Tell us what you think. Send a text to 021 241 4568, write HBT then your message. Max of 150 characters per text.

● It is appalling that the NCC gave cost ratepayers over $60,000 on a court case because they did not consult the residents. Have they learned anything? JJ ● Whats wrong with Govt & govt departments with the latest change to policy under the guise of getting more teachers into our education system — how can removing the need for overseas trained teachers to pass English compentancy test be good for our Education system let alone our children — ours & our children’s future is not in good hands!!! JLT ● My thoughts are with Ros Rowe and all those at Leg up trust on the loss of such a beautiful animal.

● Absolutely appalled to read of Molly the cat being shot. I hope she recovers really quickly. Best wishes to the poor owner also.

● I brought a 2 litre bottle of spring water a few days ago, it tasted different so I looked on the back of the bottle and what did I see, chlorine added, this annoyed me when bottled water is supposed to be pure, and chemical free so I went and brought a different brand of bottled water and still had chlorine added. Buyers beware, read the labels.

Last night I had a fish in my outdoor fish pond die. That’s the fourth fish to die since chlorine in the water. Maybe council will restock my fish pond. DM Had to change our bike rides. Two punctures in two weeks due to the glass on the cycleways by Boys High and throught Maraenui. Not the councils fault it’s the idiots who do it.

Please don’t lease out port we must keep control we know who wants it so dont let it happen

Well said Ruth Holmes re: fireworks & animals. (It doesn’t end on the 6th either!) I also think that a public display at Matariki is a better idea. Alison B-C Please stop calling Halloween an American tradition!!!!! It is 2000-year-old English Celtic pagan festival signifying of end of Summer and begin ning of winter and when living world and underworld become close together hense evolving with ghostly associations.

Recently I was fortunate to have an operation at Royston Hospital. I have to say the care and attention shown by all staff was great and the meals outstanding. Thank you. R.B. ● Purchasing a bag of potatoes is like a box of chocolates “you don’t know what you gonna get” some of the quality is so poor , that is served to the public. JC Thank you for texting your views. Please note that owing to the anonymous nature of texts we will not publish unfair personal attacks. — Ed