Rants & Raves: Footpath hoggers

Photo / File

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

Rant

Groups of inner-city students who stand together talking in the middle of a busy footpath, forcing pedestrians to squeeze around them. Please have some consideration for others.

- Scott

Rant

I am a visitor to Auckland. I have nearly been hit by cars on several occasions when I have been walking and they are turning left. Yesterday morning on Remuera Rd, when it was safe to cross the Portland Rd intersection, a motorcyclist tooted at me when I was almost on the pedestrian island, presumably because I slowed his turn. Kamikaze Kiwis or different road rules here?

- Allen from Sydney

Rave

Stumbling across Europe, I found myself in Pisa at 1.15am without a bus ticket for the final stage to Florence. An angel in the guise of a very young African lady came to my aid. The lady's name is Lillian. There is no chance Lillian will ever read this but she has the grateful thanks of a 77-year-old lone traveller.

- Eric

Rave

Outstanding customer service from Global Dive in St Marys Bay. Shortly before departing for our Pacific holiday, I discovered my new dive torch was not charging. The wonderful folk from Global Dive met us off our domestic flight with a replacement charger and gave us a lift across to catch our international flight - all at peak traffic time.

- Irene

Rant

Mairangi Bay. Beautiful Sunday morning, early August. Sun shining, people and dogs strolling along the sand enjoying a brief respite from cold winter weather. Dog owner (young guy in mid-20s) throwing ball for sleek black dog to retrieve it. Takes ball back to the owner who tosses it again (with ball throwing device). Ball goes into the water. Dog goes into the water. Dog stops to defecate in the water - twice. Retrieves ball. Owner has been watching the dog, leaves the beach with friends and walks towards coffee shops. Hope nobody went swimming at Mairangi Bay that day. Ick.

- Margaret

Rave

A lady rang me at 11.45 the other night to inform me that my 97-year-old dad was down the road barefoot and in his pyjamas walking in the rain. I was in such a shock I don't think I thanked her properly. If she reads this, I would like to thank her personally.

- Monica