Homelessness review timely outside scrutiny
In late 2020, a United Nations human rights body conducting a review of New Zealand’s compliance with its obligations under international human rights law that it signed up to, issued a report strongly critical of the government’s record on homelessness.
The period under review coincided with the term of office of the last National Party-led government and, although the Labour-led government in office from 2017 to 2023 built few state houses and merely tinkered with the administration it inherited, its record fell largely outside the scope of the review and subsequent report.
Later this year, the same body will conduct another review, for which the government says it is seeking information from "stakeholders", an exercise that I only discovered accidentally last week.
Submissions close on February 7, a timeline that seems to have become a feature of this government’s desire to keep anything that might embarrass it under wraps. Nonetheless, I aim to have my submission complete, in which I will refer to the most timely articles on homelessness that you published (ODT 18.1.25).
Article 11 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) obliges the government to recognise the right of everyone within its territory to an adequate standard of living for themselves and their families, including adequate food, clothing and housing, by continuous improvement of living conditions. Article 11 obliges the government to take appropriate steps to ensure the realisation of this right, while Article 2 obliges it to use its maximum available resources to attain the substantive rights in the Covenant, such as the right to housing.
Physics 101
In response to the government’s decision to reverse some current speed restrictions, Physics 101: the faster you go, the greater the risk of injury or death. Yes, we have some new roads designed for greater speed, e.g. the Kapiti Expressway, but the reality is that most of the roads proposed to have their speed limits increased to previous levels in fact had those speed limits reduced because of their significant prior accident history. I would rather arrive alive and preferably uninjured.
Astonished? Me too
In reply to Zachary Zundel (Letters ODT 29.1.25), I, too, am astonished, as I was about to post on same theme, that David Seymour's suggestion of providing lump sum amount to cover life's health requirements is an utterly disastrous proposition.
In clear detail, he explained what we've known for decades about discrepancies in the US system, and I thank him for bringing it to the attention of any who might be presently in dire straights and who might welcome such a lump sum, not realising how few days in hospital that would cover, and especially after normal GP visits, vaccinations, chemist bills would have been deducted from birth.
We must guard and rebuild what is left of our once relatively free health system.
Back the hoiho
I totally agree with Frances Anderson’s letter (28.1.25) regarding the yellow eyed penguins. Professors Seddon and Van Heezik have explained what we can do to give the birds the best chance of survival: stop trawler fishing and set gill net fishing in the areas of ocean they occupy. A small price to pay to give this endangered, special bird a chance of survival.
Whatever the issues, pub a community asset
I feel that after having supported these premises for over 65 years I must refute the portrayal of the clientele of the St Kilda Tavern (ODT 29.1.235). Over the years I have witnessed some wonderful acts of kindness, and have experienced it first hand on a personal basis in the last 12 months. Whatever the deficiency of the present lease holder is, this establishment must remain as a vital part of the community.
Jones a disgrace
Shane Jones’ disgraceful behaviour in Parliament needs to be addressed by the prime minister. No immigrant/refugee should be spoken to this way. Other politicians have been ejected for lesser comments.
Librarians matter
Contrary to recent letters, I cannot overstate the value of the librarians and the libraries. The late Peter Olds once wrote, "I returned to the library and met lots of old friends." I asked him if he meant the books or the people? He smiled and said, "Both."
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