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.
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!
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53.5% Human-centred experience and communication
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14.6% Critical thinking
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29.3% Resilience and adaptability
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2.5% 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.
Poll: Are you a Te Huia fan?
All three Hamilton MPs appear to be united behind the retention of the Te Huia passenger rail service between Hamilton and Auckland, as well as potentially expanding it to Tauranga.
But whether Hamilton East’s Ryan Hamilton, Hamilton West’s Tama Potaka and soon-to-be Labour list MP Georgie Dansey have the combined power to shunt transport minister Chris Bishop and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon onto their line of thinking remains to be seen.
Are you a Te Huia fan? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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81.4% Yes
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18.6% No
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