A quick word

Pohutukawa, you’re blooming early, but that’s bloomin’ good. The trees are laden with blossom so we’ll enjoy your crimson blooms right up to the festive season and beyond. Rosemary Cobb, Milford.

When an earthquake jolted the parliamentary sitting on Tuesday, did the MPs do what their officials tell us to do, and drop, cover and hold? Just asking.

Henry Perkins, Botany Downs.

Once Karel Sroubek has residency he could go to Australia. I foresee Australia tightening up on travellers from here. Neville Cameron, Coromandel.

India has unveiled a huge statue of an independence leader costing more than $585 million. More dignified than two gigantic bronze fingers aimed at Britain, saying: “Thanks for all the aid, suckers”.

Ron Hoares, Wellsford.

When will the waterfront stadium promoters realise the rest of us don’t want it no matter how golden they paint it?

Margaret Oldham, Devonport.

I assume Jami-Lee Ross could try to stay in Parliament until the next election so that by “serving” three full terms he qualified for the gold-plated super scheme.

John Robertson, Papamoa Beach.

It is a bit rich of ANZ Group chairman John Key to say banks need closer scrutiny when, as PM, he did nothing. Bruce Tubb, Belmont.

Asia Bibi, a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy against Allah after eight years on death row in Pakistan, should be offered asylum here. Her life is in danger because she spoke up for her faith. Maria Carbines, Hillsborough.

So-called debate by our politicians is not only a waste of time but unproductive. As David Lange said when asked if he had a preference for sitting hours, “I think we should stop after question time”.

John Clements, Orewa.

Four words explain why New Zealand should not swap the monarch for a president: Trump, Clinton, Bush, Nixon. Peter Culpan, Te Atatu Peninsula.

Karel Sroubek can stay if he mows lawns, paints houses and talks to schools about drugs for 60 hours a week.

Glenn Forsyth, Taupo.

The Lion Air disaster mirrors other recent flyby-wire airspeedrelated autopilot conflicts. Time for a review?

Larry Mitchell, Puhoi.

Now the parliamentary prayer has been modified, God Defend New Zealand’s lyrics demand the same scrutiny.

Bill Wollerman, Lower Hutt.