Here in New Zealand we have an unusual situation – an ambulance service that thinks it is a charity because of government underfunding. This, of course, does not go down well with the many staff who man the emergency services, and, of course, makes the poor taxpayer pay twice for the same service. Volunteers are expected to assist 27,000 charities in New Zealand – rather a lot to cope with. Does the government underpay them as well? Most Western countries have a fully-funded health system, unless perhaps Zimbabwe has not. We are unique; we have a charity.

Have you noticed the large number of people who volunteer only when they get paid – of course the Beehive will never be a charity, perhaps a retirement village for some? The question is, why does the public tolerate this farce which relies on volunteers for everything. The Fire Service is 80 per cent volunteers – how ridiculous can any system be?

R Chamberlain, Otumoetai.