IN A FEW WORDS

There is only one way to survive a Christchurch winter and that is wrap up warmly and seize the day (or night). That is exactly what thousands of families did on Saturday night to enjoy the spectacular Garden D’light at the Botanic Gardens. Congratulations and a very big thank you to The Press and the gardens’ staff for putting on such an inspiring event. After the wet week, I fear for the state of the lawns but it was all to a worth-while end.

VICKI STEVEN

How easy it is to subvert democracy in New Zealand. All that is needed is a complacent public and an arrogant coterie of cabinet ministers backed by selfinterested land-owners. Does Environment Minister Nick Smith’s assurance that democratically elected councillors will return for the election in 2019 carry any more commitment than the similar assurances he gave for 2013?

JOHN BALNEAVES

I’m writing to sincerely thank and praise the Westpac rescue helicopter. I had a serious bike accident back in February which I’m still recovering from. Without the rapid response from the rescue helicopter crew I may not have been here to write this letter. They were my life saver. They do work that we take for granted and don’t get enough thanks and donations. I’ve donated to them and will do so each year in thanks.

CHRIS STARK

It is nice that landlords will have to insulate their rentals. Let’s just hope Environment Canterbury isn’t involved.

SUSIE WANTY Al Nisbet’s cartoon in The Press (June 30) is spot on. I am pleased someone had the courage to say it like it is. Jihad terrorism and all forms of terrorism against innocents does not have a a divine or ideological mandate at all. It is absurd that terrorists are taught that they will receive ‘‘a paradise’’ here or in the afterlife by murdering innocent people.

NEVIN TAIT