A quick word

As we start the new year, let’s think hard about how we want New Zealand to be. One country, New Zealand, One people, New Zealanders. Let us work together to have the best little country in the world. Bring on 2022. Linda Beck, West Harbour.

A family day out to West Auckland’s Karioitahi Beach turned into our very own version of Squid Games, involving our children versus ute/quad bike/motorbike. Instead of lazily relaxing on towels while our children frolicked in the shallows building sandcastles, we played “traffic marshall” and had our senses overwhelmed by diesel fumes and roaring engines. Why is this allowed in 100% pure New Zealand? Allison Kelly, Mt Roskill.

Once again, when the nation is faced with any dire circumstance, involving challenges to the rules of behaviour in fighting Covid-19, the official default reaction is that, “we are disappointed”. A wandering minstrel (DJ) breaks the rules, putting the whole country on notice and guess what? Are we capable just once, of being furious, angry or even outraged? I know that I am. Rob Elliott, Kohimarama.

Whether one can get a booster shot for Covid-19 seems to depend on where one lives. It seems to be a problem in Auckland, according to your letters. Here in Thames it is quite different. On December 29, I happened on a vaccination centre opening up in our local mall. As I had my second shot four months ago, I asked if they could give me a booster. No problem, I was ushered in and it was done immediately. So, Aucklanders, here is another reason to visit the Coromandel.

John Allum, Thames

If NZ Football wants to improve their current makeup of international match calendars, etc. May I humbly suggest they leave Oceania Football Confederation and (like the Socceroos) join the Asia Football Confederation.

Tiong Ang, Mt Roskill.

Imagine if everyone who wants to come home to Aotearoa New Zealand is actually able to come home. A further explosion in the housing crisis causing further embarrassment to this “be kind” government. Another reason the Government is making it so hard for Kiwis to come home.

Lloyd Murcott, Whangamata¯.

On the UK DJ: Be kind — send him home! Dennis Knill, Parnell

The first line of Simon Bridges’ opinion piece (Herald, Dec 31) says it all. He heads back from the future telling us Ronald Reagan was his favourite US President. So I guess what we can expect from National is a throwback to the now-discredited neoliberal policies of Reagan and Thatcher. Just what we don’t need as a commentary to end 2021. Neil Anderson, Algies Bay