SHOULD NZ BAN VAPING
Here is a poll we can all relate to, one way or another.
Should NZ Govt ban vaping on its shores?
YES
NO
MAYBE
Vaping was suppose to be a transitional tool to get converted cigarette smokers unconverted from smoking anything except what's on the barbecue.
But, just like we were warned, vaping is almost as bad a killing and health damaging addiction pleasure, as is the fag. And with young people taking it up, worse.
Here is what they are about to do in brotherly Australia: Ban the importation of non-prescription vaping products including those that do not contain nicotine. Min quality standards for vapes will be introduced including restricting flavours, colours and other ingredients. Vape products will require chemist-like packaging and the allowed nicotine concentrations and volumes will be reduced. All single-use disposable vapes will be banned and only pharmacies will be able to stock and sell the product.
Obviously we will follow. I would like though to see all vapes gone.
NZ has this thing kind of hanging around its neck: to be a smoke-free country by 2025. It won't happen especially under a National-ACT coalition Govt. But by allowing vaping in the air, it will be harder to contain and place further restrictions on cig smoking.
Second hand vaping can harm people and animals (and the environment) almost as much as second hand cigarette smoking. Upper Hutt has smoke-free regulations for all its parks. Will the council extend this to vaping if it hasn't already or just wait until vaping is outlawed going the way or even further than the Aussies?
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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39.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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58.5% No, I enjoy it
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1.8% 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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