Roger Rabbits with Jim Bunny

They say if something bad happens, then good will come of it. And so it was.

Because “niceness” rained down recently as the Bunny navigated a raft of personal irritations – I shared them with you last week, theft, home security issues, my own stupidity and rates. All my own fault.

Did I sense an outpouring of understanding and sympathy? No! Because they were nothing more than irritations when compared to the life and death demons some people cope with every day.

However, not to take away from that “niceness” which was fulsome and genuine enough to render the word inadequate. It came from unexpected quarters, so I have a shout-out for the good people who painted moon-beams on my crap day, my septimana horribilis, my personal week from hell.

The IRD (4.5 stars)

There are warning signs in each of the client cubicles at the IRD office just off Cameron Rd. They warn against being “aggressive and threatening” and request courtesy and respect from the public when engaging with IRD staff. Do they really have to ask? I presume the signs are an indication of the unpleasantness those charged with managing the nation’s tax take can encounter when dealing with some people aggrieved about their tax responsibilities.

Those who transgress risk being cast into the street and thrashed with an IR330 tax code declaration form. My words. In their words, clients may be asked to leave.

Not my experience with the IRD last week. Not by a stretch.

I bowl into the IRD rattled and under-documented to unravel one of my problems. “Don’t worry, here to help,” reassured the IRD man. And he did. Cheerfully. From the get-go. A positive, pleasant customer engagement with the department.

In the cubicle right next door another IRD officer decided her over-the-counter engagement with a woman struggling with a tax issue wasn’t working. So she moved into the public area for a full-on, here-to-help, up close and personal approach. It seemed to work. Nice touch.

Later when I was talking up the IRD to someone they remarked - “Yes, they’re very nice up there. They even answer their phones now.” So, four and a half stars to the IRD.

The TCC (4.5 stars)

This shout out is to two TCC personnel – the ones who deal with difficult customers, read me, the rates rebate applications, the enquiries and payments, by the library in Devonport Road. You will know who you are.

I was staring at a gap in the library foyer where my 10-speed bike should have been while I paid my rates. But some lowlife who doesn’t pay rates had nicked it. Then one of those TCC personnel who’d kindly uncluttered my rates issues was now ministering to me – listening and supporting because I felt violated, disappointed and decidedly pissed. Then TCC #2 chipped in. “Report it to the police because there will be CCTV.” They can take the pain out of a rates bill and help run down bike thieves. What a team!

The Cops (4.5 stars)

If I was ever to be arrested and thrown in the can, I would choose Tauranga Police Station. High above The Strand on a promontory, harbour views, imposing but functional, a 21st century redoubt right by a historical one. I might even pay for a cell. Anyhow I am greeted by a strapping example of young police department manhood wearing a stab vest and a smile. I apologise for reporting a stolen bike when the young officer should rightfully be out dealing with murder and mayhem, fighting real crime, and, or, evil.

“Nuh-uh – it all matters to us Sir!” And he gives me a hot-line number to ring.

He also offers to commandeer a patrol car to give this now cycle-less cyclist a lift home. I have gobbled up enough police resources. But thank you kindly anyway officer. Nice touch.

Later when I ring to report my stolen bike, a very nice officer answers in Auckland. Now I have the full weight of two crime-fighting regions on my case. Embarrassing but comforting. Then next morning a policeman calls to report they have identified “a homeless person” from the CCTV images and will be keeping an eye out for him. I remark that the poor bloke obviously has enough issues without nailed for petty theft. “Not at all Sir. We are all accountable for our actions. He had choices and made a bad one.” Ok.

Was it Sir Robert Peel, the man behind the Met, who said police are the public and the public are the police.

Nota bene – we only allocated four and a half stars to each of our stars because no one’s perfect.