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Otago Daily Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Letters to the Editor: new hospital, special place, a good moan
Today's Letters to the Editor from readers cover topics including hospital cuts, a special place to sit and having a good moan. Cold feet and wanting to be half pregnant I read with dismay that the proposed new Dunedin hospital is to have yet more cuts in the number of beds. The decision was made way back that a new hospital would be built, rather than refurbishing the existing one. To me, the existing hospital does not appear to be that old, but it has been stated that there are flaws with the design and construction, that could not be overcome. Since the decision to build the new hospital, it appears that the powers that be have got cold feet about the costs and have used every opportunity to delay and cut back, cumulating in the latest press release. As I see it, the new hospital should have been an opportunity to build a modern teaching hospital to enhance the Otago Medical School. We have had six years of Labour government, followed by a year and a-half of National government, yet we have not had a single sticking plaster delivered. In the meantime, we still need to pay for the upkeep of the existing hospital. Does the government need to stop dithering and get away from the concept of wanting to be ''half pregnant''? John Batt Wakari Not a cent more In the last five years Central Otago District Council has reported an annual surplus between $8.7 million (2024) and $28m (2022). Its net external debt as a percentage of total assets is a minuscule 2%. Debt as a percentage of revenue is a measly 29% when there is capacity for 175%. Yet the CODC's long-term plan (LTP) identifies an average 13% rates rise across the district next financial year. Why? Yes, there needs to be some spending on water infrastructure but neither the details nor the cost of this is identified in the LTP. There is also a real possibility that the cost of water services will be removed from the CODC balance sheet within two years as the new council-controlled organisation for water is established, probably in conjunction with Clutha, Gore and Waitaki councils. Other hints in the LTP suggest the CODC wants today's ratepayers to pay for tomorrow's activities. For example the council proposes to fund a $200,000 grant for a new artificial turf at Maniototo Area School through a one-off charge to all ratepayers of $13.48. If the money is borrowed it will cost each ratepayer $1.35 a year for 10 years - tomorrow's ratepayers paying for tomorrow's fun. The CODC's reluctance to borrow and spread the infrastructure cost across future generations is unfair to today's ratepayers. The council financial statements suggest rates increases should be at the rate of inflation, and not a cent more. Peter Williams Cromwell Bumps and speed In the article 'Boy racers' spark fear of accident (ODT 17.5.25) the complainant suggests that only council speed bumps will cause the culprits to slow down, even though new anti-street racing legislation is looming. Adding speed bumps, to deter a few individuals, is unreasonable, it negatively affects all traffic and moves the problem elsewhere. The police are well equipped, and empowered, to deal to street racers. It is frustrating that permanent speed bumps are used to control a ''driver'' issue, penalising every road user. Uncomfortable at all times, they remove the joy of driving, they frustrate many drivers at redundant times, as do falsely set school speed limit displays. Dunedin is inundated with speed bumps - Shore St has three, Tahuna Rd has four and Clyde St has five. Tony Vink Andersons Bay Touching, beautiful tribute to memorial seats Opening the Otago Daily Times ''A special place to rest, and one full of memories'' by Don Ramsay (Opinion 20.5.25) brought happy tears to my eyes. It was a truly heartwarming read. Bayfield Inlet holds a very special place in our family's hearts. We have always appreciated the value of having seating along the walkway. As Don highlighted, people walk there for so many reasons - whether for physical rehabilitation, walking their dogs, taking the family for a stroll, or simply watching the wildlife on the water on one side and the sports being played on the other. My mother was an animal lover, especially dogs. She found the walkway easily accessible and deeply enjoyable. Living with MS and other physical limitations, she loved nothing more than being able to walk her dogs along a flat, peaceful path, and having a place to sit and rest along the way made all the difference to her. Before 2015, there were already a couple of memorial seats along the first part of the path, which she would often stop at. So, when Mum passed away, it felt only right to install another seat, further down the path, closer to Marne St, in memory of my mother, Da'Vella Young, and her beloved dogs. What made reading this article all the more special for me was the timing. The very day the article was published was also the day I welcomed a new puppy into our family. It felt like a small but meaningful sign from above - a gentle nudge from Mum, acknowledging and blessing our new fur baby. The synchronicity brought me comfort, joy, and a profound sense of connection. I know Mum would be thrilled to know that others are enjoying the memorial seats just as much as she once did. Each one is special, with its own unique story to tell. Liz Young Dunedin A good moan about people having a moan Maybe it's just a symptom of ageing, but it does seem when one watches the news or reads the ODT in recent times, that every man and his dog is complaining about something. Students are complaining about their flats; Maori are complaining the Budget ''lacked Maori-targeted funding''; prisoners bemoaning they cannot vote, and office workers feel undervalued - 61% according to the ODT (a 20% pay increase would miraculously cure this, it is alleged). Also, the new hospital is less than what was previously planned in some respects. No counter to this avalanche of complaints is ever examined: the media just report what information they are given. Some questions. like ''why not move if you don't like your flat'' or ''change your office job?'' are never asked. OK, prisoners cannot move, but someone could suggest they stop offending and regain their right to vote, and then perhaps give a thought to the rights of their victims? Dunedin is lucky to be getting a new hospital at a cost of several billions. Sinking billions into bricks and mortar is of far less importance than gaining and training the very best clinicians. How many people in Otago have suffered not because of the state of the premises but the lack of trained staff? K. J. Lawson Oamaru Democratic principles Metiria Stanton Turei (Opinion ODT 16.5.25) bemoans the undermining of democratic principles by the coalition government. This is from a woman who wants Maori unelected representation in all facets of local government, a separate Maori health system, Maori control of waterways, and supports an unelected tribunal who see themselves as an upper house of the New Zealand Parliament. It is laughable that Metiria Stanton Turei shows support for democracy, as she has shown in all her opinion pieces that she has no idea what it means. Dave Tackney Fairfield
Otago Daily Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
'Awful': Reality of pokie addiction laid bare
Cromwell resident David George has seen first hand the devastating impact pokie addictions have on Central Otago families. Mr George hoped sharing his story would push the Central Otago District Council to take a tougher line on gaming machines. But he was left disappointed after councillors rejected a proposed sinking-lid policy. Mr George provided the mayor and councillors with a heartbreaking account of how "playing the pokies" had become a serious problem for several people close to him. Speaking to a full council meeting about his submission on the council's class 4 gambling and board venue policy, Mr George described one loved one as having been a "pok-aholic". He graphically detailed the impact he had seen gambling addictions have across households, telling of money lost, the struggle to put food on the table and a marriage destroyed. Mr George, an experienced community worker, said those he knew impacted by problem gambling were not "down-and-outs", but people with successful careers and family support, yet the impacts of their addictions were "awful". "People end up at the bottom of the heap, in such a bad space." However, neither Mr George's story nor the pleas from health workers and researchers for a more restrictive approach to gaming machines managed to sway the council's elected members, who overwhelmingly voted to keep the status quo. In doing so, they went against the recommendation of council staff. CODC senior strategy adviser Alix Crosbie told elected members at the meeting it had been a tough job finding "transparent" information sources to inform the council debate, but by her calculations Central Otago was the "third-lowest receiver of grants in relation to expenditure in gaming machines". She advised elected members there were two choices in front of them. "We either sit at the table [with gaming societies] and negotiate and gamble on increasing the amount of community good [by demanding more grant money in the district], or we walk away and gamble on reducing the amount of community harm". Those around the decision-making table commented the consultation had been dominated by representative bodies and national organisations — other than Mr George's presentation, elected members said they were largely in the dark as to community sentiment on the policy. But what was clear for them was how well received gambling grants were for community groups — and they were hesitant to put that at risk. Councillors were told the Alexandra Blossom Festival, Cromwell College, the Alexandra Cricket Club and Central Otago Health Services were among local recipients of pokie profits. Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Richard Kinley spoke at the meeting, saying his organisation had long been a recipient of gaming funding and it formed "a critical part" of its ability to deliver community rugby across the region. He said the union was under financial pressure and would have "no choice but to reassess" delivery of community rugby if pokie funding was cut. "We don't want costs to be a barrier for children to participate in sport." Other speakers warned councillors while the benefits of pokie machines funnelling money into community groups were easy to see, the harm caused by them often stayed behind closed doors. Michael Bouchard, of Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, pushed hard for a more restrictive gambling policy and commended council staff on their recommendation that would have moved the district in that direction. "We can't fix health problems by an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff — We can't fix gambling harm by treating individual people." Jarrod True, speaking on behalf of the Gaming Machine Association, called the council's status quo approach "perfectly reasonable" and said he saw no need to ditch it for an "overly restrictive policy" when there was "no documented need" in the district.
Otago Daily Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
Dismay after sinking-lid pokie policy rejected
Cromwell resident David George has seen first hand the devastating impact pokie addictions have on Central Otago George hoped sharing his story would push the Central Otago District Council to take a tougher line on gaming machines. But he was left disappointed after councillors rejected a proposed sinking-lid policy. Mr George provided the mayor and councillors with a heartbreaking account of how "playing the pokies" had become a serious problem for several people close to him. Speaking to a full council meeting about his submission on the council's class 4 gambling and board venue policy, Mr George described one loved one as having been a "pok-aholic". He graphically detailed the impact he had seen gambling addictions have across households, telling of money lost, the struggle to put food on the table and a marriage destroyed. Mr George, an experienced community worker, said those he knew impacted by problem gambling were not "down-and-outs", but people with successful careers and family support, yet the impacts of their addictions were "awful". "People end up at the bottom of the heap, in such a bad space." However, neither Mr George's story nor the pleas from health workers and researchers for a more restrictive approach to gaming machines managed to sway the council's elected members, who overwhelmingly voted to keep the status quo. In doing so, they went against the recommendation of council staff. CODC senior strategy adviser Alix Crosbie told elected members at the meeting it had been a tough job finding "transparent" information sources to inform the council debate, but by her calculations Central Otago was the "third-lowest receiver of grants in relation to expenditure in gaming machines". She advised elected members there were two choices in front of them. "We either sit at the table [with gaming societies] and negotiate and gamble on increasing the amount of community good [by demanding more grant money in the district], or we walk away and gamble on reducing the amount of community harm". Those around the decision-making table commented the consultation had been dominated by representative bodies and national organisations — other than Mr George's presentation, elected members said they were largely in the dark as to community sentiment on the policy. But what was clear for them was how well received gambling grants were for community groups — and they were hesitant to put that at risk. Councillors were told the Alexandra Blossom Festival, Cromwell College, the Alexandra Cricket Club and Central Otago Health Services were among local recipients of pokie profits. Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Richard Kinley spoke at the meeting, saying his organisation had long been a recipient of gaming funding and it formed "a critical part" of its ability to deliver community rugby across the region. He said the union was under financial pressure and would have "no choice but to reassess" delivery of community rugby if pokie funding was cut. "We don't want costs to be a barrier for children to participate in sport." Other speakers warned councillors while the benefits of pokie machines funnelling money into community groups were easy to see, the harm caused by them often stayed behind closed doors. Michael Bouchard, of Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, pushed hard for a more restrictive gambling policy and commended council staff on their recommendation that would have moved the district in that direction. "We can't fix health problems by an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff — We can't fix gambling harm by treating individual people." Jarrod True, speaking on behalf of the Gaming Machine Association, called the council's status quo approach "perfectly reasonable" and said he saw no need to ditch it for an "overly restrictive policy" when there was "no documented need" in the district.
