Another year, more firefighters risking their lives to save people and property. More native bush and farmland burnt with dead wildlife and stock. Terrified pets lost, run over, and sleep-deprived workers. To quote the late, great ‘Roger Rabbits': 'Along with whaling, bullfighting and slavery, Guy Fawkes needs retiring to the history files. NZ Government needs a rocket for not banning this years ago. The same government that has harped on about climate change and concern for health and safety, has sanctioned the environmental vandalism and animal torture that drags on for weeks and months.”

He was so right, sorely missed. If you have money to burn, I'm sure Foodbank, Rescue Helicopter and Surf Lifesaving etc. would love some of it. I call that getting a real bang for my buck.

B Williams, Greerton.