Public transport at saleyards
Perhaps in the light of the proposed development of the ‘‘saleyards site’’ (July 23) it would be opportune to ask where the CCC, ECan & NZTA are hiding the long term plans (if they exist) for a provincial transport/commuter-rail network centre?
Having thought deeply on such for the past two decades, I am yet to find an area already aligned to rail access from all directions that can cope with bus-taxi-cycle access and dispersal so easy as is the saleyards and Deans Ave area.
If such plans exist or others already have an alternative model for the next 50 years, there are hundreds beyond the city boundary who’d love to hear about them. I won’t hold my breath.
The Public Works Act still exists – use it before it’s too late. John McCaskey, Waipara
Sanitary items
I applaud Countdown’s decision to reduce the price of sanitary items.
But if they really wanted to deliver on their recent commitment to reduce plastic, they would stock reusable pads and mooncups, preferably at eye level on the shelf.
Such a display would be a rainbow of environmental and healthy options against the current wall of plastic bleached evil that causes harm to our bodies and the environment.
As a waste educator I know that sanitary products are one of the worst polluters. If they are disposed of properly, they get wrapped (often in plastic) and sent to landfill, but there are still many being flushed that contribute to sewer fatbergs, and a surprising number are littered.
Whether Countdown starts stocking reusable options will depend on whether their environmental policy is robust enough to risk having customers purchase once, rather than every month. Sharon McIver, Little River
Where will it end?
I read with interest the article on women’s sanitary products and the affordability of them.
What next? Will they put the following into schools: men’s razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and so forth?
Most of these have to be used every day too. Where is this going to end.
D Griffiths, Hoon-Hay
Tobacco fight
Hurrah that Mike Yardley abandoned his smoking habit. His observation (July 24) that tobacco excise tax is both a government revenue stream and a driver to quit smoking draws into sharp focus our collective priorities.
Tariana Turia courageously challenged the free-market mindset around unabated tobacco sales and consequent harms. Any other product traded in our marketplace that kills over half the long-term users would be banned without hesitation.
Now the new Government needs to show its courage to drive the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 goal with the same degree of boldness.
If it wants to reduce inequalities, reduce poverty and save lives, then making tobacco less accessible and alternatives freely available, and continuing to price it out of the market are potentially a generational life-changer.
The money or the (body) bag – come on New Zealanders, which will it be? Barbara Holland, Greymouth
Charm offensive
The Christchurch City Council’s charm offensive was on full display today. This two-year, Edwardsdriven initiative, costing $54,000 has been designed to remove the council’s usual ‘‘heavy handed and bureaucratic approach’’ to one of being more approachable with a joyful can-do attitude.
Unfortunately this new rebranding went off the rails this week when a council flat tenant had the audacity to insulate her flat with bats in the ceiling and double glazing on the windows.
The council was not impressed that she achieved something that it couldn’t and will demand that she reinstates the rental to its original state of climatic bleakness. You just can’t teach this sort of nonsense.