Tonight as I waited for my bus at the end of a long working day my eyes were drawn to a young lady drawing nervously and deeply on a cigarette. Nothing unusual about that I thought but then I started to think a little more deeply.

I recollected several in my family who died prematurely from these “cancer sticks” and of a former workmate who, when I arrived at work for a 6am start, I could hear 100 metres away coughing his lungs up after his early morning “fix”. Sad to say, these otherwise fine people had one thing in common when answering critics of smoking: the silly ability to say inane remarks like “well you have to die of something” or “well we could just as easily be hit by a bus”! These silly responses made with bravado soon faded as they faced their demise.

The last time I saw my old workmate was when I met him draped against a pole gasping for breath - he had just been to hospital to get his daily “charge” of oxygen. I asked him the same question as I had years before, “why Bill?” This time his slow, laboured reponse was more measured and less ridiculous: “…why didn’t you guys kick me more soundly up the ass at the time?” His challenge now was very half-hearted, Bill knew he had “dug his own hole” he also knew he was about to face it - he, since, has. What a waste!

With these thoughts in mind I looked again at the more immediate: this young lady at the bus stop; then I realised why I was so sad, for here on her tightly clasped packet of cigarettes was a huge sign decreed by Government edict “… smoking kills…”. Oblivious to the huge warning sign she sucked on the cigarette and blew the smoke for others to inhale - I loathe such inconsideration.

It goes deeper - all round us we have warning signs painted in huge letters: Global warming, loss of the ecosystem, ozone depletion, endangered species, social decay, starving families, etc but, like this young lass probably signing her own death warrant, how many really care? Who but a few will ever act? Who cares who else may suffer the consequences of our actions and inaction?

The ironic part of this whole saga is that this young lady will probably claim a hospital bed and extensive medical care which will be drawn from the coffers my tax will help fund. Worse, she will probably require care from strained medical services that other, probably more deserving people, will have to be denied as resources are rationed.

But blow your smoke, think only of self, to hell with the consequences. Too many are, typically, pathetic, unenlightened, selfish and largely uncaring - yet we call ourselves the “higher species!”

How big do we have to paint the warning signs?

A huge land mass, much of Australia has few options in gaining water supplies for its vast interior.

It is an ironic situation for a country that is currently earning huge returns from its extensive mineral resources - but mankind can’t drink iron ore!

As New Zealanders’, in the face of severe economic downturn at home, flood into Australia to partake of that country’s boom times they might well reflect on a future where the environment is about to turn harsh.

It is time for the World to understand it trifles with nature at its peril!

In spite of huge natural resources Australia stands on the lip of disaster as does much of the World

Over the last few days I was making my way home on a crowded bus discussing with a fellow passenger how we may spend our Christmas break. It was a normal trip with most people sitting stoically in their familiar seats with few talking, few people making effort to communicate - in short like many commuter trips in any major city in the World.

Increasingly I have found this a sad commentary on human behaviour.

Our journey proceeded for some time at which point I felt a heavy thump on the back of my seat; I looked behind to find a middle aged man unconscious. His colour, clammy skin and general appearance, at first sight, looked deathly.

Suddenly an amazing transformation took place as I tried to remember my shamefully dated first aid skills. The stoic, seemingly indifferent passengers suddenly were confronted with a situation in which they all wanted to try to assist. What a transformation as people were galvanised into action!

In a short space of time the patient was revived and we collectively arranged to transport him home - but the really amazing part was that complete strangers were suddenly chatting in a way totally different to their accustomed manner on that regular bus service.

What a wonderful World we would have if people communicated more, helped each other more, respected each other more and worked in a manner for the common good. Why do we have to confront our roof blowing off or some potentially disastrous position before we act like neighbours, friends or fellow beings?

How about we collectively make the resolve to reach out and communicate? Who knows we may actually make this dear old World a wonderful place.

What a great thought to cultivate. With the dawning of a brand new year what an appropriate time - it’s worth the effort! Let’s walk together.

Easter this year was a revelation to me – in New Zealand Good Friday and Easter Sunday are two of the few days when most shops are prevented by legislation from opening. As the impact of large scale 24/7 shopping has become increasingly the norm it was like a step back in time when New Zealand had little weekend and “after hours” shopping. In fact, we Kiwis, were the butt of many as overseas tourists derided the great New Zealand weekend “shutdown” – my how all that has changed!

Whether it was me being reflective, ageing or whatever, I found pangs for a return to the times when “wall to wall shopping” and blatant consumerism wasn’t so much the imperative. To see people walking, exercising, relaxing as families over the Easter weekend made me see the merits of more time “out”.

We often have the audacity to look at pet mice in their cages running like hell on their toy wheels and going nowhere – if only we could see ourselves!

I lived in a rural setting for several years, miles from community services and shops – we went to town once a month to stock on groceries and complete the essentials. It was a frenetic day as we planned it like a military exercise; it was a day we never really enjoyed. Retreating to the simple life style was so appealing. As time progressed we found the need for processed foods lessened dramatically as many of our “needs” moderated.

Alas in returning to a career in town several years ago I found the changed circumstances saw the slow acceptance again of the consumer society – and here was me thinking I would never allow that to swallow me up again!

This year with Easter and the compulsory closure of all but minimal service industries saw me realise just how we become conditioned over time.

It happens in everything: we hear of the massive deforestation in the World, global warming, loss of wildlife species, habitat destruction, etc but we collectively and conveniently ignore it. The conditioning process has begun. In time it strips us of much of our individuality, our sense of values and proportion as we become putty in the hands of commercial enterprise and vested interests. In New Zealand, as in much of the World, shopping has become one of the leading leisure activities.

Yes Easter made me reflect – the joy of seeing whole families enjoying a day together and relaxing in a more natural environment made me think we are at times our own worst enemy.

It is time to take stock folks as we are all guilty to a greater or lesser extent. Once conditioned we allow others to “pull our strings” and that is a frightening thought – we become pawns in a much bigger “game”!