Proud on stance

I was proud to stand with the students of Victoria University when Megan Woods, Shane Jones, James Shaw and Jacinda Ardern announced the end of off-shore oil exploration in New Zealand.

It has been surprising to read news report after news report focusing on disunity in the Government when I saw a Government working together to achieve an historic result, with all four Government representatives welcomed and applauded by the enormous crowd of students present.

Jones gave a clear, passionate and well-reasoned speech about the importance of renewable energy for the Taranaki region and the need for the ‘‘robust decision’’ he described ‘‘a bold team’’ taking, a ‘‘willingness to make long-term decisions’’ for the mokopuna.

Woods, Ardern, Jones and Shaw all spoke of long-term plans for the regions and for the energy industry. The commentary I have read suggesting there is no plan to replace oil exploration is demonstrably untrue.

I take great pride being part of a university committed to this work, and the pride in their university and in their government demonstrated by the students at this event was profoundly moving.

It is strange to see representations of the speeches and attitudes I heard at this event represented so very differently in the press.

ANNA JACKSON Island Bay (abridged)