A quick word

It seems personal responsibility is a thing of the past in New Zealand and this has been well demonstrated by some of the recent reactions to the coalition Government’s plans to introduce compulsory smoking. Especially in respect to Ma ¯ ori and Pasifika who are, apparently, to be force- fed tobacco products.

Phil Chitty, Albany.

Regarding Pisa tests, try them yourself by looking up Pisa mathematics past questions in Google.

Keith Duggan, Browns Bay.

I’d love to see the research that shows best practice bike infrastructure would return 10- 25 times the costs involved ( NZ Herald Dec 7). With the cost of our cycleways here in Auckland that must include the elixir of life for all cyclists.

James Archibald, Birkenhead.

Tory Whanau has displayed courage in admitting she has a drinking problem and leaving herself open to judgment and censure from the entire country. Before the pitchforks come out, we should remember the drinking culture in Aotearoa is as natural as breathing and is normalised in daily life. Alcohol advertising is pervasive and readily accepted as what we must do to have fun and be accepted socially. Tory has adamantly stated that her problem with alcohol won’t impede her ability to do her job, so let’s peek out from our glasshouses

and give her a chance to prove that.

Mary Hearn, Glendowie.

The old coach has gone and the team now dances to the new coach’s tune. The rules of the game have not changed. The Opposition is still as formidable as ever and high performance expectations are through the roof. And so it is for Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Police Commissioner Andrew Coster. Get with the programme Andrew . . . or on yer bike.

Larry. N. Mitchell, Rothesay Bay.

Will Auckland Transport stop running buses that are not wanted? I often see buses running empty and sometimes there are buses that just have one or two people in them. AT must know by now when buses are needed and when they run empty. A huge amount of our rates money goes to subsidise AT and it needs to be more cost- effective as there is a limit to how much money we can afford to pay in rates.

Arthur Moore, Pakuranga.

With apologies to Monty Python, and with the goal of more inclusivity and good humour, perhaps the new Government could establish a Ministry of Silly Hats.

Chris Lonsdale, New Plymouth.

With the media reporting on all the various politicians calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, could they please add my name also. It will have the same impact on the situation.

L. Mallon, Te Atatu ¯ .