Mental Health + Well-Being - September 1st to 30th đ§ đ¸
1 in 4 New Zealand adults will suffer from a mental disorder or distress at some point in their lives. When they do, letâs make sure they donât have to go it alone. To create safer, more caring communities we need to not only look after ourselves but those around us as well.
For the month of September, we want to use our voice to raise awareness for mental health and well-being. Perhaps consider sharing a cuppa with someone you know who could use the support or challenge your family and friends to unplug from social media for the entire month to improve their well-being. If you or someone you know is going through a rough patch, donât forget you can call or text 1737 anytime for FREE support from a trained counsellor.
This month also coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th) followed by Mental Health Awareness Week (21 - 27 September).
However you choose to take part, make sure to tag us in your posts + use the following hashtag so we can see how youâre cultivating better mental health for yourself or in your community this month:
#NSNZmentalhealth
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 wouldnât 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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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
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 MÄori.
HÄŤkoi mĹ te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape RÄinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, WhangÄrei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hÄŤkoi 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 hÄŤkoi 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 thereâs 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.