Sharing My Neighbourhood book - a Hataitai residents experience of COVID-19 Lockdown
Hey Bert, what’s Sharing My Neighbourhood all about?
Well Ernie, it’s a book released on 25 September 2020 – exactly 6 months since New Zealand went into COVID-19 Lockdown. It’s is a photo journal of our neighbour Debbie’s personal experience leading up to and then living in self-isolation in her bubble for 38 days under Lockdown.
Apparently she was stopped in her tracks when she first saw us on Mum’s fence on 3 April - I do remember her taking a couple of photos of us then. Then she was out walking past our house again the next day and Mum had asked us to change our positions, which we had done. Debbie was really tickled by it and then got a bit fixated upon us (wouldn’t be the first) and took our photo every few days whilst out on her walks.
That’s so cool Bert. I do remember Debbie - she visited us often, was always happy for a natter, and yes she loved taking our photo!!! She was in a bubble of just her and her cat if I remember rightly. So is Debbie’s book just photos of us Bert?
No Ernie it’s not all about us, although obviously we are the cover stars and there are lots more photos of us in her book. Her photos which are centred around Hataitai, Kilbirnie, Lyall Bay, Rongotai and Roseneath include photos of the empty streets, the chalk messages of support on the pavement, the innovative ANZAC poppies, the autumn colours and all the other ‘teddies’ placed in view for the kids to seek out as part of the New Zealand Bear Hunt – they are all captured here to preserve these memories. Oh, and not forgetting her book also includes her personal narrative, and the daily NZ COVID-19 stats.
Wow Bert that sounds amazing! So where can we buy her book?
Debbie can be private messaged for bank details, or visited at the Hataitai monthly community market, or you can buy it on her website debbiewareing.com.
Debbie is kindly donating $5 from each book sale to the redevelopment of the 100+ year old Hataitai Centre - the iconic former bowling club.
Poll: Are quality products on the decline?
Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?
Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!
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91.9% Yes
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7.2% No
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
A Very Messy Christmas —get ready for a Christmas show like no other!
It’s nearly Christmas Eve, and everything is going wrong in Santa’s workshop! Rudolph’s nose won’t glow, the Naughty and Nice list has gone missing, and the naughty elves are causing chaos. Santa’s constantly called away to fix problems, leaving Mrs. Claus feeling ignored, while the glamorous Christmas Fairy struggles to keep everything on track. With time running out, can Santa and his crew save Christmas before disaster strikes? Packed with laughs, songs, and festive fun, this panto is a holiday treat for all ages!
Little Theatre, Lower Hutt - Dec 21st at 11am & 1pm
Southward Theatre - Dec 22nd at 1pm
Tickets from eventfinda.co.nz
Kmart duvet recall
Kmart will be recalling a number of their Anko duvet sets.
What you need to know:
- The recall is involving Christmas-themed duvets: Mrs & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set
- A recall of the products began in Australia following health concerns from several families.
- One woman said she thought she was having a heart attack after using one of the products which smelt of diesel.
- One customer said she’d purchased the quilt covers and said they smelled like gas. Another mum said hers did not have that smell but claimed her son developed a rash that only went away when he stopped using the product.
- The product is no longer available for purchase on the Kmart website.
Regardless of whether you have experienced an issue, customers who have purchased this item may return the product to store for a refund.