It has been heartening to see the country come together to condemn such an evil act of violence and show support for the victims and their families.
Inevitably, there will now be a debate over gun laws and what type of guns people should be able to own. Hopefully without kneejerk reactions or any politicisation of the debate.
Many people have already decided to quietly, voluntarily hand in their guns to the police; good on them.
However, what we don't need is public grandstanding or 'look-at-me' types – like a certain wannabe Green MP and toy farmer – telling all the world how good and virtuous he is by giving up his gun.
It is not about you so get over yourself!!
The Green Party's list of the top 10 dirty rivers in New Zealand is farcical and brings into question their credibility, says IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis.
Your old mate notes that the Greens latest policy – in its desire to 'clean up the country's rivers' – is to implement a wholesale ban on future dairy farm conversions.
It has begun a communications offensive, first by inviting journalists – many from outside the rural media – to attend its annual conference in Oamaru earlier this month.