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With strokes are on the rise among those under 55, we all should know the signs. And because the longer the brain is starved of blood and oxygen, the more brain cells die, treating a stroke is a race against time.
Stroke can happen to anyone, at any age and at any time. The number of strokes among younger adults under 55 is rising worldwide, and every day in the UK around 240 people experience the traumatic and life-changing effects of a stroke.
A stroke is sometimes described by doctors and stroke … View moreStroke can happen to anyone, at any age and at any time. The number of strokes among younger adults under 55 is rising worldwide, and every day in the UK around 240 people experience the traumatic and life-changing effects of a stroke.
A stroke is sometimes described by doctors and stroke awareness campaigns as a “brain attack” to help people understand that a stroke is as urgent and life-threatening as a heart attack. Both happen when blood flow is suddenly cut off, depriving vital tissue of oxygen and nutrients.
There are two main types of stroke. In an ischaemic stroke, blood flow to the brain is blocked, usually by a clot in a blood vessel. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die, which can cause loss of movement, speech, memory or even death. In a haemorrhagic stroke, a blood vessel inside the brain bursts. This is often due to high blood pressure, which weakens blood vessel walls and makes them more likely to rupture.
Treating a stroke is a race against time because, as doctors say, “time is brain”: the longer the brain is starved of blood and oxygen, the more brain cells die. Treatments that can dissolve or remove a clot in an ischaemic stroke or lower dangerously high blood pressure in a haemorrhagic stroke must be given quickly to limit brain damage.
Anyone with a suspected stroke should be taken by emergency services directly to a specialist stroke unit. Patients admitted to these dedicated units tend to have better outcomes because they receive expert care from doctors trained specifically to manage stroke.
How to recognise the signs of stroke
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A lack of early recognition of stroke symptoms is linked to higher mortality rates. The acronym “Fast” (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) has been a cornerstone of public stroke awareness for more than 20 years. It was developed as a quick screening tool for use before hospital admission, helping people recognise the signs of a stroke and seek urgent medical help.
Fast highlights the most common warning signs of stroke, but some strokes present differently. To make sure fewer cases are missed, additional symptoms such as dizziness, visual changes and loss of balance have been added, creating the Be Fast acronym.
B = Balance problems. A sudden loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, or a sensation that the room is spinning.
E = Eyes. Sudden blurred vision, loss of vision in one or both eyes, double vision, or difficulty focusing.
F = Face. Facial weakness or unevenness, often with a droop on one side of the mouth or eye.
A = Arm or leg weakness or numbness, often affecting one side of the body.
S = Speech difficulty, slurred speech, trouble finding words, or an inability to speak clearly.
T = Time to call an ambulance. Make a note of when symptoms began, as this helps doctors decide which treatment is most effective.
Other warning signs
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Stroke symptoms often develop suddenly and can vary from person to person. Some people, particularly women, may experience stroke symptoms that are not included in the Be Fast acronym. Women are less likely to be recognised as having a stroke because their symptoms can differ from men’s. These may include sudden fatigue, confusion, nausea, fainting, or general weakness rather than clear paralysis or slurred speech.
Other possible signs for any person include a severe headache with no clear cause, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, agitation, or sudden memory loss. In some cases, a person may collapse, lose consciousness, or have a seizure.
Sometimes stroke symptoms last only a few minutes or hours before disappearing completely within 24 hours. This may indicate a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA), sometimes called a “mini stroke.” A TIA happens when the blood supply to the brain is briefly interrupted, causing temporary symptoms. The difference between a TIA and a full stroke is that the blockage clears on its own before permanent brain damage occurs. However, a TIA is still a medical emergency and a serious warning sign that a major stroke could soon follow.
Advances in technology
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Telemedicine has become an important tool in making rapid diagnosis and early treatment possible. By using secure video links, paramedics can consult with hospital stroke specialists in real time, even while still at the scene or en route to hospital. This allows early diagnosis, faster decision making and immediate preparation for treatment once the patient arrives.
For example, some ambulances now operate as mobile stroke units equipped with brain imaging scanners and clot-busting medicines. In London, video calls between senior doctors and paramedics at emergency scenes have helped speed up care and direct patients to the most appropriate treatment centre.
While telemedicine connects specialists to paramedics on the move, other tools are bringing medical help directly to patients within moments of a 999 call. The GoodSAM app was first developed to improve survival after cardiac arrest by alerting nearby trained responders to begin CPR before an ambulance arrives. The platform has since expanded to support other life-threatening emergencies, including stroke.
When someone calls for help, the system identifies clinically trained staff or volunteers in the area and dispatches them to the scene while paramedics are on their way. These responders can provide rapid assessment, basic first aid and reassurance to the patient and family, and can help ensure that key information such as the time symptoms began is ready for the arriving medical team. By combining digital technology, trained volunteers and rapid communication, the app is helping bridge the critical gap between the onset of symptoms and hospital treatment: the period where, quite literally, every minute matters.
A stroke can strike suddenly and without warning, but quick recognition and immediate medical attention can mean the difference between life and death. Learning the Be Fast signs and acting immediately could save a life, protect the brain and preserve a person’s ability to speak, move and think.
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Poll: Yay or nay to tourist fees? 🌏💰
Kiwis love tourism ... it brings in cash and connection. But with more visitors comes more pressure on our beautiful places, housing, and local infrastructure.
So what’s the fix? Should we bring in a tourism tax or focus on spreading visitors beyond the hotspots to ease the load? 👇
… View moreKiwis love tourism ... it brings in cash and connection. But with more visitors comes more pressure on our beautiful places, housing, and local infrastructure.
So what’s the fix? Should we bring in a tourism tax or focus on spreading visitors beyond the hotspots to ease the load? 👇
Interested in what kiwis have to say? Andrea Vance shares some opinions in the Post.
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68.4% Yay
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31.6% Nay
Public urged to look out for hornets in Auckland
Biosecurity New Zealand is urging Aucklanders to be on the lookout for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) following the discovery of a queen hornet in the early stages of building a nest in the suburb of Glenfield.
The yellow-legged hornet is a biosecurity concern due to its potential impact… View moreBiosecurity New Zealand is urging Aucklanders to be on the lookout for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) following the discovery of a queen hornet in the early stages of building a nest in the suburb of Glenfield.
The yellow-legged hornet is a biosecurity concern due to its potential impact on honeybee and wild bee populations.
Members of the public are asked to report any sightings of suspected hornets or hornet nests online at report.mpi.govt.nz or by calling Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.
A historic mega strike involving more than 100,000 essential workers is set to march on despite several rallies being cancelled because of life-threatening weather.
Teachers, nurses and thousands of other workers are all expected to strike today, which police warn may lead to significant traffic disruptions.
All workers involved are still walking off the job despite a number of planned events being cancelled at the last minute in regions such as Canterbury, … View moreTeachers, nurses and thousands of other workers are all expected to strike today, which police warn may lead to significant traffic disruptions.
All workers involved are still walking off the job despite a number of planned events being cancelled at the last minute in regions such as Canterbury, Wellington and the Wairarapa.
Wellington, Wairarapa south of Carterton, the Canterbury High Country, Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains are all under a strong red wind warning.
The Post Primary Teachers’ Association said the strike cannot be cancelled because formal notices have already been sent to employers, RNZ reported.
Who is striking?
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More than 36,000 nurses are scheduled to strike from 11am to 3pm and about 40,000 to 50,000 teachers are also set to take similar action.
An estimated 11,500 other healthcare workers, including senior doctors, dentists, social workers and others, will join them.
Senior doctors were striking only in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, RNZ reported.
A Talbot Mills poll out yesterday showed more than six out of 10 New Zealanders backed the action.
Traffic disruptions
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In one of the larger rallies, thousands of workers are expected to march down Queen St, Auckland.
Police said they were aware of the strike action planned in central Auckland, which is expected to cause significant disruption on the roads.
The rally is due to start about midday at Aotea Square and will include a march down Queen St to Te Komititanga Square, where the event will conclude.
Police said motorists are advised to expect delays and to avoid Queen St and the surrounding areas if possible.
Public transport users should check Auckland Transport’s website for information on changes to services.
Mental health social worker Andy Colwell said he is striking because the Government needs to properly fund the public health system.
“The public of New Zealand needs to hear what is happening under this Government; people need to hear about the understaffing, under-resourcing and the impact this is having on services across the sector.
“Strike action is a legitimate form of action to take in order to fight for better pay and conditions of work,” Colwell said.
Public Service Minister Judith Collins said the strike is unfair, unproductive, unnecessary and should be called off.
“The strike will not help anyone.
“It is a stunt targeting the Government, but the people paying the price are the thousands of patients who have had appointments and surgeries cancelled, and the hundreds of thousands of kids who will miss another day at school,” Collins said.
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? Win a Yates Gardening Hamper! ?
We’re celebrating National Gardening Week with a blooming great giveaway! Two lucky winners will each receive a Yates hamper valued at $225, packed with everything you need to help your garden flourish.
To enter, simply tell us what you’re planting this spring and share your best gardening … View moreWe’re celebrating National Gardening Week with a blooming great giveaway! Two lucky winners will each receive a Yates hamper valued at $225, packed with everything you need to help your garden flourish.
To enter, simply tell us what you’re planting this spring and share your best gardening tip.
Winners announced Wednesday, October 29 - good luck and happy gardening! ?
T&Cs apply.
TOMORROW-----Strike action – expect delays
Police are aware of strike action planned in central Auckland tomorrow, which is expected to cause significant disruption on the roads.
The rally is due to start about midday at Aotea Square, and will include a march down Queen Street to Te Komititanga Square, where the event will conclude.
… View morePolice are aware of strike action planned in central Auckland tomorrow, which is expected to cause significant disruption on the roads.
The rally is due to start about midday at Aotea Square, and will include a march down Queen Street to Te Komititanga Square, where the event will conclude.
Motorists are advised to expect delays and avoid Queen Street and the surrounding areas if possible.
Plan ahead and allow extra time.
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Public transport users should check Auckland Transport’s website for information on changes to services.
Police are working closely with event organisers to ensure the safety of all participants and the wider public.
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Table Round Mosaic Top, Solid steel legs
This piece of art was bought in Mt Eden from an Art collective.
Snow Board or Ski Jacket
Unisex snow wear. In very good condition, bought in Canada so warm. Fit 10 or 12 year old or small adult. Red colour.
Rocking chair
Very comfortable, vintage, bought in Canada in 1968 and been in family ever since. Downsizing now so need to sell precious items. In good shape.
Whittaker’s chocolate price: Blocks as high as $8.49 in supermarkets after hike
It now costs up to $8.49 to buy a block of Whittaker’s chocolate after the company upped its prices.
New World stores across Auckland were selling regular 250g blocks for $8.49 on Monday. Just last Friday, they were $7.69, 80c cheaper.
The cheapest Auckland price the Herald could find was $6.39… View moreIt now costs up to $8.49 to buy a block of Whittaker’s chocolate after the company upped its prices.
New World stores across Auckland were selling regular 250g blocks for $8.49 on Monday. Just last Friday, they were $7.69, 80c cheaper.
The cheapest Auckland price the Herald could find was $6.39 at Pak’nSave in Botany.
Blocks at Sylvia Park and Ormiston were $6.49, while other Pakn’Save supermarkets were selling them for $7.09.
Woolworths stores were selling the blocks for $7.69 on Monday.
Prices of other Whittaker’s products have also increased.
Last week, New World was selling 100g blocks for $5.99. Today, they cost $6.99.
The 45g bars, including “Peanut Slabs”, last week cost $2.09. Now they are $2.69.
Hike driven by a jump in ingredient and operating costs
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The company announced prices would be increased across its range of products last Friday.
“At Whittaker’s, we’re proud to craft all of our chocolate right here in New Zealand, using the finest ingredients,” the company said on its social media.
“For us, increasing our prices is always a last resort, however, over the past year, the cost of ingredients and operating costs have continued to rise.
“We’ll never compromise on the size or quality of our products so this price increase will enable us to continue bringing you our delicious chocolate made with the very best, ethically sourced ingredients.”
The announcement comes after Statistics NZ yesterday revealed food prices had increased 4.1% in the 12 months to September.
The average price of milk was 15.1% higher than a year ago. Stats NZ said the 3.9% increase in prices in the grocery food category had driven the overall food price.
Butter prices were 28.9% higher than a year ago and cheese prices rose 31.4%.
The social media response to Whittaker’s announcement appeared to be understanding of the cost pressures and appreciative of the company’s commitment to quality and block size.
“I’ll give credit where credit’s due. You are always up front when increasing prices and very clear in not compromising on quality, unlike competitors who slowly reduce their sizing and quality and hope the customer won’t notice. Will always buy Whittaker’s,” one social media user said.
“Consistent quality and transparency means I will always buy your chocolate,” another said.
“Love your chocolate, love that it never shrinks, and the recipe never changes. Happy to support local. We’re loyal to Whittaker’s,” another social media user said.
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Happy DIWALI
Here's wishing all neighbours celebrating this festival a very happy Deepavalli. May millions of lamps illuminate your life with joy, prosperity, good health and more wealth.
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BUYER BEWARE---The supermarket deals that are too good to be true – and how to spot them
We’ve all felt it – that small thrill when you spot a yellow “special” tag on the shelf or see a loyalty discount appear on your receipt. But in New Zealand, not every bargain is what it seems. Watchdogs say pricing errors and misleading promotions may be costing shoppers millions each … View moreWe’ve all felt it – that small thrill when you spot a yellow “special” tag on the shelf or see a loyalty discount appear on your receipt. But in New Zealand, not every bargain is what it seems. Watchdogs say pricing errors and misleading promotions may be costing shoppers millions each year, and some supermarkets are now facing criminal charges for alleged breaches of the Fair Trading Act.
What the law says
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Under the Fair Trading Act 1986, retailers must not mislead or deceive consumers about prices or promotions. Advertising a discount that is not genuine, or charging more at the checkout than the shelf price, can breach the act.
The Commerce Commission has warned that supermarket pricing inaccuracies “can lead to consumers paying more than they should”. Grocery Commissioner Pierre van Heerden said in May 2024 that if even a small percentage of transactions are wrong, “New Zealanders could be losing tens of millions of dollars a year from supermarket pricing errors”.
In December 2024, the Commission announced it had filed criminal charges under the Fair Trading Act against Woolworths New Zealand Ltd and the operators of Pak’nSave Silverdale and Pak’nSave Mill Street for alleged inaccurate pricing and misleading “specials”. The companies have said they are cooperating fully and the proceedings are ongoing.
The consumer push-back
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Public frustration over scanning errors and endless specials led Consumer NZ to launch its Price It Right campaign in 2024. The organisation is calling for a mandatory pricing-accuracy code and automatic refunds where scanned prices exceed shelf prices. It reports receiving hundreds of examples from shoppers through its website.
Chief executive Jon Duffy said at the launch: “Shoppers deserve confidence that the price they see is the price they pay.”
Loyalty maths – small print, small returns
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Supermarket loyalty schemes are legal but often over-promised. Programmes such as Onecard, Clubcard and Flybuys offer member pricing or points that typically return around 0.5–1% of spending, depending on redemption. In other words, a $100 shop may yield roughly $1 in value.
Consumer NZ’s 2024 supermarket survey found more than half of respondents don’t trust specials or loyalty discounts, and many dislike how their data is shared with partner companies. These arrangements are permitted, but the perception gap suggests loyalty perks should be viewed as modest bonuses, not game-changing savings.
Four red flags to watch for
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The phantom “was” price: When a product says “was $10, now $8”, the higher price must have been charged for a reasonable period. Otherwise, it may be misleading under the Fair Trading Act.
The multibuy trap: “Two for $5” isn’t always cheaper. Compare the unit price – the cost per 100g or per item printed on the shelf label.
Shelf-to-till mismatch: If an item scans higher than the displayed price, you are legally entitled to pay the lower one. Consumer NZ argues supermarkets should automatically refund the difference.
Perpetual specials: When an item is almost always “on special”, that may suggest the “regular” price is theoretical. The act requires discounts to represent genuine, time-limited reductions.
Five quick ways to check a deal
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Compare unit prices. It’s the fairest way to judge value across sizes and brands.
Keep photos of regular buys. A quick snapshot shows whether a current special is truly cheaper.
Do the maths. If the saving is marginal, it may just be marketing.
Mind expiry dates. Deep discounts on near-dated stock aren’t bargains if half goes to waste.
Check your receipt before leaving. Pricing mistakes are easiest to fix on the spot.
Why it matters
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Supermarkets process thousands of price changes every day, so occasional mistakes are inevitable. But repeated errors or perpetual specials undermine trust, especially when grocery costs are rising faster than inflation.
Stats NZ data shows food prices increased 4.6% in the year to June 2025, driven largely by higher dairy, meat and produce costs. That makes accurate pricing and transparent discounting more important than ever.
The Commerce Commission’s ongoing grocery market study aims to improve competition and clarity. Until stronger safeguards arrive, individual vigilance remains the best defence.
A genuine bargain is one you can verify, not just one wrapped in yellow signage. If the maths works, enjoy the saving. If it doesn’t, walk away.
True deals still exist – they just take sharper eyes and a little arithmetic to find them.
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