HAMILTON YEAH!!!
Twice in the past month, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers in our community
The first occasion was in my local supermarket late one very hot afternoon. I was extremely tired and just wanted to get the shopping over abd done with, so I could get home and put my feet up
At the checkout, my cash flow card declined. I then realised I had the dates mixed up and the money was due into my account the following day .
Tiredly, I explained to the checkout operator that because I had left ny phone at home, I would need to shoot home and move a little money into that account, then return for my small bundle of groceries.
As I walked away, she called out "It's OK, it's sorted" .
A complete stranger had used his card to pay my account He even asked me if I had bought everything that I needed at that time. I was so overcome and grateful It was not a lot of money by some standards but his kindness and caring concern for my welfare was humbling.
This afternoon, in a city supermarket, I had overpurchased for the amount of money in my account at that time - tiredness again was a factor and a health issue, causing pain in my feet and ankles.
I managed to pull out quite a few of the dearer items and had almost reduced the bill down very close to what was required.
At this point, a lady gave the checkout operator a $20 note to settle the bill "Oh no", I protested " I will just take a few more items out"
She would not hear of it. Once again, I was thunderstruck by kindness from a stranger.
I am an ex JAFA. Whatever is in the water here, it is beautiful.
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.
What would you do if it was your job to fix Hamilton's CBD?
More alcohol restrictions, more lighting, busking rule changes and a whole lot of lobbying - these are some ways Hamilton leaders want to sort out the CBD.
Crime and anti-social behaviour in the area has been in the spotlight after recent news of a man defecating in the street near a city pub and another who flipped tables out the back of a bar after being found scrounging cigarette butts and asked to leave.
What would you do if it was your job to fix Hamilton's CBD? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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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85.1% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below