A quick word

Why is our Government rewarding Ireland with the appointment as ambassador of Trevor Mallard — one of our finest — after they beat us so easily in rugby? Something doesn’t add up.

Ted Partridge, Mangere.

Having a wee bit of Irish ancestry, I can admit that, if the Irish can’t find anyone else to fight, they’ll fight amongst themselves. Mallard should fit in well.

Peter Patten, Albany.

Frank Olsson (WH, Aug. 20) is concerned we might try to “hold China back”. More useful to accept China is a ruthless totalitarian state, intent on pursuing its imperial ambitions across the Asia-Pacific.

Stewart Hawkins, St Heliers.

Mary Holm deserves a block of Whittaker’s Miraka Kirımi for her response to criticism for using te reo in her column.

Denise de Groot, Browns Bay.

I read Mary Holm for her financial service, and don’t expect to have cultural counselling.

James Gregory, Parnell.

MP Dr Gaurav Sharma is fortunate he has muchneeded profession waiting for him after his time spent striving to become a politician.

Pat Magill, Napier.

The real reason the PM will not hold a by-election for Gaurav Sharma is it will be a shocking result for Labour.

Tom Reynolds, St Heliers.

The Sharma problem seems to have arisen when he arrived in Parliament and found out he was just another backbencher and not a “special” member.

Rex Fausett, Auckland Central.

Garry Hollis (WH, Aug. 20) suggests most councils or councillors “would struggle to run a bath”. As would many, most houses and apartments these days come with a shower but no bathtub.

Peter Clapshaw, Remuera.

Many now advocate zero tax on the first $20,000 of income. The first party to announce this as a policy will significantly improve their prospects in the next election.

Chris Elias, Mission Bay,

Has Waka Kohati decided that if you can’t fit all four wheels into it, it doesn’t classify it as a pothole? Mike Brooke,

New Plymouth.

It isn’t the perfectly pronounced te reo on the TV news that grates, so much as the persistently mangled, strangulated English.

Mike Wagg, Freemans Bay.

Interesting to see some churches taking the Government to court over restrictions during the red light phase of Covid. I wonder if they are equally keen to participate further in society by paying taxes?

Alan Johnson, Papatoetoe.

This Government’s answer to ram raids is “bicycles”.

David Jones, Parnell.