Locking up and leaving for adventure
If you’ve seen the current Ryman TV commercial, then you’ve probably seen Judy rowing past the camera on a beautiful still Auckland morning.
Rowing is one of Judy’s passions, and she’s had great success with it, competing up and down the country since picking up the sport in her 50s. A highlight in her rowing career was in 2017 when Judy, along with her rowing partner Alison, competed in The World Masters Games, winning a silver medal in the 1000m Women’s Pairs.
She currently holds the title of top women's single sculler in the 70-75 year age group in New Zealand and is second in the North Island for the 65-75 year age group.
Adventure is in Judy’s DNA. She’s always up for hitting the open road and exploring the fantastic wilderness that Aotearoa has to offer. When she’s not rowing, Judy loves to hike. And she’s no stranger to several hard South Island trails.
Having a lifestyle this active and busy means that Judy doesn’t want to be worrying about her home while she is away. She chose Ryman’s Murray Halberg Village because it suits all her needs, right down to the location near the water as well as all the safety and security benefits.
“It’s a lock up and leave it situation,” she says.
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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