A quick word

I suspect that for a long time, someone has been leaking government papers to the script writer for The Simpsons.

Peter Culpan, Te Atat¯u Peninsula.

If the average hourly rate for a teacher is $22, that makes them $3 above the minimum wage and, by the end of

2020, only $2 above. Zero chance of ever owning a house in Auckland. Perhaps they should just strike in Auckland to give Aucklanders a taste of what Auckland’s schools will look like in

2021.

Gary Hollis, Mellons Bay.

What a pleasure to read Simon Wilson’s informed and researched contribution on Saturday. His thoughtful and professional journalism is first class and leaves the shallow, repetitive and biased contributions from the radio jocks in the shade.

Bill Mathews, St Marys Bay.

If there was any useful outcome gleaned from the emissions of protest from the youthful climate change gurus, it was at least to wake up the elephant in the room — that the planet is straining under overpopulation and people need to limit the size of their families.

Colleen Wright, Botany Downs.

Cook was a celebrated explorer who treated his people well and respected those he encountered on the way. We should be glad of his contribution. Lizzie, If you promise not to rewrite history I will promise not to sing in public.

Murray Reid, Cambridge.

The education department is getting teachers from other countries but immigration won’t visa them because the pay rate is too low. It reads like the Mad Hatter’s tea party. How stupid can governance get? Chris Hipkins at large? You go guy.

Jim Carlyle, Te Atat¯u Peninsula.

Why doesn’t the Government insist the makers of sugary drinks lower the sugar content or face a hefty fine? People who like these sugary drinks will still buy them tax or no tax. B.A. Mudford, Matamata.

I always question those who call on more taxation. Disguised as a concern for the public health, you can guarantee that the taxes they are calling for do not apply to them.

Kent Millar, Blockhouse Bay.

Jacinda Ardern on Mike Hosking Breakfast scorecard: Ums and ahs: 87. Substance: 1. Dennis Knill, Parnell.

Last weekend’s Canvas gave us the very nice side of Judith Collins in a “From Crusher With Love” story, but I’m not entirely convinced. We still may need a 007 on standby, just to be on the safe side.

Dean Donoghue, Papamoa Beach.