Please help Darrin preserve his dignity
I just want to state from the beginning, the kid refused to take money from me! That says a lot to me about his standards. I went to the Dinsdale pharmacy and Darrin [wearing a black jacket with yellow "Everlast" writing] approached me and asked if I knew where he can get some work to support himself. The story is that his mother is in the hospital terminally ill and he just needs a place to stay and to be able to eat while he's in town. Apparently the overnight shelter asks $15 for a night - I don't know what options there are, maybe someone can help in that area? I could go back and give him a lift somewhere if someone can provide the correct advice. He looks genuinely desperate and after getting him a pie I told him to take $20 for the overnight shelter if nothing else comes up - he refused to take it. I gave him a card with my name on it and told him "Take the money, you can contact me and pay me back when you get a job". At that point he couldn't hold back his tears. I believe this is a genuine situation and would really appreciate any help. He said he has done painting before - either way if someone could just give him a chance to earn a little money to get some food in his belly and shelter for the night it would be much appreciated.
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 wouldn’t 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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84.4% Yes
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14.1% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Do you have a most-hated intersection in Waikato?
New data has pinpointed Hamilton’s most dangerous intersections, including a high risk Cobham Drive turn off that a resident and driving experts believe should be shut for good.
While that turn into Grey St has resulted in the highest number of injuries, most crashes occurred at the bustling intersection of Te Rapa Straight and Wairere Drive.
Do you have a most-hated intersection in Waikato? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).