Short & sweet

On labels

Graphic cigarette packet labelling, with text only seen in a horror novel, must have helped reduce tobacco smoking and its addiction in New Zealand. Excessive sugar consumption causes diabetes and other chronic health diseases. Maybe it is time for sugar-laced drink bottles to carry graphic images and text too?

Rob Buchanan, Kerikeri.

On National

National may be perfectly united behind the policies it offers, but they are policies that 55 per cent of us don't want.

B Darragh, Auckland Central.

On education

Missing school because of poverty in families is missing the point of education. All the more reason to be educated, work hard and do well in life. I was born and educated in India. Poor people in that country see schooling as a to priority. They see the benefits of education and for them school is something to be treasured. Michael Glass in yesterday's

Herald is absolutely correct. I taught in here and it is a joy to meet former pupils who have been fulfilled in their lives. David Taylor, Waiake.

On document

It's nice to see the veil of secrecy likely to be lifted from the Labour and NZ First’s 33-page coalition negotiation document. The good thing coming out of this is National's negotiations will also have to be publicised, hopefully side-by-side next to Labour's. Finally, we will get to see all the “secret” details that were discussed on tax-payers' time and money. But, will we? Rene Blezer, Taupo

On work for the dole

Our daughter living in Australia had to work for the dole. She had to “volunteer” at a salvation army shop for 20 hours-plus per week. It got her motivated again, having to go to work every day, and led to her getting paid employment. It is a great scheme. Jenny Renouf, Belmont.