Health professionals deserve our praise

Recently a good friend suffered a heart attack from which he did not recover.

He was attended by St John Ambulance, Whanga¯ rei Hospital Emergency Department and Ward 16 nurses and doctors and a hospice nurse and doctor.

We can be so proud of our health professionals. Throughout this distressing time their skilful care and attention, humanity and empathy to their patient and his family was beyond reproach.

Today we hear so much about what is wrong with our systems when we have people working under pressure to deliver a quality service in a difficult physical and social environment. They deserve our gratitude and support. Our community would not manage without their dedication and professionalism. Anne Carter Whanga¯rei

Wish list funding

Many words have been written in the past week (and for months) about a four-lane highway, or lack of it.

Some vitally important words have been missing, however.

The region’s leaders, from the MP for Whanga¯ rei, the mayor, the regional council chairman, to others, have made copious media statements and numerous representations to Government with what is essentially a wish list — good as it may be.

I have one, too. A new car to replace my 12-year-old one. A new boat to replace the one I don’t have yet. A new washing machine and drier.

Trouble is, I need to find the money to make my wish list come true.

What’s glaringly missing from the war of words emanating from our leaders is just that. Where’s the money going to come from?

Would they have the Government tax us more? Would they have the Chinese come and build it and charge us interest on the money they use to do so (essentially more tax)? Perhaps they want the money to be taken from some other important project in another part of the country.

They would be more likely to succeed with their wish list if they could provide a solution for the “where’s the money going to come from” question.

Interestingly, it’s been put in front of them all numerous times, but they choose to ignore it.

Japan is funding nearly 50% of its government borrowing from its own central bank, at no interest and no cost to taxpayers.

New Zealand used the same concept in the 1930s to build 40,000 state houses (Phil Twyford take note).

Our leaders are letting us down in their representations to Government by not including this funding solution that could see not only a four-lane The Northern Advocate welcomes letters from readers. Please note the following:

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highway from Whanga¯ rei to Ruakaka put in place, but one the whole length of Northland’s main route.

They might even consider including a much-improved rail corridor in their proposals as well.

And it could be done right now, without costing ratepayers or taxpayers a single cent. Chris Leitch Leader, Social Credit