Kay O'Lacey: Satire - Bad Signs If You Can’t Read Them

Sharing my submission today, as follows:

Dear Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency,

I am writing to express my thoughts on the ongoing consultation regarding bilingual road signs. Please consider this letter as my submission.

I strongly SUPPORT the proposal to use bilingual signs when replacing old signage.

While I anticipate that you will receive numerous submissions opposing this idea, it’s important to dismiss those driven by hidden agendas. Dear Leader Chips-for-Brains Hipkins has hit the nail on the head by referring to such people as dog-whistling racists (well he should know, as has personally newly-minted millions of racists just in the last three years!). Just be aware that these people can be cunning and that some may even own dogs so as to provide cover for dog-whistling (I’ve actually seen this).

Graham Adams: Are bilingual road signs safe or even sensible?

Debate has been shut down by allegations of ‘dog-whistling’.

At a time when the dilapidated state of New Zealand’s roads is a major public concern and the government has committed itself to a zero traffic deaths programme that includes lowering speed limits, the national transport agency apparently thinks offering compulsory te reo lessons on roadside poles and motorway gantries is a good idea.

Kate Hawkesby: Are the rest of the country as sick of the political sideshows as I am?

I think what we’ve seen this week is indicative of what we’re going to see for the rest of the election campaign from now until October.

And that is – sideshows. And that’s the real let down for us the voters. We are being done a disservice not only by the politicians themselves but also the media covering them.

What this country urgently needs is the basics. Roads fixed, hospitals functioning again, schools with students attending and passing, and crime sorted out. What we don’t need is the sideshow on bilingual road signs, who gets a free prescription and who doesn’t, who’s dog whistling and who isn’t.

Cam Slater: Is National Actually Trying to Help Winston?

Every so often a once-in-a-lifetime issue comes along, an issue you can hang your hat on and grab a chunk of votes. National’s Christopher Luxon just passed up on one that was a sitter and went all woke and womble-like. It’s like he is trying to help Winston Peters grab some of National’s vote.

Mike Hosking: We don't need Māori road signs

What possible, sensible, and the key word here is 'sensible', reason can there be to introduce Māori road signs?

The idea is out for consultation as we speak.

I wonder how much of a rort that is. Is there really consultation? Is anyone actually listening? Or is it a smokescreen to pretend they asked a few people?

The simple truth is the vast majority of us don’t speak Māori. So, in a sheer practical sense, it achieves nothing.