Thank you Coleen Davey and Linda Walsh
Huge thanks to Coleen Davey and Linda Walsh who organised today's 26th Annual Memorial Service for New Zealand Murder Victims.
Today's Ceremony was held at Albert Square, Hastings.
It was sobering to listen to the Roll Of Honour read allowed, to hear the names, ages and years that people had died at the hand of another person. To see the photos of children who never grew up to see their future and not live out the hopes and dreams of what could have been, was heartbreaking.
It was my privilege and honour to help lead today's service and to meet the family members who came to give tribute and honour their person. However, when I looked in their eyes and greeted them with a handshake, I felt sadness and grief. To hear an older man talk of his son who was killed when he was 50 years old and to realise that as parents our babies are always our babies no matter how old they are and to have someone take a child away is beyond all understanding. To watch a grown woman cry because her father was killed 20 years ago - she looks so young, how old could she have been?
When I grew up in Napier in the '70s and '80s, I remember what happened to our community as we grieved the loss of those who were slain as victims of kidnapping and homicide.
Later in the early '90s, I lived in Dunedin, and again, I recall my friends who were taken at the hand of another person.
I cannot begin to imagine how life has been for the survivors of homicide victims, but without a doubt, I can say "I am so very sorry, and my deepest love is with surviving family and friends."
Thanks for listening, Neighbours and Friends. Also, thanks to Mayor Sandra Hazelhurst for attending today and joining with others in their open speeches of unity. Coleen Davey and Linda Walsh and Linda's mum Joanne are wonderful volunteers to organise the event for today and bring us together. Thank you.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
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.
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