Readers have their say: Frustration at bill for bins

In the midst of the rubbish collection debate, I have a frustrating experience to share in the hope that it will prompt a positive outcome.

Back in October, my daughter and her partner opted for a wheelie bin which they applied for online and authorised a payment to be directly debited on a monthly basis to pay for said bin.

Somehow, the company have managed to create not one, but two accounts in my son-in-law's name, and both somehow have an authorisation for direct debit. Over the last few months, they have been debiting twice the amount owed for the single bin my daughter and partner are hiring.

When my son-in-law noticed that there was less money in the account than there should be and started to have a good look at the bank statements, the penny dropped. In addition, the amounts that had been debited were irregular and sometimes seemed to be more than double the correct amount.

After a long and frustrating struggle to actually talk to a real person about this, the extra account was cancelled and a refund for the money that had been debited in error was promised on the March 1.

For a further two frustrating weeks, no refund materialised, and the amount of time spent in hold queues trying to find out why not, was more than anyone with better things to do would ever want to spend.

All this young family was trying to do is comply with the new bag-less, sticker-less norms, and as a concerned parent I was just trying to make sure they don't get taken for a ride. There is no office in Wanganui, customer service doesn't even get a look in.

As a family we are happy to embrace the reduction of plastic bag waste in our landfills, but at least with the stickers you get what you pay for - no more, no less.

Finally, yesterday, they paid my son-in-law the amount owing. I still have unanswered questions but do not want to be put on hold.

SUE HODSON, Whanganui East

Art event success

As a participant in the recent Artists Open Studios weekends I would like to congratulate Kelly Scarrow, her team, and the board for their hard work and support in organising a very successful event.

Such an undertaking requires months in planning, execution and conclusion to succeed.

All was done with efficiency and goodwill. An event such as this not only brings generous economic benefits to the town, but also a reputation that elevates its status.

Both of these have been achieved through the running of Artists Open Studios. I would also like to acknowledge those shop owners who generously participated to display local artist's work.

This event demonstrates nationally the talent, skill and diversity that exist around Whanganui and each year with the increase in artistic levels, as well as the numbers contributing and attending, the future as a cultural centre seems destined to succeed.

This artistic strength will be further fortified with the earthquake upgrade of Sarjeant Gallery and its exceptional art collection.

The region is acquiring a reputation for its artistic diversity, the multitude of talented clubs, as well as the generous attitude of local people. Whanganui certainly punches above its weight.

Open Studios would not survive without the artists, but the artists would not survive without help and consideration from benefactors.

On behalf of all artists, we thank Kelly and her team for their dedication and efficiency in running such a popular event and also recognise the valued support of our local and visiting population.

Whanganui, all you need - and then some.

JUDY FLATT (Participating Artist)

Euthanasia bill

Replying to K A Benfell (22.3.18). I'm glad to see people debating the End of Life Choice Bill here in the Chronicle and at information evenings in Whanganui.

Mr Benfell says doctors should be able to opt out of providing assisted dying to their patients, and also opt out of referring patients who ask about it to other doctors. The first part is guaranteed under the bill, but the second demand is unreasonable.

The End of Life Choice Bill says that no doctor, "may be coerced or required to participate in the provisions of this bill."

There is only one exception and it's this: if a doctor has a conscientious objection and their patient asks them about Assisted Dying, they must "tell the person that the medical practitioner has a conscientious objection; and the person may ask the SCENZ group (which maintains a list of doctors willing to assist) for the name and contact details of a replacement medical practitioner."

I think this is a reasonable thing to ask of a doctor. Anyone would reasonably expect their doctor to provide them with adequate information and assist them in making an informed choice or, if they have a moral disagreement, to refer them to another doctor.

I look forward to discussing my Bill further at an information evening hosted by local MP Harete Hipango in Whanganui on Tuesday, May 29. Exact time to come.

DAVID SEYMOUR, ACT Party Leader