How to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in New Zealand
Gibbston Valley resident Lisa White grew up walking to school via Windsor Castle and waving to the Queen, which was just “normal” if you grew up there, apparently.
White is a self-confessed fanatic of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II and will be celebrating the 70th jubilee just how a good English girl would, she says.
“I am going to hang the bunting off the silver birch like they do in the celebrations in the UK.
“The platinum jubilee colour is purple, but I’m going red, white and blue, I have got Union Jack napkins, paper chains, scones and cream, tea.”
White is just as much a Kiwi as she is English now, having moved to New Zealand in 1994, but she is proud of what the Queen has achieved in her 70 years at the throne.
“She is such an advocate and to take all the rubbish that goes on around her out of it, she is wonderful.
“I just love the queen, I like her work. It is very English to celebrate, and we don't really have that over here.
On Saturday, White will host up to 25 monarch fans at her Gibbston Valley home, complete with tea, scones and jam. A dress up here and there too.
White’s ‘relationship’ with the queen has been long-standing. In 1992, she rode one of the Queen’s favourite horse on the Windsor property because her friend worked at the royal stables.
“I’ve been to the Queen’s stables, it isn't that big of a deal, you just need to get invited in.
“I went to school in Windsor, and we used to walk to school and wave at the Queen as she went up and down The Long Walk in her car. It is normal to do that in England.”
White tries to get back to England as much as possible to visit family and last year attended the royal horse show.
“Last year at the royal Windsor horse show I got a close as she drove past me, she nearly ran me over.”
Because she is missing out on the Jubilee with her fellow English back home, she’s decided to celebrate large in the valley.
“There will be hundreds of street parties in the UK on the weekend, so this will be something smaller.”
How can you take part in jubilee celebrations?
- Start your celebrations off by decorating your home, school, or workplace with jubilee-themed decorations.
- Decorate your windows with Jubilee Bunting.
- Make your own Jubilee Wreath to hang up on your door.
- Create your own Union Jack Paper Chains to make your space feel part of the celebrations.
- Host your own street party. The Big Jubilee Lunch takes place on Sunday, June 5 (Monday, June 6 NZT).
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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31.4% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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67.1% No, I enjoy it
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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35.6% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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23.6% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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36.5% I prefer calling the clinic
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4.3% I didn’t know online booking was available
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
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76.4% Inside!
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23.6% On top!
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