EUTHANASIA BILL
WINE MUSEUM
In the late 60s and early 7os we lived on Lincoln Rd. We loved it, on the weekends we would set off down Lincoln Rd to one or more of the vineyards or orchards. We loved being able to buy local wine and stop and have a chat with the winemaker or go and pick our own fruit. With progress all that has gone. I think a museum housing not just the history of Corbans but a history of Lincoln Rd would be a brilliant idea. If something is not done that history will be gone forever. For many years the west was simply known for its wine and orchards.
Too easily we push aside the things that make an area special and all we are left with is ugly modern structures and fast food outlets. I would love to see something done with the land that is just sitting idle that once was Mothers Cellar. With careful thought something pertaining to winemaking on Lincoln Rd could be built there. I support Mr Corban’s idea.
KAY RAYNER
Massey I have just read Mate Marinovich’s euthanasia debate letter, February 21. I say good on you Mate. When I retired in the 90s I become the Titirangi RSA welfare office just on nine years. During this time I looked after many elderly returned servicemen, ladies and partners. Many of these people had, and died, from many forms of cancer. I took them for treatments and bloods to Auckland oncology, chemotherapy and radio treatment. I never met a person who wished for death. I met some people who re-mortgaged their homes to pay for surgery refused by our health system none of which over time was successful. When I discussed euthanasia with these people, I did not meet one who wanted it. They were looking for a cure ‘‘not death’’.
BARRY GEORGE
Titirangi
This letter is a response to MPs Deborah Russell and Alfred Ngaro’s opinion pieces (February 21) on the End of Life Choice Bill. They were concerned that this bill encourages disabled persons to ‘‘choose’’ death. The bill allows a person with a ‘grievous and irremediable condition’ to access assisted dying. Many disabilities are irremediable, some might even be considered grievous. However, the bill also requires the person be in ‘an advanced state of irreversible decline in capability.’ A disability could never qualify a person to access assisted dying under this bill. Russell raises the concern that elderly persons may feel pressured by family to die. There are now 120 million people living in a jurisdiction with assisted dying, some for 20 years.
These jurisdictions have been heavily studied, but there is no evidence of this happening anywhere. The Attorney-General said this Bill is in line with the
Bill of Rights Act meaning it gives choice to those who want it while leaving those who want nothing to do with it alone. Ngaro points to opposition from the medical profession and palliative care as the solution. However, wellknown Catholic, Ma¯ ori GP Lance O’Sullivan has been a strong supporter and not alone with one third of doctors and two thirds of nurses in support. The High Court has accepted that palliative care simply doesn’t work for some people. This bill must pass, it is about choice and compassion at the end of life.
DAVID SEYMOUR
ACT Leader
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