Dave Matthews, Hamilton
Business confidence
I have just read two articles in the Herald on Sunday, one by Heather du Plessis-Allan and the other by Liam Dann, who both gave differing opinions as regards business confidence or lack of it, and I thought to myself, there must be thousands of businesses in New Zealand who don't need the government to assist them in providing jobs and making money, they just get on with it. So why don't these so-called captains of industry just get on with it and stop waiting for the government to hold their hand.
Anthony Barnett, Pukekohe
Keep up the writing
I don't usually write to journalists but also believe the world is a better place for encouragement, so wanted to say well done. Heather du Plessis-Allan's writing is direct, insightful and stimulating to read; a reason to buy the Herald on Sunday. Keep up the really good writing.
Dr Paul Anderson, Ohope
Along came Len
I see a writer to the Herald on Sunday is disappointed — to say the least — about the (over)use of Auckland Council-owned vehicles (September 29). Sometime ago when at the grand opening of the Snakes and Ladders playground at Farm Cove, Pakuranga, I noticed the previous Mayor Len Brown make his grand, fashionably late, arrival with great aplomb, not only in a luxury prestige vehicle — but he was chauffeur-driven. I found it surprising that he had access to such opulence. Meanwhile — along came councillor Dick Quax — on his bicycle.
Colleen Wright, Botany Downs
Give vapers a break
I have been reading with interest all the issues and comments about vaping. I stopped smoking after 40 years and took up vaping. I did not want tobacco-flavoured juice to vape because I wanted something to take me away from the smoking flavour and habit — so the flavoured juices were perfect as much as it was a struggle to get used to them. I have not had a cigarette since the day I started vaping. My local council has included vaping in their smokefree policy. I asked why and was told, 'well, vaping looks like smoking'. Hello. Give the vapers a break. They also advised that due to the lack of research around vaping and the lack of medical evidence of any harm — they would include it in their policy. I would also comment that our local chemist has vaping products on their counter. Our national television advertises vaping products. Can you imagine what it would be like if every product known to humans had banned "just in case" attached to it?
Michael Brodie, Morrinsville
Lose the patches
Here's a tip for the Mongrel Mob Kingdom and any other gang that wants to convince people that they have reformed or changed their ways — lose the name of the former gang organisation that you were once associated with, their patches and any tattoos, especially those stupid facial ones. Do those things and I for one just might believe your new-found desire to go straight is genuine and not a publicity stunt or snowjob.
John Capener, Kawerau