Short & sweet
On social media
The misnomer of all time, as it’s been the the vehicle of much anti-social behaviour. There has been much said about the abuse received by many through this medium so why not apply the theory of if there are alligators in the river, don’t go swimming. Gordon Jackson, Papakura.
On plastic bags
When I forget to take my multi-use, ecobags into the supermarket with me, I go back to my car and get them. Simple.
Mark Windsor, Tauranga.
On Winston
I would dearly love Winston to add to his wry smile armoury the Muldoon cackle from one side of the mouth. Once accomplished he would have Sir Robert to a T. Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay.
On the United States
Wild fires, mass shootings, droughts, hurricanes, floods, Trump. How many more disasters can America sustain? Malcolm Bell, Forrest Hill.
On tax
One would have to figure that Winnie, as a hard-working individual himself I’m sure, won’t want to pay any more in personal tax either. Glenn Forsyth, Taupo.
On the police
Our police force is demonstrating its political skills. If National becomes the Government then they will decide not to prosecute anyone over the CTV debacle. If Labour becomes the Government then the police will suck up by taking action. The decision won’t be made until the next government is formed. Seven years seems rather a long time.
Neville Cameron, Coromandel.
On NZ First’s board
In the interests of the democratic process for which thousands of New Zealanders have fought and died, the so-called NZ First board members must be publicly identified and their “qualifications” to decide the next government of New Zealand made available for the electorate to decide if their decisions are the will of the majority of the electorate. Jim Radich, Hillsborough.
On recycling
With recycling and composting we have little rubbish to put out and no doubt like many other people use the plastic bags from the supermarket to contain our smelly rubbish. So in the future will we have to buy single-use plastic bin liners? I am sure with today’s technology they have the ability to produce plastic bags that break down in salt water or over time in a landfill — a much better solution.
Barry Wood, Cockle Bay.
On supermarkets
The supermarkets are making a big fuss about reducing the use of plastic and plastic bags. How serious are they? Or is it just cheap publicity for their brand? We have just received a letter from New World promoting their wine awards — no, not in the usual paper envelope but in a clear plastic envelope. not a good look. Walter F. I. Bishop, Birkenhead.
On alcohol
How can the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority consider that allowing supermarkets and bottle stores to sell alcohol 12 hours out of 24 (9am to 9pm) isn’t unreasonable? They obviously do not see the harm that the police, emergency services and many families encounter due to liberal access to alcohol. What a sad indictment on our society that sales come before safety and shame on those who upheld the appeals.
Maxine Samson, Whakatane.
On Urewera raids
Ten years on from the so called “terrorist raids” and I still haven’t seen an explanation to the alibi from the accused who were out in the bush “that they were only training security guards”. What sort of security guards would need a rifle with telescopic sights and Molotov cocktails?
John Capener, Kawerau.