THUMBS UP & DOWN

■ Thumbs up: to all the team at Bridgestone Waipukurau for their speedy service and willingness to help when you’re in a pickle! Your efforts are noticed fellas.

■ Thumbs up: to the honest young man who was behind me at the ANZ ATM and noticed I’d left my card there and returned it to me just as I was leaving town. Thank you so much.

■ Thumbs up: to Henry and staff at Angkor Wat, very short staffed but still happy to see you and great service.

■ Thumbs up: to all the volunteers in our community — you are all fantastic.

■ Thumbs up: to the people who do not throw glass bottles out on the side of the road, they prevent horses, dogs and runners getting cut by broken glass.

■ Thumbs up: to Takapau Rugby Club for a great season. Thoroughly enjoyed watching home games and the spirit in which they’ve been played.

■ Thumbs up: to Fred and Fi Barrett and the two other people who went out of their way to check I was okay when I had a problem with my horse float. So much caring in Waipukurau.

■ Thumbs up: to Tukituki Medical and the pharmacy who’ve been brilliant to our family this week. Very quick, very kind and helpful when we’ve had a sick bub.

■ Thumbs up: to all the organisers of Saturday morning netball for our tamariki. Run smooth, always on time, no stress. Thanks heaps.

■ Thumbs up: to the people that park legally at the new amazing Waipawa Bakehouse Cafe. Everyone loves this awesome place and the owners of the properties surrounding it really appreciate you.

■ Thumbs down: to those who leave their litter at the Gum Tree Mountain Bike Park picnic table. The last three times I’ve been there I’ve picked up litter. Take your rubbish home and keep the park tidy for all to enjoy.

■ Thumbs down: to the runners on the roads at dusk or dawn not wearing either reflector gear or hi vis-but wearing black or grey. Fast moving transport cannot easily see you when you are jogging along on the road. Please protect yourself and the potentially poor unsuspecting person you swerve out in front of by wearing some easy to see reflector tape or other hi vis wear . . . drivers aren’t looking to run you over, but being able to clearly see you just may save your lives and those who would carry the burden for years if they hit you.

■ Thumbs down: to the person who regularly dumps a rubbish bag beside the bin situated in the High St, Waipawa carpark. The wild cats rip it apart and the council staff have to pick up your mess!