Laughter the best medicine after all
Hi neighbours,
Former mental health nurse Jude Ivy gave up working six years ago to dedicate her time to her husband Chris, who was diagnosed with stage four throat cancer and given a year to live.
She looked after him until he died a few months later. Unemployed and alone, Ivy fell into depression, which she had struggled with in the past.
“I stayed strong for him and then when he passed, I collapsed.
“Comedy saved my life,” she said.
The comic has set up her own line-up of comedians, performing at Christchurch’s Austin Club.
“I needed a spark of joy.”
Read the full story by clicking 'Read More' below.
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
🐾 It’s here! Our SPCA Merch has officially launched online 🐾
We’re excited to share our brand-new range of exclusive SPCA Merch, featuring tees, tote bags, socks, bandanas, and more 🛍️
Shop the range online now 🔗 www.spcaopshops.nz...
Every purchase helps raise vital funds to protect over 55,000 animals in need across NZ every year 💙
Soil To Brain - Kim Hill Hot Topic 2026
Join us for another thought-provoking "Hot Topic" discussion with Kim Hill!
This year's topic is Soil To Brain - Rethinking Our Connection. Kim Hill will lead a panel of experts to delve into the issues. Once the panel has deliberated their views, the audience will be invited to question panel members.
The evening is always a well-attended, stimulating and enjoyable occasion; all are welcome.
Panellists:
Julia Rucklidge | University of Canterbury
Pablo Gregorini | Lincoln University
Carolyn Lister | Bioeconomy Science Institute
Hadee Thompson-Morrison | Bioeconomy Science Institute
Event Details:
Thursday 26th March
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event starts at 7:30 p.m.
The discussion will be held in the Stewart Building at Lincoln University.
Koha on the door.
Refreshments and nibbles are provided, with beverages available from a cash bar.
Booking is not required.
Event Supporters Lincoln University; New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited; Mainfert; Intelligro; Resycl Ltd; University of Canterbury; and Roots, Shoots & Fruits.
Lincoln Envirotown Sponsors:
We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors Rata Foundation, Selwyn District Council, Lincoln University, and Lottery Community.
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