Rants & raves: Poaching cockles

Howick Beach seawall. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Rant

It's disappointing that people are poaching cockles at Howick Beach, a no-take marine reserve. Some people are blatant with buckets and spades, while others lie or sit in the water and hide cockles in their clothing or in bags under water, often with their kids. They are teaching their kids that it's okay to steal and to damage other species and their ecosystems.

Anna

Rave

On holiday at Army Bay, remote wouldn't unlock car, key unlocked car but alarm could not be turned off until car was locked again. Called AA, Bob arrived, suspected faulty batteries so returned next day with new batteries but still no success. Called alarm installer who talked him through alarm-disabling procedure. Five days later on way home fault developed in car engine, again called AA. Serviceman arrived, found fault, organised tow truck and we eventually arrived home. A huge thanks to the AA breakdown crew and a great organisation.

Jim

Rant

I was down at the beach three times last week and I know you're allowed to let your dog off its lead at the beach after 6pm but I do not want to share my dinner, swimming and family times with your pet.

Elliott

Rave

Thank you to the kind lady in Auckland who saw me, an 80-year-old, crossing the road on my mobility scooter. Stopped and helped me into her car and got others to get my scooter into her vehicle and the she dropped me home. She even came home the next day with her husband to check I was okay. I'm going to miss Auckland and its lovely people as I'm moving north.

Charlie Purtell

Rant

Some of the people using the public tennis courts on Poronui St in Mt Eden seem to be unable to read and/or tell the time. The courts are for everyone and have a half-hour time limit. Apparently the clearly written sign escapes some people.

James B

Rave

Coming out of the Monterey cinema at Howick I fell and broke my hip. A kind young man from the gym came to help, also a lady doctor turned up unexpectedly. Middlemore and Auckland City Hospital care excellent. We complain about the health system but, when we need it, excellent care is there. To my friends who were with me and the help I received and the staff at both hospitals, I sincerely thank you.

Doreen

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