Preserve our landscape

Thanks, travel agents

Throughout the Covid pandemic, essential workers have rightly been praised for their selflessness.

However, I cannot recall a thank you to our travel agents, who in the beginning spent hours with little pay, unravelling flights and cruise plans inorder to get refunds for worried and, I suspect, some impatient clients.

Even recently, when some countries banned flights out of Britain, travel agents would have been called on to rejig flights so New Zealanders could get home. They have done a terrific job and Iwould like to say thank you.

John Masson, Waikanae

Reading Joe Bennett’s column is a great way for his many fans to start the day with a laugh or two. But not Leave Tarras alone, you greedsters (Jan 6).

Over 20 years ago I overheard a tourist describing a holiday in New Zealand ‘‘nothing to do, so boring – it’s all scenery’’.

Now people like this person are doing all they can to destroy this natural heritage, transforming charming little country towns into mini-Queenstowns, glitzy, over-crowded, with ‘‘plenty to do’’ at night, then sleep it off before rousing to be ferried to the next town or city by bus if, sadly, there is no airport – yet!

Every one of us now enjoying the opportunity to holiday at home should consider Bennett’s wise words and do everything possible to preserve our unique landscapes and forests and the many divergent experiences they provide – for every age and fitness level.

Marie Woods, Christchurch