Rants & Raves
Tell us what you love about life in New Zealand — and what needs to change. Email rantandrave @nzherald.co.nz
Rave
I had dealings with the Papakura police after discovering a burglar breaking into our property. I cannot thank the officers enough for their swift reactions to my call (they apprehended the offenders within half an hour) and their care and courtesy to me. C. Morris
Rant
Thanks Colleen, for your comments earlier this week. My husband was in Middlemore Hospital for 10 days seriously ill. The cost of parking was tremendous. I went twice a day for about an hour at a time. Over this period it cost me over $200. If hotels can issue key cards that expire on checkout, surely this system can be used at our hospitals. How many families cannot afford to visit their loved ones? Lorna Reid
Rave
We visited Rainbow Springs, Rotorua, on Saturday and the weather was looking bad for the afternoon. After inquiring about the day pass and wondering if it was worth it, Nicole behind the desk said if we bought a day pass we could come and go between showers and come back the following day as the forecast was better, using the same pass. Her helpful, flexible attitude meant we purchased. N Stone
Rant
Is it just me who thinks the credit card fees that Air New Zealand charges for booking flights is ridiculous? A $16 fee for flights for two people. I'm not too sure how they can justify this fee? But then again they don't have to, people will continue to pay this as there aren't any other options. Romana
Rave
Kudos to the driver of the 6.39 train from Sturges Rd who averted an accident by applying the emergency brake when a person decided to cross the tracks just before Glen Eden station. Even though we had to wait until he restarted the train (which took about 25 minutes), we were kept up to date until we reached Newmarket. Good on him for managing so well. Christine
Rant
Just as we sit for dinner the phone rings. Automated “robot” message from Spark says as soon as Ellen is available, press 2. I hang up not interested in their robot message. A few minutes later the message comes in again from a different number. Same again. I decided to ring their call centre and ask them to stop the practice. On hold for between 32 and 56 minutes before speaking to a person. Come on Spark, this is criminal. David Neil