'The Stevie Wonder of Silverdale': Retired piano teacher plays for commuters
Kia ora neighbours, every Thursday Lorraine Sampson makes the 40-minute bus trip from Silverdale to Auckland’s Britomart Station to play the piano for commuters.
The 75-year-old, who is legally blind in one eye and has cataracts in the other, can no longer read music due to her poor vision, so she plays all her music by ear.
There was a time Sampson, a retired teacher, believed she would have to give up playing music altogether due to her eyesight, but she said she found her fingers remembered songs she thought she’d forgotten.
When Sampson discovered there was a free piano for the public to play at Britomart Station she began making weekly trips there to play and raise funds for St John in Silverdale, where she lives.
Read the full story at the link below.
NZCCM Massage and English Programmes
The New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine (NZCCM) offers industry-focused Massage and English programmes that prepare students for professional practice.
Students gain strong Anatomy and Physiology knowledge, hands-on experience in the student clinic, and pathways into health and wellbeing careers. NZCCM actively incorporates tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori, partnering with local marae for cultural learning and community treatments.
As Auckland’s only provider of Massage diplomas, NZCCM is enrolling now for February 2026 Programmes include the Level 5 Wellness and Relaxation Massage Diploma and the Level 6 Remedial Massage Diploma, both NZQA-approved with intensive block courses. NZCCM also offers NZCEL Level 4 for academic English preparation.
Open Days will be held on 12 December and 23 January.
Contact: 09 580 2376 or auck@chinesemedicine.ac.nz
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Night-time roadworks on SH16
From 23 November to 17 December, stop/go traffic management will be in several locations on SH16 between Mabbett Lane and Restall Road (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am).
Works will include chipsealing and stormwater improvements. There may be delays to your journey when travelling through the area. Click to find out more.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
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