Time to act on these horrible hoardings
I presume that we have either laws or bylaws that can help deal with this burgeoning epidemic of signage that is taking over our streets and public spaces.
If we have such laws, who is responsible for enforcing them? Maybe we could reduce unemployment by having some signage officers!
If the laws don't yet exist, surely it is time for our local authorities to draft the necessary bylaws to deal with this pollution before it gets totally out of hand.
The response to this needs to be carefully planned as some of those who are spreading this pollution are already evolving ways to conceal their true intent.
This can be seen where the simple "A" frame sign on a trailer has evolved into a professionally sign written vehicle whose primary function is being a billboard.
The early examples of this were to buy a derelict vehicle, sign write it and then tow it to a suitable location. This has become more sophisticated with the billboards disguised as late model vehicles, eg Superloans ( I didn't see their van on the day the photos were taken).
Luckily it is not too late, as only a small percentage of local firms have caught on to this cheap advertising medium.
The problem will come if even 10 per cent of local firms decide this is a good idea then our streets and public spaces will become congested with these eyesores.
Greg Hinton, Napier
Thanks for the help
I would like to extend a heart-felt thank you from Arthritis New Zealand to the thousands of volunteers, members and donors who helped to make our 2011 Arthritis Appeal Week a success.
We are proud to report that thanks to the ongoing generosity and support of our donors, we raised $4819 in the Hawke's Bay region during this year's appeal.
Across the country, we raised a total of $390,600. We depend on fundraising for 75 per cent of our income; it is paramount to our success.
Without your generous donations, we wouldn't be able to help the over 530,000 New Zealanders who live with the pain of arthritis every day.
Although this year's street appeal has concluded, our work to improve the health and wellbeing of people who are affected by arthritis continues, and we still need your help.
If you missed our collectors, you can still support us by making a $20 donation by calling 0900 333 20.
If you would like to learn more about the services we offer, how to volunteer, or make a donation, ring 0800 663 463 or visit www.arthritis.org.nz.
Sandra Kirby, Chief executive, Arthritis New Zealand
Policy attacks women
I note that the proposed welfare policy is a head on attack on women. It seems I may have missed out on recognising a truly miraculous phenomena over the past few years, Either there are a large number of amazing virgin births, or as soon as some men co-create a child they immediately become invisible. Where are the fathers of all the children of women on the Domestic Purposes benefit? What contribution are they making to the maintenance of their children?
When benefits are collapsed together, sorry rationalised, what is going to happen to a woman whose husband dies or is killed before the birth of his child? Where formerly she would go on to a Widow's Benefit she will become just another woman who has a child while on a benefit.
Are we going to have sub-categories of the deserving poor and the undeserving poor?
(Abridged)
Jillian Forsyth, Napier