Digital push a totalitarian revolution

Media Council

Geekspeak runs amok (Letters, May 11) drew my attention to the opinion article Locked down and left out (May 8).

The discussion regarding the digital exclusion of we ‘‘oldies’’ canvassed the expected causes – too old, lack of confidence, too poor, lack of comprehension, loss of physical abilities etc. It did at least mention those of us who ‘‘rejected internet devices’’, having other preferences.

Generally any discussion about the digital revolution never mentions the category of people who are completely bored by it as a phenomenon largely without interest and certainly in no way life-enhancing. Heretical, undoubtedly, and certainly valid.

There is, however, a particularly serious side to this in that our generation is the first ever to be forced in our declining years to adapt to a totalitarian methodology of daily functioning from which there is no escape and, increasingly, fewer alternatives.

If you happen to be in the category of us who find it uncongenial to the point of refusal, the punishment is doubled. For me, though not for everyone, if this means social exclusion, so be it.

This is something that Professor Miriam Lips and Dr Elizabeth Eppel might wish to take into account in their research.

Martin Bond, Brooklyn

Jennifer Branje’s petition to ban freedom camping is misguided and obviously with vested interests (Threat over camp ban petition, may 11). To suggest New Zealand should be reserved for ‘‘high value’’ tourism is arrogant, selfish and unrealistic.

Whilst not condoning threats, it is understandable that many would feel passionate about any attempt to restrict the fundamental right of New Zealanders (and therefore tourists) to the freedom of use of public spaces.

The Freedom Camping Act 2011 sets the rules for this activity, and councils have all the tools they need to control any transgressions if they have an appropriate bylaw and the mechanisms in place

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to police it. Years of travelling this country have proved to me that freedom campers often cop the blame for the actions of daytrippers to the same locations, and usually because councils have not provided adequate toilet and rubbish solutions.

The Government recognised that we were caught short with facilities in popular public places after a huge surge in tourism, and has made funds available to local bodies for this purpose. Covid-19 should now allow us breathing space to get this work done and alleviate most issues.

Pete Jenkins, Whitby

Mental illness will be rising. Pet ownership is proven to be beneficial. Why are landlords allowed to ban them? Bonds cover damage.

Pets provide companionship, encourage a daily routine, and walking a dog helps with exercise and socialising with other people. Pets are proven to help people with depression, loneliness, alzheimer’s, ADHD and autism (mentalhealth.org.uk). Why is New Zealand so behind Europe, where many people rent and dogs are a common sight on public transport and in cafes.

Our renting population can include the vulnerable; single parents, elderly, beneficiaries, the working poor, those in social housing. Shouldn’t every child have the right to have a man’s best friend? As a teacher with six years’ experience in low-decile schools, I know not to ask what pets the students have, because many have never had one.

Sarah Dyson, Plimmerton [abridged]

The Government’s shovel-ready initiative is a unique chance to invest in a green and fairer Aotearoa.

We are at a critical point in time where we must make the right decisions now to shape the climate and society we need in the future.

We are going to have few, if any, more opportunities like this to significantly shift the narrative of infrastructure investment. The time is now.

All levels of government, particularly those making decisions on Covid recovery, need to make the right choices today, underpinned by proper process and the Treaty, to enable the sustainable future Aotearoa needs.

James Dwyer, Vogeltown

I would love to know the logic that supports the policy of reducing prescription supplies while we are under emergency legislation.

Making us order and pick up our pills once a month instead of every three months very efficiently trebles the workload for doctors and pharmacies, creates three times as many trips, three times as many opportunities for transmission, and three times as many opportunities for me to forget and stuff it up and end up not taking my meds.

And on the plus side? Do our stocks arrive more slowly in a pandemic? Actual supply issues would cause an outcry – so there are clearly still supplies. My pills don’t help Covid sufferers unless they also have high cholesterol. So what gives? What is the benefit of this?

Chris Clarke, Karori

New Zealand should be proud of the results so far in tackling Covid-19.

But how do you select 10 people to say their final goodbye at a funeral and tell others they cannot?

Funerals are vital for community health and the consequences of people dealing with unresolved grief have been hugely underestimated.

The sacrifices grieving families have made so far in lockdown have been justified for public health. But the decision to limit the number at a funeral to 10 has not been given the consideration it deserves.

I understand that the decisions the prime minister has had to make have meant not everyone will be happy, but broken hearts and unresolved grief last longer than not being able to go to movies or to the gym.

Funerals in larger venues can have appropriate social distancing and a cemetery would provide more than enough space to safely say farewell.

It’s time to end the hurt of not being able to farewell a loved one and embrace the importance of this as a basic human right.

I also predict many families will ignore the recommendations and have the added stress of not following the rules.

Shanny Longley, Terry Longley & Son, Havelock North

Rob Chrystall (Letters, May 11) lost me when he started talking about collusion between the Reserve Bank and the Government to expand the spread of rich from poor, and his mention of the Government considering property investors to be part of the post-Covid recovery.

This is a nonsense he follows with a question, ‘‘is this because nearly all Labour politicians own investment properties?’’. To ask that question is inflammatory as it gives the impression of being true while at the same time being far from the truth.

On the latest list of politicians owning properties, of the 302 properties listed, 43 National MPs owned between them 190, a rate of 3.43 per MP, while 18 Labour MPs owned between them 1.93 per MP (they came in third – United Future owned 2 per MP), and NZ First was almost level with Labour at 1.92.

The subject of capital gains tax was hugely discussed before the last election. It has been a loser’s policy since day one and it will be a very intelligent, very brave government that finally does it.

But if (and hopefully when) it is introduced, I’ll take a bet with Rob that it won’t be by any government other than Labour. Linda Klein-Nixon, Waiwhetu

About 17,000 early childhood teachers will get a $151 million pay boost (May 12).

Several hundred cancer patients being treated with Keytruda now have to pay eye-watering sums for their lifesustaining drug.

Something is not quite right here. Geoff Cole, Porirua