Helicopter rides, Elton John tickets and cigars: What gifts MPs were given over the last year
The office of the Speaker has released the Register of Pecuniary and Other Specified Interests, which includes a summary of MPs' interests as at 31 January this year. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern received a range of gifts, including tickets to Elton John's concert and U2's - with those tickets gifted by lead singer Bono. Other gifts included products from Loreal, a lifetime subscription to TIME magazine, and tickets to Warriors and All Blacks matches. National leader Simon Bridges also scored free tickets to U2, and tickets to the Bledisloe Cup. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and National's Foreign Affairs spokesperson Gerry Brownlee both received cuban cigars from the Cuban Embassy or Ambassador. And helicopter flights were a theme amongst National MPs, with nine declaring they were gifted a free ride.
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Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.4% Yes
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22% No
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0.6% Other - I'll share below
BLOCKHOUSE BAY MARKET
COME AND SUPPORT LOCAL PEOPLE, NZ MADE OR FIND A BARGAIN! PARKING AVAILABLE OPPOSITE COMMUNITY CENTRE AT THE MEDICAL CENTRE OR BEHIND COMMUNITY CENTRE ITSELF! THIS IS A LONG RUNNING MARKET THAT IS ON RAIN OR SHINE! WE LOOK FOWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE
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.