Re ‘Money for nurses there' (The Weekend Sun, July 13). I agree that money to fund nurses is available with some clever accounting that most proficient governments can accomplish.

The offer from DHBs is not all it seems. Not all nurses benefit from the money offered. The promise to increase staffing is also vague.

I support the nurses, many of whom are striking as the last option available. Sadly, what the DHBs are counting on is withdrawal of further industrial action because nurses do not want to rock the boat for their patients.

Add in reports that 'we managed really well without you' and, hey presto, a magic formula to avoid further strikes.

Nurses have endured poor wages and working conditions over successive governments. Most are not activists and seek a peaceful working life. If last week's action is to be meaningful in the long-term they need to be strong, and stay united.

We need to support the nurses because it's about everyone's right to safe health care. Do you want to be cared for in an unsafe hospital environment with short staffing and overworked, underpaid nurses? This strike affects us all and as such we should all be joining the nurses on the picket line.

D Cunliffe, Ohauiti (Abridged).