New Zealand Listener Issue 27 2018

Yes, we’ve heard it all before. Politicians regularly vow to drop-kick the political football – on superannuation, on child poverty, on education – but the day of multi-party sincerity never dawns. On climate change, however, we’re looking at actual days ceasing to dawn on parts of the planet lost to rising seas, so it’s a hopeful sign that Opposition leader Simon Bridges’ offer to work with the Government to find above-politics solutions to reduce carbon emissions has been so swiftly accepted. The language could do with a tweak. Climate Change Minister James Shaw has said the National Party “will be consulted” about the Government’s policy intentions. “Consultation” too often means “Feel free to tell us your views – as we will to ignore them.” What citizens need to hear is…

Yes, we’ve heard it all before. Politicians regularly vow to drop-kick the political football – on superannuation, on child poverty, on education – but the day of multi-party sincerity never dawns. On climate change, however, we’re looking at actual days ceasing to dawn on parts of the planet lost to rising seas, so it’s a hopeful sign that Opposition leader Simon Bridges’ offer to work with the Government to find above-politics solutions to reduce carbon emissions has been so swiftly accepted. The language could do with a tweak. Climate Change Minister James Shaw has said the National Party “will be consulted” about the Government’s policy intentions. “Consultation” too often means “Feel free to tell us your views – as we will to ignore them.” What citizens need to hear is that the…

The story about inadequate monitoring of early childhood education centres (“Look & learn”, June 23) highlights the importance of improving such environments. Adults wouldn’t put up with spending long, disruptive days in those conditions. Why should vulnerable children? In the “good old days”, mothers were mostly home with their children and would take them for a morning session at kindergarten or Playcentre. Even though I was a trained primary-school teacher, I was required to pass a Massey University course before being allowed to supervise at Playcentre. I remember it with affection: happy, exciting developmental times with the children, including my own. The present set-ups seem more like overcrowded confinement for parents’ convenience rather than children’s education and care. Children are our most precious resources for the future. They deserve better.…

The story about inadequate monitoring of early childhood education centres (“Look & learn”, June 23) highlights the importance of improving such environments. Adults wouldn’t put up with spending long, disruptive days in those conditions. Why should vulnerable children? In the “good old days”, mothers were mostly home with their children and would take them for a morning session at kindergarten or Playcentre. Even though I was a trained primary-school teacher, I was required to pass a Massey University course before being allowed to supervise at Playcentre. I remember it with affection: happy, exciting developmental times with the children, including my own. The present set-ups seem more like overcrowded confinement for parents’ convenience rather than children’s education and care. Children are our most precious resources for the future. They deserve better. Clare Dudley (Coromandel) PRICE OF FORGETFULNESS Amy Chua’s…

WINNING CAPTION Tony Clemow, Kamo FINALISTS Putin: “Sorry, I forgot the velvet glove.” – Philip Lynch, Upper Hutt Macron: “He thinks we French are one-eyed.” – Hans Zindel, Palmerston North Macron: “Don’t worry, guys, I think I’ve got the upper hand.” – Ryan Chandler, Auckland Putin: “Definitely, France could make the World Cup final. In Russia, anything is possible.” – Kath Jones, Waikanae Macron: “I’m Popeye the sailor man.” – Rex McGregor, Auckland Putin: “Russia never interfered with the champagne cork that took out his eye.” – A Neale, Nelson Macron: “He has my cufflink, but I have his watch.” – Hone Hurihuri, Gisborne Macron: “Yes, Vladimir, we’d love you to join us in the European Union.” – Janey Grant, Napier…

WINNING CAPTION Tony Clemow, Kamo FINALISTS Putin: “Sorry, I forgot the velvet glove.” – Philip Lynch, Upper Hutt Macron: “He thinks we French are one-eyed.” – Hans Zindel, Palmerston North Macron: “Don’t worry, guys, I think I’ve got the upper hand.” – Ryan Chandler, Auckland Putin: “Definitely, France could make the World Cup final. In Russia, anything is possible.” – Kath Jones, Waikanae Macron: “I’m Popeye the sailor man.” – Rex McGregor, Auckland Putin: “Russia never interfered with the champagne cork that took out his eye.” – A Neale, Nelson Macron: “He has my cufflink, but I have his watch.” – Hone Hurihuri, Gisborne Macron: “Yes, Vladimir, we’d love you to join us in the European Union.” – Janey Grant, Napier…