Do you know anyone called PURDY?
I received a message from a friend in the UK, i have slightly edited it but the gist is as follows:
Sgt Raymond Purdy was in the Metropolitan Police, he was shot and killed in the line of duty chasing a suspect on 12th July 1959. The suspect was captured by police, and was the last man to be hanged for killing a police officer.
A friend of a colleague, knowing the area where Sgt Purdy was killed went to look for the Police Memorial TRust plaque. However there wasn’t one!!! Contacting the Police Memorial Trust they were surprised to find the dedication of Sgt. Purdy hadn’t been remembered and recognised and are acting to recognise his loss with a memorial plaque; the plaque is almost complete.
It transpires that Sgt. Purdy’s wife and children moved to New Zealand and now we are trying to locate existing relatives so that they can be contacted about a memorial to Sgt Purdy.
The Police Memorial Trust in UK would love to speak with them.. The Trust can be contacted at www.ukpolicememorial.org...
Can I ask NZ residents to please help us find Sgt. Purdys family, please pass this message on to your friends and relatives so we get nationwide coverage and the best chance of finding this family.
Many Thanks
Jim Cassels
Rangiora
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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42.9% Yes - we like to be prepared
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46.4% Nah
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10.7% This is on my to-do list!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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