Merry Christmas Eve Everyone
Hi Neighbourly folk, I really enjoyed this post from Simon Woolf with its beautiful image and lovely words. I hope you all enjoy Christmas.
"Merry Christmas Eve Everyone.
This image is of possibly the Southern most Pohutakawa in the North Island. It is the third year since I noticed it, shortly after we lost our great friend Eva McGauley. It didn't flower last year!
It is located in one of the most exposed places, anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand! Wellington's South Coast can be one of the most rugged, extreme environments anywhere in the world, and especially when an Antarctic blast hits Cook Strait. Winds exceeding 200kph, eight to 10 metre swells, and a sub zero wind chill factor are regular occurrences in this area.
Evie's Tree, for that's what we have called it, symbolises resilience, hope, strength and beauty, everthing Evie was.
After the past year, where we all have come through some adversity, Evie's Tree, proves that with adversity there is opportunity. If this stunning little pohutakawa can flower in the conditions it faces, we too can overcome most of which is thrown at us, and flourish too."
- Simon Woolf
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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39.3% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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58.7% No, I enjoy it
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2% 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.
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?
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