Republic Closing In On NZ
Australia's election result a few days ago with Anthony Albanese the new PM opens the door wide open for Australia becoming a republic in a couple of years or so.
Albanese has semi-promised a referendum on the matter of Australia remaining under the British crown or becoming a republic with a president as head of its constitution.
Albanese has also a referendum in mind of giving the Aborigines special rights ( something along Maori rights here) as a people who have lived in and "owned" Australia for at least 65 thousand years. And this might take preference over declaring Australia a republic by referendum.
All this means for NZ is kicking our approach into gear on the state of NZ as potentially a republic also. Both sides of our main political parties have strong supporters of such a move but especially the Labour Government. And the connection/relationship between Ardern and Ablanese will likely be close and comfortable and active.
I don't think Australia or NZ really want to be a royalist country under the banner of a King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.3% Yes
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33.3% No
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2.4% Other - I'll share below
IRELAND & ENGLAND PLAY GAMES WITH NZ ANTHEM
England got it wrong last Saturday week in the All Blacks - England rugby test, Now it was Ireland's turn yesterday.
The band at Aviva Park played only the first verse of our national anthem whereas it is practice to play the first two - the Maori version and the English-speaking first verse ( of six versus I might add).
Yet the band had played two separate versions of the Ireland national anthems.
At the England-NZ match, England had a vocalist sing to the piped music of God Save The King but didn't do the same for NZ.
Which was worse in a civility case - England gets my pick.
Room to rent
I have a room to rent in my 2 bedroom apartment in Upper Hutt Central. The room is fully furnished with a queen size bed, 42 inch smart tv, drawers and fan. Right next door to pak n save supermarket, very central. Rent is 280.00 per week, Fibre wifi included. Parking is on road. Very safe building with key coded entry door. 1 week rent in advance and 3 weeks bond, total of 1120.00 to move in.