Bullying …
I just read the following article:
www.stuff.co.nz...
When I finished primary schooling there were two choices for secondary school, both equally distant. My parents chose one for me, but all the other kids from my school went to the other.
When school started two things became quickly obvious:
• everyone else had come in groups of three to six kids from their primary class
and
• we had three bullies in the class
The individual groups quickly closed ranks, and the bullies zoomed in on the lone target - me.
Now I hated the bullies - but I ABSOLUTELY DESPISED those just standing by and being relieved that it was someone else getting the abuse.
Which is why I NEVER have and NEVER will just stand by when someone is attacked.
The important lesson:
Bullying isn't the problem of the victim.
It isn't the problem of the bullies either.
It is a FAILURE of the class, school, and parents, of every single person lacking the moral courage to stand up against what is wrong.
People who rather go along with the attacks than stand up against them and risk becoming a target as well.
If you ever wondered how the Nazis could take over Germany - THAT is the very reason.
So my question to every parent: what have you taught your kids about bullying?
Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.1% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
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