I was deeply dismayed, offended, and frankly incredulous to witness a local council candidate publicly demean an entire segment of our community with vile, ageist rhetoric. That someone seeking public office would choose to alienate older citizens—many of whom have contributed decades of hard work to society—is not only astonishing, but also profoundly disrespectful.

Contrary to this candidate’s sweeping assumptions, not all older people face retirement with mortgages fully paid or carefree finances. Many remain burdened by debt, rising living costs, and housing insecurity. To paint this demographic with a single, dismissive brush ignores both economic realities and personal histories.

Even more disturbing was the suggestion that older individuals should refrain from travel or engagement simply because, in the candidate’s view, they’ve “already had their turn.” Such naive assumptions not only show ignorance but a stunning lack of empathy and understanding. No one, regardless of age, deserves to be told to shut themselves in and stop living.

It baffles me that any person running for public office would attack a group they may well rely on for votes. I once held the writer in high regard, but that respect has been irrevocably lost. They will not receive my vote, nor my support, in any form.

D.J McNicholas

The original letter this article is referring to can be read at: https://uhconnection.co.nz/letters-to-the-editor/letter-to-the-editor-teresa-homan/

A “thank you” to D.J McNicholas for sending this letter to The Upper Hutt Connection.

06/08/25