1542 days ago

Was Bill Sutch a spy?

Reporter Community News

It has taken nearly 50 years but a new book on Bill Sutch is sure to spark debate in to an old controversy.

In September 1974, Bill Sutch was arrested and charged under the Official Secrets Act 1951, after a series of clandestine meetings with KGB agent Dimitri Rasgovorov, an official at the Soviet Union's embassy, in Wellington.

He was subsequently acquitted but documents later found in the KGB archive suggested he was a Soviet agent.

His son-in-law, Keith Ovenden, has now written a book, Bill & Shirley: A Memoir, looking at the life of Sutch and his wife Shirley Smith. Smith was a prominent lawyer and the first woman in New Zealand to be a full member of a university law faculty.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 76.6% Yes
    76.6% Complete
  • 22.1% No
    22.1% Complete
  • 1.4% Other - I'll share below
    1.4% Complete
1374 votes
17 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

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3 days ago

Art and Craft Market at Kai Tahi - 10 till 3 EVERY SUNDAY!

Nicola from Papakowhai

Hi neighbours

The new Porirua Community Art and Craft market at Kai Tahi in Porirua is now running EVERY Sunday. It's all indoors, and there's over 30 stalls each week.

Opens at 10am and closes 3pm, so you can also grab lunch at the many international food court options. Bring the kids, and your dog on a lead is welcome too!

Parking at the back (on harbour edge) is free - just stay clear of the Staff Only parks.