuses of Massey University and Otago University in Wellington.
The vice-chancellors of the other New Zealand universities were consulted on the proposed change and expressed no objections.
The key competitive challenges for New Zealand’s leading universities are offshore, not in New Zealand, hence the pressing need for Victoria University of Wellington to adopt a clear, distinctive, and memorable name.
This university needs a name which simply and clearly states what we are (a university) and where we are (Wellington) in the more than 100 countries from which we draw our staff and students and in which our graduates work.
Grant Guilford, Vice-Chancellor, Victoria University of Wellington
Banks’ out clause
I performed a dance of joy after hearing Dr Claire Matthews on Morning Report relating to the $2 billion profit of ANZ Bank.
Matthews said: ‘‘They [the banks] have been positioning themselves for when things ‘turn around’, which they should do at some stage . . . for when things don’t go so well.’’
Can we take from this that another financial crash is imminent but the banks have rejected their past rapacious behaviour by taking a leaf out of the book of social responsibility and morals and their clients deposits will be untouched. Any shortfall will be met from bank profits.
Of course not. My elation was short-lived.
The Open Bank Resolution Act protects the banks during a bust cycle. Depositors’ accounts are given ‘‘hair-cuts’’ to bail out these profligate operators in a ‘‘too big to fail’’ operation.
All of this is done with the blessing of our central government.
Matthews’ message is hollow as none of these obscene profits will be directed as she infers.
All profits will go to shareholders and on bonuses for those who purvey debt through fiat currency.
David Ruddlesden, Raumati Beach
Outdated views
As sure as the sun comes up each morning, Karl du Fresne will wade into the abortion ‘‘debate’’ with his outdated views whenever it’s in the news (A strange sort of lottery, Nov 1).
He dislikes the notion of treating abortion as a health issue but fails to grasp that it’s an integral part of reproductive healthcare. It shouldn’t be quarantined in the justice system.
Restrictive abortion laws don’t stop abortions – they just make them unsafe. Good education and good access to contraception are directly linked to declining abortion rates. That won’t change if it’s taken out of the Crimes Act.
The current system puts up unnecessary delays and barriers to access. It’s unfair, expensive and well overdue for reform. It’s encouraging that opposition to the recommendations in the Law Commission’s excellent report on abortion law has been remarkably muted thus far.
Ageing males like Karl (and me) should butt out. It must be left to the next generations to decide how they access abortion services and I’m encouraged that most are taking a pragmatic and mature approach to proposed changes.
I can only hope our MPs don’t get spooked by the noise from the vociferous but dwindling minority represented by Karl.
Phil Stewart, Brooklyn
Abortion questions
I am concerned about the Government’s obvious plans to decriminalise abortion.
Before proceeding, several significant questions need to be asked, such as: Who represents the unborn baby? If an unborn baby is not a human being, what sort of being is it? Supporters plug the term, ‘‘pro choice’’ for women, but what choice would the unborn baby make if it were able to choose? How many of the so-called, ‘‘pro choice’’ supporters would have wished they had been aborted? How much effort are abortion counsellors putting into recommending putting unwanted babies up for adoption? (I understand there is a huge waiting list for people wanting to adopt.) What about the sixth commandment: ‘‘Thou shalt not kill’’?
And, finally, if terminating the life of an unborn human isn’t killing what is it?
Silvio Famularo’, Newlands