Peters a big loss but Swarbrick unconvincing
ELSPETH McLean writes (Opinion, 21.10.20) that Chloe Swarbrick is young, bright, thoughtful and capable of rational argument.
I'll concede that she's young but what I pick up is somewhat different in that she seems to be no fan of democracy, lacks substance, is keen to divide people on basis of age and is her own biggest fan (well, maybe with the exception of Dunedin Mayor Aaron Hawkins).
In contrast, Elspeth dismisses the loss of Winston Peters from Parliament as of no consequence, but no matter what your politics are, one should be able to note that Peters is a big loss to the New Zealand Government.
Whoever is going to replace him as New Zealand's foreign minister has some big shoes to step into.
So, I rather hope that, in the next few days, Helen White wins Auckland Central from the special votes to rein in the anointed reign of Swarbrick.
White is everything that Swarbrick is not and a much better candidate for Auckland Central than Swarbrick, who recently dismissively referred to women such as Elspeth and 50% of NZ's voters as ‘‘people with uteruses’’.
One assumes that she doesn't refer to the women around her in such terms.
Richard Seager
Kew
Bus service
ON Wednesday, I took the 8.40am early bus to Palmerston from the bus hub unit E, and as a gold card holder it cost me nothing both ways, arriving about 9.50am, and leaving again at 11am.
I spoke to another couple who also came at the same time as me, and the cost for someone younger than a gold card was $2 with a Bee Card or $3 without a Bee Card each way.
I have decided to take the trip on a Wednesday on pay week. It feels like an overseas trip, a chance to get out of town for a morning.
This week, I had a hot chocolate and cheese roll, followed by an icecream at the cafe in the main street, and there are several interesting shops next to the cafe to browse in the time available.
Interesting people to meet and chat, too, and as I used to go to the dentist there when I was living in the Maniototo, a familiar place to me.
A very clean toilet very close to the bus stop, so everything I could ask for.
The buses only run through the working days, Monday to Friday, and with three trips each way, one can stay longer if one has the urge to.
We were asked to support businesses because of Covid19 where we can, so I am sure a few extra dollars from each of us will be welcomed. Get a group together for a fun trip. I usually ask a friend to join me.
Anne Marie Parsons
Kaikorai