"Torture ship" to receive 21-gun salute in Devonport on Friday
Hi neighbours. Chilean Training Ship Esmeralda will arrive at the Devonport Naval Base at 9am on Friday and will fire a 21-gun salute "in recognition of New Zealand's Queen and the country".
The Royal New Zealand Navy will return a salute to honour the Chileans. However, the ship has been described as a "floating jail" and "torture chamber" by former prisoners, who described being tortured by electric prods, being hung by the feet, dumped into water and excrement, and given electric shocks to their testicles.
The NZDF said the best places for the public to view the salutes were along Queens Parade or the Devonport Wharf.
Do you think a ship with a torturous past should be allowed to dock in New Zealand? Will you go and watch the salutes? Let us know in the comments.
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Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?
(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes program
Know someone in your community who is driving positive change?
Westfield is inviting you to nominate your local hero online.
The successful hero for each New Zealand Westfield destination will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, and each finalist will receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group.
Find out more about the program and nominate your Local Hero now
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
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