Short & sweet

On departures

Charles Manson is dead, Robert Mugabe is on the way out and the world is a better place. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne.

On council

If Robert Mugabe and his high spending wife are to be sent into exile, they could apply for a position at the Auckland Council. It would begin with a ratepayerfunded business class trip here, after which they could find ways to further rort the ratepayers. Paul Beck, West Harbour.

I say, let the councillors fly business class if they wish but fringe benefits tax should apply on the difference with economy.

Chris Pattison, Papamoa.

On detention

Could the Manus Island refugees check the small print on their tickets for a free return trip, pick up their families and maybe try again to another destination with an alternative travel agent?

Glenn Forsyth, Taupo.

On greenery

It is good to see the Auckland Council building in Albert St is now a sustainable building. Pity the building was an expensive lemon in the first place.

Bruce Tubb, Belmont.

On Pike River

What a waste of taxpayer money $23m for the Pike re-entry scheme — almost as much as John Key’s flag referendum. Get real. Mike Baker, Tauranga.