The Premium Debate: Subscribers weigh in on the new one-off public holiday

Queen Elizabeth II. Photo / File

OPINION

New Zealand is in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis and, in the words of Act Party leader David Seymour, small businesses are now being forced to pay for pageantry. It's been a tough few years for local business owners, but an extra long weekend just does not make sense, especially when the country just had another day added to the holiday calendar - Matariki in June, wrote Luke Kirkness.

Read the full story: Queen Elizabeth death: NZ public holiday is the wrong move - Luke Kirkness

Have your say by going to bayofplentytimes.co.nz or dailypost.co.nz and becoming a Premium subscriber.

A lot of people missing out or massively delayed in having operations due to all the days off. It's a huge cost to bear.
- Julian T

Why do we have to leave it so late to have this holiday? I will be all out of grief by then. It's more about Harry and Megan and Andrew now.
- Roy H

Go to work if you don't agree with a holiday. Australia is also a member of the Commonwealth, has a holiday but no one's complaining - get real mate!
- Bill R

So, she gives 70 years of selfless and uncomplaining service to her country and the Commonwealth, was an avid patron/supporter of countless charities, community organisations, etc. Quite aside from all that she showed the value of manners, quiet grace and stoicism under trying circumstances time and time again. And all the author can say is we shouldn't have a one-off public break to pay our respects? I find this attitude incomprehensible and so very sad.
- Jonathan F

In reply to Jonathan F:

Obviously, you are not a small business owner. My daughter and husband run a small building company and this will cost them just under $7,000 in wages. What are people mostly going to do on their day off I wonder? Go shopping? Go for brunch? The garden centre? Few will spend the day contemplating an old woman whose ancestors acquired their wealth by belonging to a kleptocracy!
- Simon B

It's one day to commemorate the death of our Head of State. Quit whinging, build a bridge and get over it. Times are tough; everyone gets that, but remember that businesses aren't the only ones doing it hard. You think times are tough now? I remember the 1970s and 1980s when times were really tough, with double digit inflation and home mortgage rates at around 19 - 20 per cent. Oh yeah, compulsory unionism and wage awards plus lots of strikes. Nightmare stuff. This is a walk in the park by comparison.
- Paul H

If we can't stop to show respect for a Queen who has served for 70 years, who would we respect going forward? However, personally I would have preferred Tuesday 20th, either a full or half day, as I will stay up to watch the funeral live. I probably won't watch a memorial in two weeks.
- Cheryl D

- Republished comments may be edited at the editor's discretion.

The Rotorua Daily Post and the Bay of Plenty Times welcome letters from readers. Please note the following:

• Letters should not exceed 200 words.

• They should be opinion based on facts or current events.

• If possible, please email.

• No noms-de-plume.

• Letters will be published with names and suburb/city.

• Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only.

• Local letter writers given preference.

• Rejected letters are not normally acknowledged.

• Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the Editor's discretion.

• The Editor's decision on publication is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

Email editor@dailypost.co.nz or bayofplentytimes.co.nz