Rod Emmerson’s view
Here’s a first XV of substance for New Zealand
Much is said and written about the exploits of the All Blacks both at home and overseas, as the most influential XV New Zealand can muster.
I would like to offer the names below as an alternative New Zealand First XV, each of whom in their chosen field has done more to put New Zealand on the map than the rugby XV could ever hope to.
Rutherford, Finn, Hillary, Fletcher, Wattie, McCahon, Wilkins, Frame, Te Kanawa, Hamilton, Gallagher, Hollows, Avery, Hotere, Upham. None are known for their prowess on a rugby field, but all are Kiwis who deserve recognition above and beyond that of a rugby team, however skilled. contract and a house, I am OK. I doubt I would have put up with the uncertainty faced by my newly qualified colleagues. They are making inquiries about the prospect of another temporary contract next year. If you want good teachers you have to make it an appealing career. Have some respect for the needs of the people you call on to work with your children.
It is unfortunate that a nation so talented hangs its sense of pride on a game borrowed from its English inventors and claimed as New Zealand’s greatest offering to the world.
New Zealand has so much more than rugby to offer, so why do we persist with the notion it’s the only thing we are any good at? policy to an elected government, not a vote against free trade. Kelsey has been against every free trade agreement, which is a legitimate position. However it is not supported by evidence. Since adopting free trade, global poverty has diminished and living standards around the world have risen. If signed the TPP will bring immense benefit to New Zealand which is why middle New Zealand wasn’t at the protests and why people like Jane Kelsey are best ignored. Why do roading engineers select such a course metal chip when resealing rural roads. Do they ever drive on them? The road noise coming off the tyres is most unpleasant and could be considered a health and safety issue. The other disappointing issue is road design when roads are reformed and resealed. Why isn’t provision made for a little extra width so as to provide a safer lane for cyclists? Recent roadworks out towards Clevedon is an example of poor design. After answering a survey on what charities I would think of gifting to, I have been bombarded with calls from more charities than I thought existed. Also they ask for you by your first name, and family members think I know the caller and hand me the phone. How much lower can it get before I ditch my my phone?
A quick word
If I were one of the Chiefs players not present, I would be considering legal action to have the “black mark” removed from my record. If any of the team’s support people or management were there, do they get “black marks” on their employment records as well? Saying, “There is no place in rugby for such events”, sounds like a cop- out, insinuating responsibility lies with the girl. The problem is alleged brute and uncouth behaviour by the audience. Without that, the event would have passed with no headlines or ill feelings. The open letter to rugby’s management from “respectable” women calls for more respect for women following a stripper’s complaint against players. Presumably the signatories regard stripping as a respectable occupation. How can New Zealand Rugby’s so called independent legal counsel possibly be independent and transparent when he or she is paid by the New Zealand Rugby? I always I suspected I was no judge of modern contemporary art and the sale of a McCahon for a record price has confirmed my suspicions. Mike Jarman, One Tree Hill. Dignity has had very little to do with the fight for women’s rights. Gutsy women like Kate Shepherd had to achieve cutthrough and be heard. If they’d been dignified, we’d all still be somebody’s chattels. We support the renaming of lower Khartoum Place Te Ha o Hine Place. If we are “to pay heed to the dignity of women”, acknowledging the significant contributions of both Maori and Pakeha women to the suffrage and rights movement should be paramount. Phil Goff has been in Parliament since 1981. That means he has been making promises on how to spend our money for 35 years. It is time he had a change of career. We must, this time, elect a council, comprised of savvy, prudent and business experienced people if Auckland Council’s rates are to be reined in.