A quick word
The new regulations on vaping is still “fiddling while Rome burns”. Enforcement will be difficult, costly and possibly ineffective. Why not make the sensible and brave decision to ban vaping altogether and that will be the end of the contentious problem.
Randal Lockie, Rothesay Bay.
Watching Winston Peters’ puerile display in the foyer of Parliament as he walked through a group of journalists with his phone to his ear listening to the Chumbawamba song “I get knocked down” and hearing in Question Time his buffoon of a deputy calling out inane comments at the top of his voice. You would have to wonder if NZ First didn’t go hard-out to get elected just to settle old scores?
John Capener, Kawerau.
Allowing anyone other than the Government to operate our inter-island ferries would be just as stupid as it was to sell the railways. The ferries are part of the NZ trunk line and essential to the smooth running of our national transport system. An efficient maintenance system would allow the existing ferries to run another 10 years at least. Put money into purchasing a suitable tug boat for the essential security needed now.
Jim Lawry, Rotorua.
Next time you see someone in a wheelchair don’t forget to thank him or her for contributing to your tax cuts.
Peter Beyer, Sandringham.
I am not surprised that Winston Peters has, yet again, made a completely inappropriate comment. However what does surprise me is why the leader of a minor party makes a so-called “State of the Nation” address. Surely this is the prerogative of the leader of whichever is the major party, even in the existing three-party coalition. Graeme Leary, Clevedon.
I feel that it is ironic that Chloe Swarbrick is objecting to government proposals to recommend eviction of unruly or defaulting state housing tenants while many of those most adversely affected by misconduct are constituents of the Green Party.
Phil Saunders, Northcote.
K¯ainga Ora is responsible for housing people, not for disciplining them. If laws are broken it is a matter for the police. If there are social problems other agencies need to step up. Throwing people into the street is never the solution and will only further damage families.
Bob van Ruyssevelt, Glendene.
Perhaps the banks, or customers, need to consider having a faceto-face meeting with their bank manager when they want to invest their life savings. This is not a new concept but one that was commonplace and had a degree of personal service, something banks aren’t keen on promoting anymore.
John Ford, Taradale.
With MPs of varied hue being caught out in their speechifying, whether blatantly or by sidestepping the truth, I’m reminded of the old joke — Q: How can you tell when a politician is telling lies? A: Their lips move.
Brian Millar, Titirangi.
How can your columnist Bruce Cotterill be taken seriously when he says “Do we really need more bureaucrats in the Ministry of Education than teachers”. This statement is so completely inaccurate as to be laughable. However the worst part of it is some people will believe him.
Gil Laurenson, Eastern Beach.
There is currently a campaign to allow residents in Gaza to come to New Zealand as refugees. Before this is even considered, we would be wise to ask the likes of Egypt and Jordan on why they won’t accept any refugees from Gaza. I think their reasons would be quite compelling.
Kent Millar, Blockhouse Bay.