Letter: Lack of respect at Tereora College prizegiving event

Dear Editor, I recently attended the Tereora College prize-giving ceremony, and I was deeply disappointed by the behaviour of some parents and their children during the event. It was akin to a rooster being woken before dawn – abrupt and disrespectful.

During the final speech by the Dux of 2024, a speech filled with inspirational words and wisdom, several parents and their children chose to leave the room. This action not only disrupted the event but also showed a lack of respect for the hard work and achievements of the speaker. It is disheartening to see that respect and courtesy are seemingly undervalued by some in our community.
The children of today are watching and learning from their parents, and this behaviour is teaching them to be rude and inattentive during significant moments. It is essential that we, as a community, instill values of respect and appreciation in our young ones.
Let us strive to ensure that such discourtesy does not become a norm at our important community events. Everyone deserves to be heard and respected, especially those who have worked hard to earn their moment of recognition.

Sincerely,
Rangi-ate

(Name and address supplied)