The Shallow Dive
The water looked deep
so
I dived on in
However my feet could
not
Touch the bottom
In over my head I
reached
For the surface
Only to discover floating discarded
shards
Of needles and bottles
I struggled alone with you for
help
shoveling up the pieces
piling high in the corner
like
a pile of discarded clothes
Once worn through were signs of a
struggle
that fought to get free of you
The choir of friends that sang of your
downfall
were too loud to hear your battle
There is no more color to add to the
pallor
Which has none to share
What were friends are no
longer
On a path of shared despair
Take the cup and fill it to
half
the pool that appeared shallow is now
full
in knowing that we are through
Please visit the Poetry and Prose group to contribute to the page...
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?
-
59% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
15% ... It is complicated
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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