Ardern needs support over Manus refugees

Why should Jacinda Ardern concern herself with refugees confined to Manus Island?

Your writer Martin van Beynen would have us divert our attention (that is to say care) to larger numbers of refugees further afield to avoid the political problem of offending our neighbours. That is cynicism at its worst and no different than the witness of domestic abuse ignoring it rather personally confronting it.

We should be glad that we have a prime minister who is also an activist, who has a conscience and is unwilling to stand by here, just as she is unwilling to stand by child poverty and untreated mental illness. Jacinda Ardern deserves every support we can give her. Shame on you Martin van Beynen.

Keith Burgess Sumner

Refugee request against policy

Jacinda Ardern:

1. Stop interfering in Australian politics re Manus refugees.

2. There are many more matters of NZ importance to discuss with the Australian prime minister eg equality for NZ in the Australian Health system instead of hassling him over something that is his business and not NZ’s.

3. Do not give $3 million of OUR money away to Manus refugees . . . our children in poverty would be better recipients. You were NOT elected to give OUR money away on your own ideas.

4. Your Minister of Health tells us our health system is overloaded. Why would we bring in 150 high needs outsiders depriving our own people of receiving services?

5. You WERE elected on a platform of reducing immigrants. How is bring in

150 high needs immigrants in line with YOUR policy of reducing immigrants?

You were elected to promote New Zealanders interests not interfere needlessly in other countries’ politics.

Anne Offwood Northwood