Russia is obliterating Ukraine. Nato might fight Russia. China might invade Taiwan. North Korean rockets might hit something. The icecaps are melting. Pacific Islands are sinking and shaking. Australia's New South Wales is flooded with homes ruined. New Zealand's Exchange, the NZX plummets. Petrol $3 plus a litre. There's 200,000 with Covid-19. Hospitals are overflowing. We can't find an effective council to elect in Tauranga and need Commissioners. It costs millions to keep the poor alive. Now, to top it all, some ratepayers are threatening to withhold the rates on their flash houses. That must be the ultimate disaster for Tauranga…I don't think! Don't these whingers realise just how lucky they are?

R Goodall, Gate Pa.