Close race for Top of the Chocs
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker and Whittaker’s Kat Guard presented the ChoctoberFest 2023 awards to Gemma McCaughey and Hayden Sergent-Mcleod (The Karaage Kid, Top of the Chocs) and Anita Vogt (The Regal Shortbread Co., Whittaker’s Bake Off) to finish off a decadent month showcasing Porirua’s culinary creators.
More than 10,000 drinks and treats were enjoyed and 5000 public votes were cast. Massive congratulations to The Karaage Kid, whose Aunty Doris’s Thickshake won Top of the Chocs, while The Regal Shortbread Co. took out the Whittaker’s Bake Off with their decadent Chocolate Meringue Pie.
Rounding out the top three in the drinks category was Plimmerton Cake Café and Peppermill Café, with Local Authority and Urban Bake House second and third in the baking competition.
We're taking the bus!
The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.
Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.
It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.
It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.
With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
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?
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40.5% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.6% No, I enjoy it
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
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.
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