* Re Maraenui empty flats: That answer is really easy. Who wants to live in the Nui? Gangs fighting each other, burglaries - want me to carry on?
* I'Il tell you why there are heaps of empty houses in Maraenui - because no one wants to live there. The people that live there need to clean their act up.
* Hi I'm a very concerned citizen driving around our neighbourhoods. Man some areas look so shabby. No offence Raureka but HNZ need to wake up and do something with those houses.
* First taste of what amalgamation will be like: HDC once again bites off more than it can chew, only this time after fleecing their own people they now want millions from Napier ratepayers as well.
* If dole beneficiaries aren't prepared to do seasonal work in their districts, stop their payments. Do they think they're too good to do this work? Or are they happy to suck up valuable tax payer funds which could be spent improving our district? It's high time this issue is resolved! $20M over paid?! Sort it out!
* One nation still away to go Leanne Arlidge. What a great historical factual letter. Hopefully we will have some better informed people. JB
* I must have missed the advert for Gary Mac's new position! Or is this just another case of Job for the boys at HBRFU.
* Who does classic style bathrooms and where do I buy claw bath and vanity etc? Hope to do up our old bathroom later in the year. Thanks for any good feed back.
* Hospital cost: I think all the low paid staff at Hawke's Bay Hospital (orderly or porters) don't get paid enough for the job they do. All the patients they push around each day - they should be paid per patient.
* Congratulations to HB Dahlia group for the national dahlia show in Napier. So many beautiful flowers. Well done all winners.
* Same old message, all you idiots indicating a right turn when driving straight through a roundabout are an accident waiting to happen. Read the rules!
* Cats do what cats do! It's that thoughtless attitude from cat owners that's causing all the problems with roaming cats. Do you think it's some miracle that all other pets (which all do what they do) can stay in their own backyard? No their owners keep them there. If pet owners can't keep control of their pet cats then don't have them and save us all the hassle please! W
* Couldn't have put it better myself (W in response to ST, HB Today February 21) totally agree with your text. If ST had kept pet from roaming then $600+ bill wouldn't have happened.
* I do not have a cat and I do not condone cruelty but can understand where frustration comes from. I constantly have cat pooh through my gardens, my washing gets sprayed and sometimes pulled at with their claws and I have now noticed they spray my car. I agree JM, why is it ok for cats to wander? I'm over it!
* After visiting my dear mother in hospital, who has a serious medical condition, I heard they had to close a ward due to no staff - and they want less!
* Watangi Treaty says nothing about Maori having a say in any future asset sales so what's going on behind the rest of NZer's backs.
* Thanks Sue for the correction, yes it was Captain Hooks, I was thinking of not the Jolly Fisherman. JC
* Lady on mobility scooter got a place to watch Art Deco car parade at about 10am on Saturday. At 12.30 a lady stood in front of her. When asked to move as first lady said I cannot stand, the reply was, "not my problem". Not an attitude we need on such a good spirited weekend. MD
* Hello Bruce Bisset, (your say) in the paper, is awesome common sense at its best always! Awesome bit of writing! The problem is common sense isn't that common anymore. And people in general are unable to think for themselves. We have lost what made us a great nation, common sense and not putting up with such blatant rubbish from the banks and Government and the like. Now we are left with yes men, and zombies! Thanks for putting a smile on my face. Tony N.
* I can't understand why our immigration system sends home good hard working tax paying foreigners and keeps the foreigners on the benefits.
* Hastings CBD apartments (anonymous texter 21 February) 'Yes, but not too slummy or expensive'. I think you'll find your two requirements are mutually exclusive. DBS.
* Lovely story and photo Kristy and Jody thank you. Brian
* Regarding Joe M's text 'hockey facility, why doesn't Napier pay?' Got one thanks Joe, enjoy the lack of congestion at yours.
* Re Mob members going to jail: These people are not gangsters. They are low life scum. Please stop giving them the title of gangsters. They wouldn't survive one second in front of real gangsters and yet again we have to pay to keep them. Send them out to work on roads or railway. Cheaper for us tax payers. GL
* Why do people assume women are disrespected in Islam? We are treated like gold! Want proof? Anyone is welcome at the mosque.
* I think they are keeping the speed limit by airport at 80km so you don't notice the shocking state of the road! Widening road by Taupo turn off no safer either. Taupo traffic still crosses path of those coming from Wairoa.
'The twinkling fires dotted north and south as far as Te Awanga was magical.'