Commenting on the story: Opposition takes aim at council over Hutt St Centre decision

Whist it is good to know that Peter Malinauskas deplores the City Council decision to hire planning lawyers to challenge the operation of the Hutt Street Centre – indeed any compassionate leader would do so – it is not appropriate for the State to override decisions of a duly elected local authority.

The Council should without delay move to rescind such an abominable decision for the sake of its own reputation.

Shame on the Deputy Lord Mayor for allowing himself to be persuaded to move such a divisive motion.

It is a pity that three key councillors were not able to be present at a full Council meeting when such important matters were on the agenda.

Indeed bad things happen when good people do nothing. – David Plumridge

What a great idea to remove all patronage from those businesses (all newcomers, I note, relative to the Hutt St Centre) that are complaining about the Hutt St Centre.

I know plenty of people who live around the area, and they have no complaints at all.

Nor have I, on visits to that end of Hutt Street from my end of Hutt St, ever noticed any untoward behaviour around the Hutt St Centre.

Occasionally, someone will say hello, to which I respond, ‘hello’. 

Thank you, Hutt St Centre, volunteers and donors for doing such a great and necessary job with our people. – Kaaren Palmer

Commenting on the story: Crows and Power likely to head interstate after exemptions refusal

As far as the fans are concerned it makes precious little difference where they play.

We have been left in no doubt that the game has become so big that the fans are merely there to provide colour and a soundtrack. 

Even when it resumes the only ones who will be able to follow their fortunes will need to have paid one of the providers for the privilege.

Although I miss my football I think the decision is sound.

Don’t forget that to get the two teams on the ground they are supported by a substantial crew, some of whom will not be as fit as the players – do we really want the clubs to place their welfare at risk so that we can watch the footy? – John Tons

Commenting on the story: PM’s plan to lift virus restrictions by July

I do agree that the Marshall government has done a great job in containing COVID 19. For sure this government will be getting my vote at the next election.

However, I do think it is time to move forward much more aggressively to get business moving, restaurants and pubs open.

And personally for me, a 75 year old adult with limited options on exercising – open the gyms.

It is almost impossible to practise social distancing in public transport. It is much more safer to practise social distancing in a pub and a restaurant. And when it comes to gyms even easier to do so.

Actually the gym I used to attend before the official shutdown was already doing so, with hand sanitisers freely available and all members participating  strict hygiene practices.

To my mind gyms would be one of the safest venues to be in. Besides that of course, gyms would be contributing to the physical and mental wellbeing of the  community.

So yes, Mr Marshall please do not wait until June to open up gyms. They should open up immediately with some safe and reasonable conditions in place.

Perhaps limiting the numbers depending on the space and maybe adjusting the timing so that these places can be cleaned throughly between sessions.

Over to you. – Bernard Phillips

Want to comment?

Send us an email, making it clear which story you’re commenting on and including your full name (required for publication) and phone number (only for verification purposes). Please put “Reader views” in the subject.

We’ll publish the best comments in a regular “Reader Views” post. Your comments can be brief, or we can accept up to 350 words, or thereabouts.