I totally support the opinions of A. Bourne in his letter last week.

In criticising spending millions on an ineffectual flag referendum and leasing pandas John Key looks like he is indulging in his pet projects (pun intended).

This ‘look' seems to reflect a rather arrogant and superficial attitude to the people of New Zealand. For instance those who need treatments that NZ Health Service are not providing, even when Australia, the UK and other international health services are supplying these to their sick citizens.

We seem to have an internationally second rate health service.

What I would like to know is what budget can resource things like a seemingly sudden need for pandas? What slush fund can suddenly find millions of dollars? Not to mention the fund the actual cost of changing the flag which I imagine will be enormous. I also wonder where profits from making all the new flags will be go.

Here in New Zealand? Probably not! Also exactly how much will board, lodging and hire of two Chinese citizens be? All pandas that are loaned from China are official Chinese citizens and can be taken back by the Chinese government at any time. I imagine that they will receive only the very best health care too!

This government seem unable to rationally prioritise public money, according to the greatest need of New Zealanders, and need to be brought to account.

L Ashley, Athenree