Fair Play: Kiwi kids learned it at primary school

Once again our sporting prowess and behaviour has become an international success. A lot of the behaviours are set in place through club membership and parental input. Little has been said, however, about the time and effort, especially at the primary school level, on producing the skills and attitude to not only physically challenge the body, but prepare children for any sport. One of the most important changes in the Physical Education/Health area was the introduction of “Fair Play”, including respecting the opposition, conceding defeat with honour and representing your school with dignity. Fair Play was introduced about 20 years ago, to the dismay of sporting bodies and many parents, who made statements like: we need top performers; we need winners; we need success; you’re making sissies of them. It is, therefore, heartening to see the Black Caps given as an example to follow. New Zealand sport, women’s and men’s, has taken Fair Play to skilful and rewarding levels. I think it’s about time our primary schools are acknowledged for the curriculum they deliver with willingness and skill. Well done teachers!

Emma Mackintosh, Birkenhead

Our daughter recently got a $30 ticket for doing 45 km/h in a 40km/h area at Karoro, south of Greymouth. Is that revenue generation or what? Hardly Queen St on a Friday night.

Bruce Tubb, Belmont

Gregor Paul is dead right about the present “conference” format of Super Rugby (Sanzaar push for neutral venues, March 25). It’s illogical. There is no other like it in the world. A gruelling, very costly travel programme, random choices of