Inequity in Oamaru

Ann from Waitaki District

Hi everyone

I've noticed in Oamaru that some of us are privileged over others, which creates equity issues.


Without public transport, it is increasingly difficult for the elderly or people with children to get around if they live away from town. One friend of mine has a heart problem and lost her licence three years ago. She used to go fishing and lead an independent life. Now she must climb to the top of South Hill to get home from the shops. She has access to the taxi service, but in March now can’t get a new book until May. She must go to Dunedin once a month because of her heart, but must climb South Hill to get home from the doctor and the shops. You might say this will improve her heart but she is nearly 80. This really is unacceptable for me.

Another example is again to do with those with cars and those without. This applies to a lot of elderly people who have lost their licences through health issues. First of all, the rubbish question. Those with limited resources have to use the yellow plastic rubbish bags which are climbing to $5 to put all their rubbish including recycling, or pay to have more removed. Those with cars can take them to the recycling centre for nothing.

Another story refers to the health system here in Oamaru. I heard recently about an elderly couple around the corner, where the husband collapsed and was taken to his doctor by ambulance because there were no beds in the hospital. Ok this was a solution, but his wife then had to take him home by car afterwards, and he had to crawl up the steps of his home because his elderly wife couldn’t of course carry him up.
There is a lot of inequity here which I feel we and the council must address.
Ann