The Long Protest Drag
It was always going to end up in tears as in "tearing up" because it was allowed to drag on and on.
Twenty three days should have been one day on the grounds and surrounds of parliament - and not even a single overnight. No camping or glamping. No construction of toilets and showers.
Of course as time marched on army members at Trentham should have been brought in just to back up the police and under the instructions of the police.
Politicians of a main-stream kind addressing a crowd that was more a mob due to the differing and in some cases, maniacal reasons for their being there would have been rendered useless and maybe even more cause for inciting rage among people in the audience. It was Trump infusion territory and that is where some of the protesters got their cue from.
In the end it can only be regarded as a disgraceful episode that achieved little apart from Covid spreading, and was less damaging than a Russian rocket attack on residential and commercial buildings in the Ukraine. If mandating was one of the key elements to this protest then the protesters are lucky they were not trying to man date Putin.
As a footnote, so the trains closed shop on the day and night of the police removal action. It was good that they did. They should have done this weeks prior when other Covid protest marches had taken place and the train services had allowed the carriages to be filled up by almost 100% unmasked protesters without any comment from staff on the trains.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
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.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Waikanae Arts and Crafts Society
Spinning, Knitting and Crochet (SKC) Evening Group
It’s official! Crochet is back. For those who cannot come during the day, we have a spinning, knitting and crochet group on Tuesday evenings between 7.30 and 9.00pm, 27a Elizabeth Street, Waikanae (across the railway line). The group are more than happy to help you get started. We also have an extensive library of patterns to get you on your way. Everyone welcome! Contact Judy Davis 027 453 5232.
See what WOW produced!