How very refreshing to read the article by kaumatua Colin Bidois in the Sun of Nov 2, about accepting and understanding the different values of the people who live in this nation. I recently heard in an interview of a marathon runner who had lived and trained in different world countries - she considered New Zealand to be a paradise.

A few years ago I visited Vietnam, a country with a long history of occupation and horrific warfare but their attitude is one of putting aside the past and striving for a great future.

Part of the aim of the Treaty of Waitangi was partnership and that is something that we could all strive for. Of course it is't easy but negativism is so destructive. Perhaps we don't notice it but there is a lot of good working together going on in relation to the restoration and preservation of the environment. This happens in other areas too.

I wish that we could accentuate the positive and put the negative where it belongs. Negativism is like wearing blinkers and seeing only a narrow view.

If not paradise we can share 'a slice of Heaven” and enjoy each other more.

Norah Hobcroft, Greerton.