New Year Honours: New Zealand's top scientist Dr Juliet Gerrard becomes a dame
Asked how she feels about being made a dame, Dr Juliet Gerrard is somewhat lost for words, an unfamiliar position for the woman whose job is distilling the most up-to-date scientific information for those making the decisions that will shape our future.
Gerrard, currently Jacinda Ardern’s chief science advisor, has been named a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours.
While she hasn’t really processed what it means on a personal level, it hasn’t stopped the Freemans Bay resident from sharing the news with her 75-year-old mum in the United Kingdom, who got a kick out of getting the good news on her birthday.
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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67.1% Yes
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30.5% No
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2.4% Other - I'll share below
Riddle Me That: Ready to Test Your Wits?
If the prisoner tells a lie, he'll be hanged;
if he tells the truth, he'll be beheaded.
What can he say to save himself?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.