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Farmers Santa Parade
Every year, the Farmers Santa Parade marks the beginning of the festive season in Aotearoa, sprinkling magic, song, and dance down Auckland's Queen Street. Next month, the parade will return for its 91st year with an unmissable line-up of family favourites, including children's television… View moreEvery year, the Farmers Santa Parade marks the beginning of the festive season in Aotearoa, sprinkling magic, song, and dance down Auckland's Queen Street. Next month, the parade will return for its 91st year with an unmissable line-up of family favourites, including children's television phenomenon Bluey.
Spectators can expect to see the parade hero, Santa, alongside a suite of new characters and floats, including one constructed entirely of LEGO®.
Kiwi fans of Bluey will see their favourite blue pup in person as she makes a trip to Auckland to star on her very own float in the event. Bluey and Bingo will also make a special appearance at Santa's Party at the close of the parade.
After representing Aotearoa at the 2024 Olympics, gold medallist Hamish Kerr will be opening the parade as this year's official grand marshal and leading the iconic procession of festive floats including one inspired by K-pop, in the shape of a giant pink guitar and a nostalgic Kiwiana caravan float that encapsulates summer in Aotearoa.
Local community groups, such as Central Auckland Flip N Fly Circus School and South Auckland Cook Island Community Dance School, will perform throughout the parade, bringing their impressive skills to the street.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure the perfect viewing spot for this cherished holiday tradition.
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Postponement Date: Sunday 1st December 2024
Pre-Parade Entertainment: 12pm – 1pm
Parade: 1 – 2.30pm
Santa’s Party: 2.30pm – 5pm
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The Honest Disciple in New Zealand - Day 4
In a picturesque valley of New Zealand, nestled between the rolling hills of the South Island, there lived a farmer named Hemi. Hemi was a humble man, known throughout his village for his hard work and deep faith in the teachings of the local Māori elders. Each time a renowned elder, Te Rongo, … View moreIn a picturesque valley of New Zealand, nestled between the rolling hills of the South Island, there lived a farmer named Hemi. Hemi was a humble man, known throughout his village for his hard work and deep faith in the teachings of the local Māori elders. Each time a renowned elder, Te Rongo, passed by his farm, Hemi would bow respectfully and greet him. He admired Te Rongo’s wisdom, and like any good disciple, Hemi believed in following his guidance without question.
One sunny afternoon, as Te Rongo walked along the edge of Hemi’s farm, he saw the farmer kneeling by his crops. The golden fields of wheat, flax, and vegetables stretched across the land, but one particular crop stood out—Hemi had been growing kumara (sweet potatoes), a staple of the Māori diet.
Te Rongo, noticing that the kumara plants were still small, only just beginning to sprout, stopped to speak with Hemi. “Why do you always bow before me when I pass, Hemi?” Te Rongo asked kindly, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. “Do you truly listen to my guidance, even when it seems difficult?”
Without hesitation, Hemi replied, “Yes, Te Rongo. I will always follow your words, no matter what they are.”
Te Rongo smiled and glanced over the field of young kumara. “Cut them now,” he instructed, pointing at the small plants. “If you wait, they will be ruined when the storms arrive.”
Hemi was taken aback. His kumara had only just begun to grow, and he knew it was too early to harvest. However, he trusted Te Rongo’s wisdom. “I will do as you say,” he answered.
When Hemi returned home, his wife, Aroha, was worried. “The kumara are not ready yet, Hemi,” she said. “If we cut them now, we may not have enough for ourselves in the coming months.”
Hemi reassured her and went to the farm to gather the crop. Yet, before he could do so, the neighboring landowner, Te Awhina, approached him with a stern look. “Hemi, I understand you are going to cut your kumara,” she said. “But you know that I have a share in your harvest this season. If you cut your crop now, I’ll need to ensure you’re following through on our agreement. We made a deal for two full harvests from your farm.”
Te Awhina insisted that Hemi sign a written agreement, guaranteeing her two full yields in exchange for allowing him to proceed. Hemi signed without hesitation, trusting in the wisdom of Te Rongo’s advice.
Days passed, and a great storm rolled in from the sea, battering the region with heavy rains and strong winds. Farmers across the valley, including those who had ignored Te Rongo’s counsel, watched helplessly as their crops were destroyed. But Hemi’s early harvest of kumara fared much better. Because he had listened to Te Rongo’s guidance, his crops were safe, and he found that they were even more abundant than he had expected.
When the storm had passed, Hemi’s fields were full of plump, healthy kumara, much more than he could use alone. True to his nature, Hemi gave two portions of the harvest to Te Awhina, honoring their agreement. The rest, he divided into six portions. Six portions went to those in the community who had lost everything in the storm—widows, elders, and struggling families.
Months later, as Te Rongo walked by Hemi’s farm once more, Hemi ran to meet him, eager to share the news of his good fortune. He had helped the community and was thriving in his own way, all thanks to Te Rongo’s guidance. As Hemi fell to his knees, ready to express his gratitude, Te Rongo spoke before he could.
“You have done well, Hemi,” said Te Rongo, his voice filled with warmth. “You were blessed with a bountiful harvest because I knew that you would share your good fortune with others. Your heart is pure, and you have always been honest in your intentions. You gave six portions to those in need, and only kept two for yourself, showing that you understand the true spirit of giving.”
Hemi stood, deeply moved by the elder’s words. “I only did as you instructed, Te Rongo,” he said. “Your wisdom guided me, and my heart could not bear to keep all of it for myself. The people in this village are like my family.”
Te Rongo placed a hand on Hemi’s shoulder and nodded. “That is the heart of an honest disciple—one who listens not just to words, but to the needs of the world around them. You’ve demonstrated that, Hemi. This is why the land has blessed you.”
And so, Hemi continued his farming with a humble heart, sharing not just the fruits of his labor but also the wisdom of Te Rongo. His actions spread through the valley, reminding everyone that true abundance comes not from hoarding, but from sharing with an open heart.
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**Moral:** Just as Hemi trusted the wisdom of his mentor, Te Rongo, and followed through with honesty and compassion, so too must we strive to act with integrity and generosity. In doing so, we not only receive blessings but also help uplift those around us. True discipleship is not in mere obedience, but in the heart's honest desire to serve others.
Chapter Book and Tea Shop Book Catalogue: Nov-Dec 2024
📚𝗡𝗼𝘃-𝗗𝗲𝗰 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲📚
Just in time for some summer holiday reading, there are some great books by Carissa Broadbent (THE SONGBIRD AND THE HEART OF STONE—Crowns of Nyaxia Series), Laurie Gilmore (THE PUMPKIN SPICE … View more📚𝗡𝗼𝘃-𝗗𝗲𝗰 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲📚
Just in time for some summer holiday reading, there are some great books by Carissa Broadbent (THE SONGBIRD AND THE HEART OF STONE—Crowns of Nyaxia Series), Laurie Gilmore (THE PUMPKIN SPICE CAFE—Dream Harbour Series), Callie Hart (QUICKSILVER—Fae & Alchemy Series), Ana Huang (THE STRIKER—Gods of the Game Series), Stephanie Laurens (DEAD BESIDE THE THAMES—The Casebook of Barnaby Adair Series), Julie Anne Long (THE BEAST TAKES A BRIDE—The Palace of Rogues Series), Nora Roberts (THE MIRROR—Lost Bride Trilogy), J.R. Ward (A BLOOM IN WINTER—Black Dagger Brotherhood World) and more. Happy holidays and enjoy your reading!
NB. Please see P. 3 of the catalogue for the details of our Pre-Order Link for ONYX STORM, details of our Christmas/New Year Closure (while closed, orders will be processed for pickup/shipping), and a heads-up on an Instore Book Sale planned for the second half of January 2025.
Check out the catalogue at:
chapter.co.nz...
NB. Please also see P. 3 of the catalogue for the details of the Auckland Romance Readers Book Club Monthly Meetings and the Auckland Romance Readers Book Club Facebook Group.
www.facebook.com...
www.facebook.com...
For Enquiries or Orders:
✉️ info@chapter.co.nz ☎️ 09-6232319 📱 021-635027
NB. Chapter’s trading hours are Tue–Sun 10–4 (we are CLOSED on Mondays, except in December).
#ChapterBookandTeaShop #Tea #TeaShop #Books #Bookshop #RomanceBookshop #RomanceFictionSpecialist #BiMonthlyBookCatalogue
The Persistent Student (Day 3)
In a small town on the North Island of New Zealand, there was a young Māori student named Te Rangi who lived with his whānau in a rural area. Te Rangi was a high school student, studying for his NCEA qualifications, and he had a particular passion for performing the haka—a traditional Māori … View moreIn a small town on the North Island of New Zealand, there was a young Māori student named Te Rangi who lived with his whānau in a rural area. Te Rangi was a high school student, studying for his NCEA qualifications, and he had a particular passion for performing the haka—a traditional Māori dance that his iwi (tribe) had been practicing for generations.
Te Rangi was also a member of his school’s kapa haka group, a team that performed Māori cultural songs and dances for various competitions and events. However, unlike many of his classmates, Te Rangi wasn’t raised in an urban environment where Māori language and traditions were easily accessible. He had learned haka from his kuia (grandmother) and his uncle, but he was aware that many of the other students in his kapa haka group came from whānau that were more involved in te ao Māori (the Māori world) and were better at mastering the haka and te reo Māori.
The school year was coming to a close, and the big regional kapa haka competition was approaching. Te Rangi felt the pressure. He knew his group had strong performers, but he was worried about his own ability to perform well under the scrutiny of judges, especially when it came to the solo haka part of the competition. This section of the performance required deep emotional connection, precision in movements, and the ability to lead with confidence—skills Te Rangi was still developing.
One week before the competition, something unexpected happened. The kapa haka group’s tutor, who had been guiding them for months, fell ill and could no longer lead the group. The students were told they would have to perform without their tutor, and the responsibility fell on the shoulders of the older students in the group, including Te Rangi. They would have to organise their own rehearsals and make sure everything was ready in time for the competition.
Most of the students were worried and frustrated. They felt like they had lost their guide, and many of them struggled to stay focused. Te Rangi, however, decided that he wasn’t going to let the situation stop him. While the others were distracted by the uncertainty, he started staying after school to practice his haka on his own. He would go to the marae (Māori meeting house) in the evenings to connect with the land and the spirit of his ancestors, seeking the strength to improve his performance.
He practiced the haka over and over, refining his movements, listening carefully to the words, and even studying the history and meaning behind the chants. He sought advice from his uncle and aunties, who taught him the deeper significance of the haka beyond the movements—the emotional strength, the mana (prestige), and the connection to whakapapa (ancestry).
On the day of the competition, Te Rangi was ready. When it came time for his solo haka, the crowd was captivated. His movements were sharp, his voice was strong, and his eyes burned with the confidence and pride that only someone who had connected deeply with their culture could express. He led the haka with such conviction that the audience felt the spirit of his ancestors rise with him.
In the end, his school didn’t win first place at the competition. But Te Rangi’s performance stood out, and he was praised by the judges for his commitment to his culture and his ability to overcome adversity. His classmates, who had been doubtful and distracted, were inspired by his persistence and determination. They, too, began to practice harder, and the group as a whole performed better than they had imagined.
While Te Rangi didn’t walk away with a trophy, he left the competition with something far more valuable: the knowledge that perseverance, hard work, and dedication to his roots had led to a performance that he could be truly proud of. He had earned respect from his peers, from the judges, and from himself.
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Moral of the Story:
Te Rangi’s success came not from being the best dancer or having the most natural talent, but from his dedication to improvement and his unwavering focus. His story teaches that no matter what challenges or obstacles one faces, if you persist and put in the effort, you can overcome them and grow stronger. Whether it's in the haka, a classroom, or any other aspect of life, persistence and dedication are the keys to success.
Vintage Week
Go vintage at the Red Cross Shop Sandringham 👗🪆
Open 7 days at 571 Sandringham Road.
Mon - Fri : 10.00am to 5.00pm
Sat - Sun : 10.00am to 4.00pm
Spring spruce up
Spring is the season of new beginnings and the perfect time to declutter and refresh your home. Imagine stepping into a space that feels open, organised, and filled with only what truly matters. Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, want to downsize, or just enjoy a more comfortable … View moreSpring is the season of new beginnings and the perfect time to declutter and refresh your home. Imagine stepping into a space that feels open, organised, and filled with only what truly matters. Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, want to downsize, or just enjoy a more comfortable living space, decluttering is a great way to start.
With these expert tips from decluttering and organising specialist Peter Walsh, you can take small steps toward a clutter-free home that you’ll love spending time in.
Click read more for more article.
Black Friday is almost here!
Are you ready to score the best deals? Whether it’s the new iPhone 16, a laptop, or homeware, now’s the time to save big!
Check out our Ultimate Black Friday Survival Guide for essential tips and tricks to maximize your savings.
This week's prize winners!
Congrats to the winners of the $100 Grocery vouchers:
Lynette Baker from Palmerston North
Maurice Higgs from Nelson
Rafael Laverde from Miramar
Janet Atkinson from Masterton
If you're a winner, get in touch here before 26th November.
Not a winner this week? There's always … View moreCongrats to the winners of the $100 Grocery vouchers:
Lynette Baker from Palmerston North
Maurice Higgs from Nelson
Rafael Laverde from Miramar
Janet Atkinson from Masterton
If you're a winner, get in touch here before 26th November.
Not a winner this week? There's always next week!
Brand new Orchid necklaces and brooches.
Surplus stock from Asian shop. Imported from Thailand with rolled gold chain fastenings.
Have 48 boxes. Will sell individually or open to
an offer for the lot.
Lovely gift for Christmas.
chiselhurst888@gmail.com
room for rent
We have a room for rent. This would suit someone wanting to store items. Call to discuss options. Power and internet available. Dominion road Mt Eden.
027 232 6424
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 … View moreThe 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)
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.3% Yes
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13.7% No
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1% Other - I'll share below
Ego & Arrogance Causes a Mighty Fall (Day - 2)
In a lush forest known as Greenvale, there was a powerful lion named Rudo. Rudo was the undisputed king of the forest. Tall and strong, with a magnificent golden mane, he ruled the animals with an iron paw. His roars echoed through the forest, a reminder to every creature that Rudo was the ultimate… View moreIn a lush forest known as Greenvale, there was a powerful lion named Rudo. Rudo was the undisputed king of the forest. Tall and strong, with a magnificent golden mane, he ruled the animals with an iron paw. His roars echoed through the forest, a reminder to every creature that Rudo was the ultimate ruler. But as time went on, his pride grew, and so did his arrogance. He dismissed the smaller animals and ignored the advice of his wise old advisor, an owl named Sable, who constantly urged him to rule with kindness and respect.
Meanwhile, in Greenvale’s quiet northern corner, a clever young fox named Finnegan had been growing popular. Unlike Rudo, Finnegan was not strong or fierce, but he was cunning, resourceful, and compassionate. He helped animals in need, shared food with the hungry, and listened to everyone, big or small. The animals in Greenvale admired him and trusted him more than they did the mighty Rudo.
One day, Finnegan cautiously approached Rudo to suggest a partnership. "Rudo, the animals are growing unhappy. They fear you, but they don’t respect you. If we work together, I believe we could make Greenvale thrive."
Rudo laughed scornfully. "Why would I need help from a lowly fox like you? Go back to your burrow before I remind you who rules here."
Hurt but undeterred, Finnegan left, determined to continue serving the animals in his own way. But Sable, the wise owl, had heard everything. She knew that Rudo’s pride would be his downfall if he didn’t change.
Soon, a drought hit Greenvale. Streams dried up, and food became scarce. The animals were growing weaker and desperate. Rudo, refusing to leave his pride aside, hoarded what little water remained, drinking from a secret pool known only to him. The other animals were left to fend for themselves, growing hungrier and angrier each day.
Finnegan, however, gathered a team of animals willing to work together. He instructed the beavers to dig deep channels to find hidden water and asked the birds to scout for fruits and nuts in distant areas. Slowly, the animals began to thrive under Finnegan’s leadership, sharing resources and surviving despite the drought.
Eventually, word spread through the forest that Finnegan’s coalition was thriving while Rudo’s group grew weaker. Even some of Rudo’s loyal followers began to join Finnegan, realizing that he offered them the kindness and collaboration they needed.
Days passed, and the once-mighty Rudo was now left with only a few supporters. Alone and desperate, he was forced to wander the forest, searching for food and water just as the smaller animals once had. One day, he encountered Sable, who hooted at him knowingly. "Remember, Rudo, strength without respect is meaningless. True power comes from earning the trust of others."
Humbled, Rudo approached Finnegan, his head lowered. "I was wrong, Finnegan. I let my pride cloud my judgment. Will you help me now?"
Finnegan nodded, extending a friendly paw. "The forest belongs to all of us, Rudo. Together, we can make it strong again."
With Finnegan’s guidance and the cooperation of all the animals, Greenvale flourished once more. Rudo learned to listen to others and treated the smallest animals with respect. In time, he regained his place in the forest hierarchy—not as a feared tyrant, but as a trusted leader.
From that day on, Rudo understood that even the mightiest can fall if they let arrogance guide them. And so, Greenvale became a forest where strength and wisdom walked paw-in-paw, and every creature learned the value of respect and humility.
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.
The Ant, Bird & Hunter (Day - 1)
Dear Neighbors,
I’ve come across something I truly believe can make a positive impact, and I’m excited to share it with you! Over the next 54 days, I will be sharing a series of 54 moral stories (one a day) that encourage children to think deeply and adopt valuable life lessons. These stories … View moreDear Neighbors,
I’ve come across something I truly believe can make a positive impact, and I’m excited to share it with you! Over the next 54 days, I will be sharing a series of 54 moral stories (one a day) that encourage children to think deeply and adopt valuable life lessons. These stories are designed to instill ethics, values, and morals that will help shape a better future for our kids.
I’d love to hear your feedback along the way so we can evaluate the outcomes together and make sure this effort benefits our community in the best possible way.
Please note, this is a non-religious, non-cultural initiative. If any names (People, places etc...) in the stories seem tied to a particular belief system, feel free to adjust them to better align with your own, as the core focus is on values and positive character-building.
Looking forward to your thoughts and feedback!
The Ant, Bird & Hunter
There was an ant which fell into a river accidentally and the river was flowing rapidly.The ant would have died after getting drowned in the river, but luckily for the ant there was a bird sitting on a tree above that saw the ant. The bird plucked out a leaf from the tree, flew a short distance, and put it into the river just in time for the ant to climb onto the leaf. The ant floated on the leaf for a while and finally when the river was calm it reached land.
After it reached land, the ant dismounted the leaf, felt thankful that its life had been saved by the bird and headed off to thank the bird which saved its life. In a few hours, it reached the place where the bird was seated on the tree. The ant was about to climb the tree to thank the bird but it observed a hunter was about to shoot down the bird on the tree. The bird had not noticed the hunter.
The ant decided to take action immediately, and thereby help its friend, the bird. The ant went and began biting the feet of the hunter. The irritated hunter could not aim carefully and missed shooting his prey, the bird, as his feet had been bitten by the ant.
The moral of the story is that we may all be very small persons but we must try our best to help our friends under all circumstances. Returning a favor is as important as accepting a favor.
Christmas Reward Charts & Santa Sacks
Selling these two reward charts and two Santa sacks as no longer required.
Brand new and not used so perfect condition.
From smoke and pet free home.
The Santa sack is a canvas material and you can write your child’s name on it. Approx 27cm across and 48cm length.
Pick up is in Sandringham … View moreSelling these two reward charts and two Santa sacks as no longer required.
Brand new and not used so perfect condition.
From smoke and pet free home.
The Santa sack is a canvas material and you can write your child’s name on it. Approx 27cm across and 48cm length.
Pick up is in Sandringham (near St Luke’s mall).
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