TO THE POINT

It’s all well and good the Government and others calling for less plastic wrap on items like food, but who made the rules on this, under the guise of health and safety? Not the manufacturer, in many cases.

Leonard F Rumbold, Paparangi

A recent television news report stated that China has concerns over the political stance of Aotearoa. Our nation is New Zealand. Not Aotearoa New Zealand and certainly not just Aotearoa. When will this insidious corruption of our nationality cease? At the signing of the Treaty, Ma¯ ori used Niu Tirani as the country’s name.

Bryan Johnson, Omokoroa

If the Government and its predecessors, as individuals, were not benefiting from high house prices, something would have been done long ago about the predatory practices of real estate agents, particularly those using the closed tender method. The advent of thousands of immigrants willing to pay the asking price has made New Zealand a real estate agent’s paradise. It is the Government, not the public, that is complacent. Carole Naylor, Papakowai

I applaud mayor Justin Lester for giving voice on behalf of the many Wellingtonians who want the council to press ahead with refurbishing the Town Hall (Feb 20). I have sung in Wellington’s Orpheus symphonic choir since the early 1980s. For me, the fine acoustics there are the best in the city. We now have to sing in venues which are inferior for both audience and choir. Expensive repairs, yes. But as the mayor says it will never be cheaper. We’ve already waited too long – please, councillors, vote wisely.

Russell Tregonning, Seatoun

For and against a Universal Basic Income (Feb 20) was very well put. A problem as I see it is that the wealthy and those who don’t need it will benefit. The cost of living will go up and those on a low income will be no better off. An example of that is when students were given $50 a week, then landlords immediately collected it off them. Trying to get the unemployed to work is a much sounder idea, as just expecting a handout for doing nothing isn’t good for society.

Ray Hyndman, Avalon

As a cyclist I find most roads absolutely shocking, including cycle lanes. Common sense tells me that the smoother the road the less friction on my bike and the less wear and tear on tyres, and less consumption for motorists. Roading contractors and the councillors who appoint them should spend six months riding a bike. Then they might appreciate how they can lessen the impact of shabby workmanship, so everyone wins.

Roger Wright, Hastings