Message from PM Luxon
Yesterday marks one year since the National-led Government took office and immediately got to work on reducing the cost of living, restoring law and order and delivering better health and education.
The achievements we’ve made in just one year are thanks to the resilience and determination of everyday New Zealanders.
There’s a lot more work to do, and I know many Kiwis are still doing it tough. But we have made real progress to ensure that Kiwis keep more of their hard-earned money, feel safer in their communities, can access life-changing medicines and treatments, grow their businesses, can benefit from critical infrastructure, and to help our kids achieve at school. Here are just some of the highlights from our first year in Government:
• Inflation has dropped to 2.2%, bringing relief from mortgages
• 83% of New Zealanders have received tax relief, putting more money in their back pockets
• Wages are growing faster than inflation, putting more money into Kiwis’ budgets
• 40,000 families have received FamilyBoost childcare payments to help reduce their childcare costs
• Delivered a 30% increase in Police foot patrols and a 60% decrease in ram raids
• Invested $604m in Pharmac to deliver up to 26 new cancer treatments
• Slashed the regulations holding back farmers
• Progressed the Fast Track Approvals regime to get stuff built, fast
• Led eight trade missions, delivered three trade agreements and resolved 16 barriers to trade because more Kiwi products on shelves overseas means higher incomes
• Cracked down on gangs and banned gang patches in public
• Progressed our plan for tougher sentences for serious criminals
• Banned cell phones in classrooms
• Required an hour of reading, writing and maths a day for our students
• Put in place structured literacy and maths from Term 1 next year so kids can grow the skills they need to succeed
• Invested $16.7b into health and set ambitious targets for shorter waits in the emergency department and for surgery.
My Government was elected on a promise to improve the lives of New Zealanders in the areas that matter most to them. We’re making good progress and I’m committed to keeping our promise with bold action that delivers positive results for all New Zealanders.
Thank you,
Christopher
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Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.1% Yes
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15.2% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
The Story of Hine and Tāne Mahuta - Day 12
Long ago, Hine-te-Aroha, a daughter of the great chief Tāwhaki, was known for her beauty and devotion to the atua (gods). She was deeply connected to Tāne Mahuta, the atua of the forest and creator of humankind. In a past life, Hine had pledged herself to Tāne Mahuta, dedicating her aroha (love) and wairua (spirit) to him.
However, her father Tāwhaki disapproved of Tāne Mahuta. He saw Tāne as a humble being who spent his days nurturing the ngahere (forest) and the creatures of the world, living a simple life far from the wealth and prestige of a chief. Tāwhaki wanted his daughter to marry a great warrior or chief, someone who could uphold their mana (status). When Tāwhaki held a grand celebration to find a suitable match for Hine, Tāne Mahuta, knowing his humble lifestyle would draw scorn, chose not to attend.
Despite Tāne’s warning, Hine attended the celebration out of loyalty to her father. During the festivities, Tāwhaki openly ridiculed Tāne Mahuta, speaking of his simple ways and lack of riches. Hine, unable to bear the insults to her beloved, declared her undying love for Tāne and consigned herself to the ceremonial fire, joining the wairua realm.
Tāne Mahuta, upon learning of this, was overwhelmed with aroha and grief. He sent his mighty winds, led by Tāwhirimātea, to dismantle Tāwhaki’s gathering and humble the chief for his arrogance. Yet, Tāne’s love for Hine remained steadfast, and he vowed to bring her back. Hine was reborn as Hine-te-Waiora, the daughter of the sacred mountain ranges.
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The Test of Devotion
As she grew, Hine-te-Waiora remembered her bond with Tāne Mahuta and began her karakia (prayers) to him. She vowed to marry only Tāne, despite her father showing her many wealthy and powerful suitors. Her devotion turned into months of rigorous karakia and fasting atop a sacred maunga (mountain).
The ngahere (forest) around her became peaceful, the winds softened, and even the fiercest creatures of the wild grew tame in her presence. Seasons came and went, but her focus never wavered.
Meanwhile, Tāne Mahuta, still grieving his past loss, had vowed never to take another partner. However, the atua noticed the chaos spreading in the human world as malevolent forces thrived unchecked. It was prophesied that only a child born of Tāne Mahuta and Hine-te-Waiora could restore balance.
To test her aroha and devotion, Tāne disguised himself as an old koroua (elder) and visited her. Pretending to doubt Tāne’s worth, he mocked him, saying, “Why would you dedicate yourself to a humble atua who lives among trees and birds? You could marry a great chief who could provide wealth and status.”
Hine-te-Waiora, though respectful, became enraged. “You may be an elder, but your words dishonor the one I love. Tāne Mahuta is the kaitiaki (guardian) of all life, and his mana is unmatched. I will hear no more of your insults!”
At that moment, the koroua revealed himself as Tāne Mahuta. “You have proven your unwavering aroha and devotion,” he said with pride. He took her as his bride, and together they returned to the sacred ngahere to restore harmony to the world.
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Moral of the Story
This story teaches us that aroha (love) and pono (devotion) have the power to overcome all obstacles. When guided by sincerity and deep faith, even the greatest challenges can be transformed. Like Hine-te-Waiora, we are reminded to remain steadfast in our values and trust in the wairua to guide us. True love is not swayed by wealth or appearances but rooted in deep connection and understanding. Through aroha and devotion, balance and harmony can be restored to ourselves and the world around us.
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.
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