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Home / New Zealand

Rants & Raves: Give L plates a break

NZ Herald
15 Jul, 2015 05:00 PM3 mins to read

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We were all learner drivers once. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

We were all learner drivers once. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

Tell us what you love about life in New Zealand - and what needs to change. Email rantandrave@nzherald.co.nz

Rant
Why are drivers not more tolerant of learner-drivers? We were all learners at some time. Teaching my wife to drive has been an eye-opener, with impatience by other drivers, despite L plates being highly visible on our car. Horn hooting, dangerous overtaking and fist waving are commonplace behaviour.
Dave

Rave
A big
thanks to the Maori Wardens who support train guards to ensure hassle-free travel on the western line from Waitakere to Britomart. Without them on the trains, the guards would struggle with some of the idiots who set out to cause problems. The size of the wardens is enough to make troublemakers have second thoughts. Well done, Auckland Transport.
Clinton Kahi

Rant
As a parent, I am totally in the dark as to what the need is for teacher-only days. Our school is having one on the Monday after holidays, delaying the start of term by one day. Teachers have 12 weeks of non-contact time a year. Most workers in New Zealand get only four weeks' annual leave, so teachers already get an extra eight weeks more than most away from the front line of their job - and they get release time during the week. Why do they need all this? All non-contact time should be during the school holidays. We want our teachers in front of our kids and our kids to be learning as much as possible, not missing out all the time.
Amanda

Rave
A big thank-you to the team at Ellerslie Automotive and Tyres who dropped what they were doing and fixed our defective brakes when we turned up unexpectedly on route from New Plymouth. People like these guys are a credit to your city.
Scott and Caroline

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Rant
To the grumpy, greying couple in the stationwagon who pulled up beside our family as we were out walking on Sunday: Confrontational, judgmental stress isn't good for you. Our 4-year old was having a wee tantrum (as they do) and he was left sitting on the grass to pull himself together and catch up with the rest of us to go and walk along the beach. Your comment as you sped off, "Look after your children better", is laughable. So tense, so quick to judge, so ugly.
Trudi

Rave
On Monday at 4pm, I went to the AA Manukau to renew my licence. They said turnaround was 21 days. On Wednesday, it came in the post, and I'm rural delivery. Well done, AA.
Sue Haigh

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