He continues to push the envelope on credibility and, whilst entertaining, he should not be taken seriously no matter what your political affiliation.
Bruce Eliott, St Heliers.
Major statement
Well Mathew Hooton sure hit the nail on the head with his scathing article on Christopher Luxon (NZ Herald, Nov 22).
Hooton’s description of Luxon was honest, and I am sure would have been great reading for many readers. Hooton saying that “Luxon is too arrogant to resign before the next election” is a major statement.
Unfortunately as reported by Hooton, among other comments “neither Xi Jinping or Donald Trump is remotely influenced by the clutch of the shoulder, a Luxon grin and trite sloganeering except negatively”.
Personally, I think it unprofessional for a Prime Minister who needs to touch the shoulder of any dignitary he meets.
Sharon Marks, Te Aroha.
No consequence
A 23-year-old “boy racer” who shoots a father-of-four in the head with a BB gun during an argument over burnouts, then deliberately returns to the man’s home with a tyre iron and inflicts two blows that left him permanently disabled, has been sentenced to home detention.
It appears that the assailant was sober and not under the effects of drugs. So it can be presumed that the attack was premeditated, as evidenced. His penalty, after a starting sentence of eight years, finished at one year of home detention.
This was a deliberate assault that a supposedly sober, sane, 23-year-old would have some realisation of the outcome of hitting another with a tyre iron.
What does this sentence relay to other offenders in similar circumstances? No responsibility – no consequence.
Ian Doube, Rotorua.
Police shooting
Hindsight is a wonderful tool to have. Sadly it is not there in a dangerous situation.
Give the police, who are often placed in a difficult situation, credit for their training and decision-making at a difficult time.
It is very sad Kaoss Price lost his life but who was to know at the moment of confrontation that he was unarmed. He looked very angry and dangerous.
Please support our frontline defenders who are also affected by this tragedy and encourage our families to behave.
Beth Jarrett, Te Kuiti.
Healthcare hīkoi
If I could walk I would join your correspondent Heather Tangauy’s hīkoi (NZ Herald, Nov 22).
After being diagnosed with severe arthritis I waited almost four months to see an orthopaedic surgeon. My GP has warned me that a hip replacement is not a given and the wait will be nearly a year.
In the meantime, I exist at home, in pain, unable to do the things I love. So, Heather when you make it to Rotorua I will be ready with my banner.
Rosemary Mackenzie, Rotorua.
Bus safety
The New Zealand Transport Agency announcement that all Auckland public transport buses will have driver protection screens installed by 2026 will greatly improve their workplace health and safety.
NZTA’s consideration of introducing a CCTV trial for 30 buses will deter fare-dodging, violence and anti-social behaviours on bus services.
Visibility of Auckland Transport security officers onboard buses is a highly effective measure to prevent assaults, aggression and fare evasion on public transport buses routes. Installing radio, phone communications, emergency silent alarms and panic buttons on buses will provide more security for bus drivers and their passengers.
Patrick McFarlane, Onehunga.
Backwards dreamers
Correspondent Neville Cameron’s anecdotal “evidence” that no-one uses cycleways in his vast experience, is simply that - anecdotal, coming from someone who is still wedded to fossil fuels and the vehicles which use them (NZ Herald, Nov 20).
I prefer the data collected by the various authorities and surveys which show evidence of cycleway use. What’s more, evidential data from overseas cities more future-focused than ours, shows that if the administration builds cycleways, cyclists are bound to use them.
Things are changing, no backwards dreamers are going to stop them.
Jeremy Dunningham, Meadowbank.
Erasing history
Just enjoyed a fun family night at one of Auckland’s longest-serving outdoor entertainment venues.
Bouncy castle, hot food, cold drinks, lolly scrambles and non-stop action. Families across several generations enjoying a fabulous night out, as they have for 95 years.
Of course, I’m talking speedway at Western Springs. How is it a bunch of, here today gone tomorrow, councillors can erase 95 years of Auckland’s sport and entertainment history with so little regard for their community?
Pete Warner, Auckland.
