Sideswipe: Plea from the heart

Dean wants his school woodwork project back. Photo / Supplied

Dean's school woodwork project (pictured) was sold in a garage sale by his ex-wife with all his other possessions, he says.

He has posted this picture and details on sella.co.nz, in the hope of being reunited.

"It was sold last year in Feb-April from Kewa Rd, Albany. I would really like to get this box back. I made it when I was 15 and got first prize out of 90 men and teenagers. So it is very sentimental. Will pay to get it back. I am very hurt this happened ... This box means the world to me."

If you think you have it, please contact poor Dean on 021-023-79695. (And Dean, mate, let us know if you get it back.)

Hotel shocker

A Hamilton reader booked online into the Ibis Hotel, Rotorua, at a great price of $91 a night including a cooked breakfast. "I asked about the WiFi detailed on their website and was told this is available in the room by cable (not wireless) at 68c a minute ($40.80 an hour). I am still recovering from the shock. Imagine how World Cup visitors will react to such charges."

Streets of shame

Matt reckons that with so much being spent on roads around Eden Park for the Rugby World Cup, it's time to name and shame the other residential streets that are being shunted down the priority list ...

"I suggest Karaka St, Newton, is the most neglected Auckland City Council street. While its residents and business owners have all spent money and time doing their bit to make the street attractive, it's totally let down by the Third World condition of the road. There's no proper kerb/channelling, no sign of the original road. It's now a hodgepodge of bad reseal jobs."