Debate sidesteps important issues
Butting heads over water allocation in Central Otago catchments is not helpful.
We entrust councillors to be effective stewards around all aspects of water resources – so we need confidence they are willing to work together on these complex issues in a balanced way.
Land use is the key driver of both water quality and the availability of sufficient quantity of water that can be used for a range of purposes.
While limiting water allocation for irrigation may be considered a ‘‘colossal economic blow’’ for some farmers in the district, a failure to safeguard water quality and quantity and ensure ecosystem health could be catastrophic for a whole community.
Sustainable farming practices are essential for a future world where water scarcity may be the norm and a managed transition to this state is increasingly urgent.
Arguably that’s the conversation councillors should be having with communities.
Dr Marion Poore
Medical Officer of Health, Southern DHB
Taking a stand
Clearly Rosemary McLeod has an issue with Queenslanders based on her grossly generalised comment in her article in the Southland Times on September 14 that Queenslanders have ‘‘a special relationship with native Australians and coloured people in general’’.
McLeod incorrectly referred to a cartoon, featuring Serena Williams, in a Brisbane paper by cartoonist Mark Knight.
Mark Knight is a cartoonist for the Herald Sun, a Melbourne paper.
I suppose Victorians will also have a ‘‘special relationship’’ with indigenous Australians and coloured people.
To avoid any further confusion, McLeod should simply say Australians have a ‘‘special relationship with native Australians and coloured people in general’’.
Better yet, rather then the smug, aren’t I a clever columnist obfuscation, simply say Australians are racists. Is there racism in Australia? Yes. Is there racism in New Zealand? Yes.
Is there racism throughout the world? Yes.
I am an Australian, born in Queensland, I am not a racist.
Nik Horn
Strength of character
It’s been great to see the Times set aside space to celebrate the women’s suffrage movement and the mention of Eve Poole.
I can always remember the time Eve fronted a meeting at the Waikiwi Rugby rooms after the 1984 floods.
People were becoming frustrated at not being able to get back into their homes and communication was spasmodic as to when it might happen.
Anne Stoddart, who also did a huge job during and after the floods, decided to call the meeting and Eve Poole was up the front with the then head of the Police, Tommy Thompson.
Tommy was one of those policemen who never took a backward step and had a reputation as tough but fair.
People were frustrated and the meeting quickly became a bit of a shouting fest as Eve addressed the crowd. Tommy jumped up to quieten things down and will always remember Eve turning to him and asking him to sit down.
She was very much in charge and I would say that was one of the very few times Tommy did as he was told.
She let the people express their frustrations and then spelled out what she would do and completely turned the meeting around by the strength of her character.
It was something very few regardless of whether they were a man or woman could have done.
It’s interesting that through one of the greatest disasters ever to hit Invercargill it was two extremely capable women in charge.
I alway think the old adage rings true. If you want to know how to get a job done ask a man. If you want the job done ask a woman.
Philip Todd