Tell us what you love about life in New Zealand - and what needs to change. Email rantandrave@nzherald.co.nz.
Rant
Whose idea was it to rewrite MC (master of ceremonies) as emcee? Or DJ (disc jockey) as deejay? These letter abbreviations have a distinct meaning. If we don't stop this nonsense we will see 'queuesee' for QC (Queen's Counsel) and 'peesea' for police constable.
Many thanks to Jan, who witnessed on May 5 in a Browns Bay carpark a black Mercedes reversing into my car. She duly observed the driver taking a look at my car and then driving away. After noting the licence plate, etc, Jan left the driver's details tucked under my windscreen wiper. I would have lost my no-claims bonus and had to pay the excess if it weren't for Jan taking the time to note these details. Shame on the Mercedes driver for taking off with no conscience or guilt.
It was garbage collection day today. On my return this evening, I discovered to my horror most of the blue lid bins either toppled over on the berm or lying partially on the road. This isn't the first time. The driver sometimes has carried the bin and left it way ahead of where he picked it up. He seems in a great hurry each time and cares little of the consequences of his foolhardiness.
Sunil
Rave
A big rave for the Royal NZ Navy band in collaboration with the Lions Club for a much appreciated concert for seniors at the Te Atatu Community Centre on Tuesday. Special thanks also to the ladies of the Lions Club who put on a delicious homemade spread for the hundreds who turned up for this popular and well-patronised event.
Linda Lang
Rant
I have been a train user for years and am annoyed at how many people now ride without paying with the new honesty-based ticketing system Auckland Transport introduced. The council has now had to introduce a special transport levy on rates to pay for transport projects in Auckland because there isn't enough funding. Perhaps it should be asking Auckland Transport and Transdev why they are allowing so much revenue to be lost.
G. Edmonds
Rave
Thanks to Jim, who paid for my small amount of groceries at Glenview New World in Hamilton last Thursday. Your random act of kindness truly shows there's more happiness in giving!