Getting Started with Genealogy

Carolyn from Thames

If you’d like to know more about how to research your family tree and its history, GETTING STARTED with YOUR FAMILY TREE with NZ Society of Genealogists Thames Branch and Thames Museum te Whare Taonga o te Kauaeranga is for you. We’re looking forward to getting you started.

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

• Yes - get rid of the clock changes
• No, I enjoy it
• Other - I'll share below

Vote View Results

• 40.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
  40.3% Complete
• 57.8% No, I enjoy it
  57.8% Complete
• 1.9% Other - I'll share below
  1.9% Complete

1109 votes

Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.

The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.

Click read more to find out more.