Whakaahura singers
This week we were entertained and informed by four members of Whakaahura, Their mission is to ease the suffering of those at the end of life, or perhaps those with dementia or other illnesses.
They do this by singing to them around the bedside, choosing soothing material from a variety of sources. Their singing is a gift, not a performance.
Whakaahura means to warm, or to cherish. It is a voluntary organisation with about 30 members in Wellington, of whom 20 sing regularly. They sing in homes, retirement homes, and hospices, usually in groups of four to six.
It is helpful to the dying, and to families and care staff. Each ‘sing’ is planned around the needs and preferences of the patient. Apparently, hearing is the last sense to close down at the point of death.
The four singers, Sue, Ian, Jiko, and Angela, gave us a selection of their songs as they went along, much appreciated by the club.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.1% Yes
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22% No
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
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.
Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!
If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?
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