My Account
Heartfelt thanks
Ellie and I would like to publicly thank all the people that have helped us in so many ways since we received the devastating news advising that Matthew lost his life on June 19, 2020, whilst working as a Police Officer, a career he loved and thrived in (MM July 1). We have been surrounded by kindness in the form of flowers, condolence cards, food, plus so many people making contact, either in person or via social media, telling us their stories of having met Matthew. We also extend our deepest gratitude to people in the community who may not have known Matthew personally but have sent messages and created tributes to Matt through poetry and artwork.
Matt Hunt, July 30, 1991 – June 19, 2020
These gestures give us an overwhelming sense of compassion shown towards Matthew, our family and Matt’s friends, as well Matthew’s police family. We, as his family, have always believed Matthew was a special human being with enviable qualities, but now realise that so many other people hold the same thoughts too. No words can truly convey how grateful we are to you all. Life without Matthew will never be the same. We will never forget Matthew and will always hold him close in our hearts.
Diane Hunt, Warkworth
Diane has started a petition calling on the Government to decline a parole eligibility for anyone convicted of killing a police officer. To sign the petition go to: parliament.nz/en/petitions/sign/PET_99634
Marja missing
The picture of the sod-turning ceremony for the Matakana link road misleads readers about the people who were responsible for obtaining funding for the project (MM July 15). In particular, the picture did not include the key speakers at the ceremony, Minister of Transport Phil Twyford, the Mayor of Auckland Phil Goff or Marja Lubeck, the locally based MP who played a crucial role. On the national scene we have just seen attempts by Michelle Boag to manufacture untruths for political ends and the new National Party leader, Judith Collins, commit to an end to dirty politics. It would be great if we had all local candidates give a similar public commitment, so that reports are fair and balanced.
Dr Robert Howell, Sandspit
Blue photo?
There is a disturbing photo in the July 15 edition. Quick, let’s investigate where the bodies are buried. The photo accompanying the report on the sod turning for the new Matakana link road is missing the money people. Those spades being held by the others in the photo look as if they have been used to bury the Labour politicians who made sure the construction went ahead and with sufficient money to make it four lanes. So quick, let’s get an investigation underway to see if those shovels were used to bury Transport Minister Phil Twyford, Mayor Phil Goff and the hard-working Labour list MP Marja Lubeck, who was instrumental in getting the increased funds. But maybe they were just buried pre-election by a photographic “blue”?
Neil Anderson, Algies Bay
The photo was intended to illustrate the story “Matakana link road hailed as major community triumph”. At the ceremony, Mr Twyford and Mr Goff noted how critical local advocacy efforts had been in securing the four-lane road. Hence, the photo showed members of the community who had played a role in this. It is indeed unfortunate that Ms Lubeck happened not to be in this picture, though her importance to the project was mentioned by officials and reported in the accompanying story – Ed.
