Cr Ong: a Problematic Figure or a Hero?
Just because someone protests does not mean they are right.
Cr Ong seems unclear about the proper procedures in local governance—or any committee, for that matter—if he believes he can act without the backing of his peers.
This is the essence of democracy. It is not meant to be a solo act, and hopefully, it never will be. Cr Ong should have understood this lesson before running in the local body election, which wasted the time of those who voted for him.
Lois Galer
Dunedin
Violation of Trust
According to the ODT (7.5.26), Cr Ong revealed confidential information from the Dunedin City Council.
This is not his first violation of council ethics and protocol. Consequently, he should be removed from the council.
The DCC already has enough issues without having to address Cr Ong’s behavior.
Alastair Macdonald
Oamaru
Another Perspective
I am fed up with local government using trivial matters to prevent public and media access to discussions of public interest.
I applaud Cr Ong’s courage in ignoring council regulations to share information with journalists and the public.
Cheers to defying absurd rules.
Bruce Hitchcock
Invercargill.
Cr Ong’s recent disclosure highlights the absurdity of the entire woke system.
He provides a valuable service. We often spend too much time arguing against taking action instead of focusing on what truly needs to be done.
George Livingstone
Roslyn
Critical Questions
Lead is a known environmental hazard, and precautions should be taken in areas with significant contamination.
The following questions should be addressed to determine the severity of the situation.
1) What are the measured lead contamination levels in the affected soils, and how do they compare to other urban areas? Should Dunedin have different regulations than other urban centers?
2) What are the lead levels in the blood of Dunedin residents, especially those who have worked in potentially contaminated areas?
3) What is the rate of harm and excess deaths due to lead poisoning in Dunedin compared to other NZ urban centers? Is there a higher incidence among those working in suspected contaminated areas?
These questions need answers before imposing requirements that hinder development.
Malcolm McQueen
Dunedin
Imperfect Picture
Today’s ODT (5.5.26) features an article by the president of the Principal’s Federation. The article is accompanied by a photograph captioned “Every pupil has their individual needs.” It reinforces the idea that pupils attend school out of obligation, while students pursue tertiary education by choice.
Peter Spiller
Christchurch
Repetitive Communication Fails
I have some advice for the Dunedin City Council regarding communication.
Today, a council spokesperson was quoted in a front-page story about a failed DCC road project on Kaikorai Valley Rd (5.5.26), ending their comment with “We thank everyone for their patience and understanding.”
Three days earlier, the same spokesperson used the identical phrase in response to a letter about the extended closure of Blueskin Rd.
This repetitive response indicates a lack of understanding of the issues and could be perceived as sarcastic, given the public’s frustration.
Using such a trite phrase repeatedly also shows a lack of empathy and engagement with the affected parties.
The DCC should aim for better communication.
Gordon Fraser
Waverley
The Political Nature of Christianity
Graham Redding (Opinion ODT 29.4.26) appears more concerned about the conservative political implications of faith in Christ as Lord than the faith itself.
He worries that this faith may bring conservative influences into public life.
Redding’s view resembles the concept of “Christianity And” from C S Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters, where faith is only accepted as an addition to another agenda.
In the US and some developing countries, people are turning to Christian faith amid cultural and political chaos, which is often exacerbated by extremists on both sides, leading to societal issues like boredom and irresponsibility.
Redding seems to prefer that faith aligns with progressive ideals, focusing on inclusion and questions over answers.
He overlooks that Christian faith is based on solid truth claims, affecting both private and public realms.
Progressive faith approaches that do not prioritize this truth have not historically led to conversions.
Christianity may not always align with conservatism, as Redding would agree, but it also won’t consistently align with progressivism, contrary to his hopes.
Glenn Hardesty
North East Valley
Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: letters@odt.co.nz
