Plugging In....to Christchurch Central
In this seven-part election series, journalist Martin van Beynen is testing the mood of voters on the streets of Greater Christchurch-Ōtautahi ahead of the General Election. First up, Christchurch Central, a battleground electorate where Labour’s Duncan Webb battles it out with National’s Dale Stephens.
Murray Simmonds is deadheading his camelia as we steal soundlessly into his suburban Redwood street to check his voting pulse.
It’s a perfect day for plugging into the mood of Christchurch Central as we cruise around this diverse electorate in our 2019 Nissan Leaf with a grunty battery under the bonnet.
Trees are still in friendly blossom, the grass is spring green and it promises to be a warm sunny day for putting our election stethoscope to the multitudinous hearts of the electorate.
Simmonds, 75, a retired psychology lecturer, lives at the top of this strange-shaped electorate, bounded in the north by the Styx River and in the south by the Heathcote.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
-
52.1% Human-centred experience and communication
-
15.2% Critical thinking
-
30.1% Resilience and adaptability
-
2.6% Other - I will share below!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Addictive Eaters Anonymous
Monthly AEA Web Events
The AEA Web Event is a monthly online meeting where AEA members from all over the world come together to share their experience, strength and hope. Three members speak for 10 minutes each, followed by member sharing.
ALL NEWCOMERS WELCOME.
Loading…
