Volunteering students setting an example

IN these troubled times, thank goodness that there are thoughtful, mature, young students who give their time willingly to help others and the environment in a practical and helpful way.

Francesca Holdcroft (ODT,

16.5.22) and the other 60 students are graciously giving their time for the sake of Papatuanuku, a taonga which is to be treasured and nurtured with fondness, respect and care.

Many school leavers do not get the recognition for their humble acts of goodwill to others. I can imagine that being an undergraduate student with a heavy workload and the stress away from home must be rather hard. These students’ actions should inspire us to do what we can to serve the community and to do the right thing even when life can be difficult and stressful, as most people at present shall be aware of.

However, there is hope as we must be mindful of the care that others show to people, even in times of division. The combined venture of these students is another reason to hold these young people in high regard and to give us hope for the future of our world and country.

This compassionate, willing spirit is something that we need to be a bit more mindful of.

New Zealand is a young country in some respects and these students are setting an example by being generous, caring and resilient, which are all good virtues we can learn from. Bless these students’ hearts for their good attitude and perseverance. Keep up the good work all.

North East Valley

New rubbish collection

THE Dunedin City Council, in its wisdom, has decided that all households will soon be issued a 23l bin for food scraps.

This, the experts say, will stop the seagulls lunching at the new proposed tip. I think they are ignoring human behaviour.

A good percentage of the citizens will not want and will not use this bin. For instance, this new bin is without a lid and will encourage vermin and smells, etc.

Food scraps will still be put in the general rubbish as is now. Seagulls, don’t panic. You will still be able to picnic at the new tip.

Maryhill

PEPE funding necessity

WHEN you run a country, it is necessary to fund the basics before splashing money on political dreams.

The Otago Daily Times told us that Plunket has to drop the Parenting Education Programme (PEPE) funding for mothers and babies because of lack of funds (ODT, 10.4.22). But in the days when New Zealand was the top country for baby care, a programme like this was not necessary.

New mothers were cared for in the maternity wards and then tutored in baby care. They left for home well armed with skills and information and Plunket was there for support. Today, poor new mothers are bunged out often on the first day.

They are to find the information or not as life hits them. What a pretty pass we have come to! The very basics for a good society being dropped. First, a system that served the whole country gone and now the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff system being removed as well. Money is hard to find today. I’ll watch and see what government spends our money on.

Green Island

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BIBLE READING: With my mouth I will give great thanks to the Lord. — Psalms 109:30.