Rants & Raves: Litter butts

A Lord of the Dance programme was a much-valued birthday gift.

Rant

Why is it that cigarette smokers don't consider that their butts are litter? Beaches, parks and roadways are littered with their non-biodegradable cast-offs.

Barbara

Rave

About three months ago, my wife mislaid her newish iPad Mini. We searched high and low and even used the Apple app designed to locate missing devices, but had no luck. It was eventually replaced and more or less forgotten until last Sunday night, when we received a call from a man who asked my wife if she had recently lost an iPad. It turned out she had put it down and forgotten it on a visit to Spotlight in Sylvia Park. It was handed in by a customer to the manager, Joanne, who temporarily lost track of it among her paperwork, then found it, had it recharged by her husband, found the owner's name and made the call. So a huge thanks to Joanne and her staff. This is the sort of unlikely story that makes New Zealand the best country in the world in which to live.

John

Rant

Home is where the heart is? No. Not in New Zealand today, instead "home" is where our young and old are both getting unwell due to inhospitable housing conditions. Hopefully our younger generation will learn from this when it's their turn to run this country.

David

Rave

Thank you to the lady sitting in the front row of the Circle at the Lord of the Dance matinee concert at the Civic Theatre on Sunday, August 23. Upon learning that my mum had come from Paeroa to attend the concert for her birthday she kindly gave over her $25 official programme. It made Mum's day.

Raewyn

Rant

Thank you to the wonderful lady who decided to blow out her smoke just as I was walking past. My lungs appreciated your second-hand smoke! At least be courteous for those walking past you.

A non-smoker

Rave

Our little elderly dog was diagnosed with a tumour in her heart just before we were due to go on holiday to Europe recently. Naturally we were worried about going, but Warwick Lee at the Riverlea Pet Lodge in Clevedon put our minds at rest. He administered her medication and special diet, sent us photos of her while we were away and reassured us regarding her wellbeing. It was fantastic service, done with complete compassion for us and our little dog. Thanks, Warwick, you're a real gem.

Fiona

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