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From reporter Hamish McNeilly:
What does a circus background and a black belt in taekwondo mean for a city councillor?
‘’It means I take no prisoners.’’
That’s the answer from Mandy Mayhem-Bullock, 49, who was one of four newly-elected councillors in Dunedin.
‘’But I’m … View moreFrom reporter Hamish McNeilly:
What does a circus background and a black belt in taekwondo mean for a city councillor?
‘’It means I take no prisoners.’’
That’s the answer from Mandy Mayhem-Bullock, 49, who was one of four newly-elected councillors in Dunedin.
‘’But I’m dropping the ‘Bullock’, I’m just going to be Cr Mayhem.’’
Mayhem was a stage name from her five years with Ridgway Circus.
Months after the tragic death of her partner, who died in a crash on the Desert Road, the then-25-year-old Bullock received a call saying the circus was in town, and they were looking for a clown.
In Wellington, Mayhem-Bullock had been working as Slaphappy the Clown, and also working as a driver, escorting the likes of singer Peter Andre.
She and her late partner had plans to start their own circus, and so she took her chance and joined.
‘’We had all lost our dreams and went on the road.”
As soon as she joined, the current clown left to be a fireman along with his girlfriend – the ringmaster.
Mayhem-Bullock was promoted to ringmaster, which included holding up a newspaper while the whip cracker whipped it to shreds, or having a cigarette whipped from her mouth.
‘’Quite often I’d get smacked on the bridge of my nose ... it stings and makes your eyes water,’’ she said.
Another part of the show involved a man throwing knives, two at a time, in her direction.
‘’One time a knife ricocheted out of the board, and went straight down and stuck into my shoe.
“I pulled the knife out and then squelched around with my blood filling up my shoe.’’
The job also involved her becoming a business partner, driver, agent, education officer, and buddy to Sonny the chimpanzee.
The circus used to breed animals, such as lions and chimpanzees, but that became increasingly problematic. Animal rights groups regularly protested but it was difficult to find a solution as the animals could not be reintegrated into the wild or given to a zoo, Mayhem-Bullock said.
After five years she left the circus and returned south, first to Oamaru and then to Waitati, north of Dunedin.
Her life in the circus helped shape her politics, travelling to many small forgotten towns gripped by poverty.
‘’I saw a lot of New Zealand,” she said.
Mayhem-Bullock, who was born and raised in Dunedin, said she was in the top class at Otago Girls’ High School, alongside future lawyers, doctors and accountants, but she was “a misfit”.
‘’I wore Doc Martens and old ripped petticoats and pyjama pants on mufti days.’’
She trained to be a teacher, but stopped studying to focus on taekwondo, the Korean martial art, and holds a third Dan black belt.
She was aiming to represent New Zealand at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where taekwondo was a demonstration sport, but the significant costs prevented her.
Now she was a mother-of-five, or as she puts it, ‘’three from my womb, and two I gave away’’.
She has two daughters, aged 19 and 6, and a 17-year-old son. After her son was born, she was an egg donor twice for her lesbian friend.
‘’We had to go to Australia, because that was pretty unheard of,” she said.
She has an open relationship with both children, aged 14 and 13, who live in Wellington.
Back in Waitati, known for its alternative community, she became involved in the Waitati Militia, which was established in opposition to the Vietnam War 50 years ago.
She later married Lee Bullock, who hails from the island of Guernsey, and the couple have a 6-year-old daughter.
Her family were victims after their miniature horse, Star, was stabbed 41 times in 2019.
Her stepping stone to the Dunedin City Council was when she was elected to the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board, which she served for six years.
While she was unsuccessful with her council campaign last election, a $5000 loan from her mum helped her obtain hoardings and advertising on the back of a bus.
Her focus for the campaign was ‘’wellbeing’’.
‘’We are in unprecedented times, people are under the pump, and they are feeling the pressure financially.’’
Mayhem-Bullock said she got on well with mayor-elect Radich, and was looking forward to working with him.
Apart from her new role as a councillor, she had her 50th birthday to plan next month.
That would include a freak show and a guest appearance from someone called, ‘’Charlotte, the three-tittied woman’’.
We have lots of Tupperware, some beautiful Temuka pieces, lots of newly knitted baby wear. New stock out daily 🙌
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made… View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.
Through Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.
At Ryman villages our focus is on … View moreThrough Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.
At Ryman villages our focus is on experience-based care rather than processes, enabling residents to live in the moment and to feel kindness, love and security.
Most of all, Ryman residents living with dementia are supported to continue doing the things that bring them joy so they can live fulfilled lives.
Every year, World Mental Health Day is held on 10th October. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2022 is "Mental Health in an Unequal World".
World Mental Health Day is dedicated to promoting the understanding of mental health education, awareness, and advocacy. It's important … View moreEvery year, World Mental Health Day is held on 10th October. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2022 is "Mental Health in an Unequal World".
World Mental Health Day is dedicated to promoting the understanding of mental health education, awareness, and advocacy. It's important to raise awareness of mental health conditions and ensure that communities recognise the part each person has to play in creating a mentally healthy society. World Mental Health Day is a great opportunity to do this.
Now’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.
Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products!
Discounts off the normal retail price at your local Resene owned ColorShop and … View moreNow’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.
Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products!
Discounts off the normal retail price at your local Resene owned ColorShop and participating reseller until 31 October 2022. Paint offers are also available at Mitre 10 MEGA and selected Mitre 10 stores. Excludes WallPrint, decals, Crown, trade and industrial products, PaintWise levy and account sales.
Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and enjoy these great savings.
Women's Clothes Larger sizes (18 onwards)
Big Gals don't cry, cause we have clothes that will fit you.
Clothes are in good condition and there are lots of them!
Prices from $5 to $25 CASH only please
Place : 21 Thames Street Mosgiel 9024
Date: Saturday 15th October and … View moreWomen's Clothes Larger sizes (18 onwards)
Big Gals don't cry, cause we have clothes that will fit you.
Clothes are in good condition and there are lots of them!
Prices from $5 to $25 CASH only please
Place : 21 Thames Street Mosgiel 9024
Date: Saturday 15th October and Sunday 16th October 2022
Time: 9am to 12pm for both days
Mark the entrance to your special spot in the garden with Resene Lumbersider. Find out how to create your own.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes and also basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition… View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes and also basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.
Some beautiful collectables and plenty of kids toys and books for the school holiday’s. Pop into 53 Bond Street for a browse.
Satiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.
Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point, the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated … View moreSatiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.
Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point, the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated experience, with items hand-picked by Stuff staff, sent each weekday evening. Sign up for free here.
Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd is recalling all batches and all dates of its six Pams brand berry products.
New Zealand has seen a surge of cases of Hepatitis A this year and 12 of those infected (including seven hospitalised) have been linked with the consumption of frozen berries.
The recall of … View moreFoodstuffs Own Brands Ltd is recalling all batches and all dates of its six Pams brand berry products.
New Zealand has seen a surge of cases of Hepatitis A this year and 12 of those infected (including seven hospitalised) have been linked with the consumption of frozen berries.
The recall of Pams products is a precaution due to this possible link of Hepatitis A associated with berries sourced from Serbia.
Here's what you need to know:
- All batches and all dates of Pams Mixed Berries, Two Berry Mix, Smoothie Berry Mix, and Raspberries have been recalled and removed from supermarkets.
- The Pams products are sold at New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores nationwide.
- Hepatitis A is a contagious virus which spreads easily. Learn more here.
- Due to the possibility that other brands of berries may be infected, New Zealand Food Safety continues to advise those eating frozen berries to wash hands before and after preparing the berries, briefly boil them before eating and ensure cooking temperatures exceed 85 degree Celsius for 1 minute.
If you have consumed any of these products and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice.
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
The owners of a popular Central Otago water park fear they won’t open this summer after being bogged down by bureaucracy.
The Kiwi Water Park opened in 2020 and is New Zealand’s largest water park, attracting 30,000 visitors last summer.
It’s based on a… View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
The owners of a popular Central Otago water park fear they won’t open this summer after being bogged down by bureaucracy.
The Kiwi Water Park opened in 2020 and is New Zealand’s largest water park, attracting 30,000 visitors last summer.
It’s based on a reserve shared by freedom campers and boaties off State Highway 8, near Cromwell.
The popularity of the area has led to a review of the entrance and a suggestion a right-turning bay is needed.
Land Information New Zealand (Linz), Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and the Central Otago District Council are all involved, but progress has come to a standstill.
Now Kiwi Water Park co-owner and marketing manager Emily Rutherford says that after six months of fruitlessly waiting for decisions, the business may not be able to open this summer.
The requirements of the water park’s licence include that any changes are made by November 4.
“In the meantime, our business planning and recruitment of staff for this season hangs in the balance. We’ve got two months till we open and we need action urgently,” she said.
The park was originally granted a six-year consent by the council to operate at the Lowburn Reserve – an area frequented by campers and boaties as well as water park users.
Last season, they shifted the park to a more sheltered area at the reserve and had to apply for a variation to their consent.
At that time, Waka Kotahi raised concerns about the number of vehicles entering the reserve, so a temporary speed reduction along the stretch of road was installed.
An agreement was made between the government departments and the business to monitor the amount of traffic using the area and concluded the majority of traffic was caused by freedom campers and boaties – and that a right turning bay was needed.
In a statement a Waka Kotahi spokesperson said the review followed a serious crash at the access to the car park used by the water park in the 2020-21 season.
All the parties agreed a right-turning bay was necessary, but there was disagreement on who would pay for it.
“If no agreement is reached on the access upgrade requirement process the consent conditions stipulate that the final decision sits with [the council] as the consent authority,” the statement said.
It was now up to the business to get a detailed design and submit it to the department, the statement said.
However, Rutherford said the cost of the right-turning bay could be prohibitive for the business, particularly without a long-term lease.
“We’ve been put in an impossible position.
“It could cost $1 million, I don’t know, but we don’t even make that in a year. How would we pay for it?”
Linz was currently renewing the lease annually. Rutherford said she would need a 20 or 30-year lease to justify the investment.
It would also take at least 18 months to design and build, so it would not be ready for this year, Rutherford said.
Even more frustrating was that the bulk of traffic was generated by freedom campers, not water park users who tended to travel in buses or family groups.
Linz could decide to close the area to freedom campers, which would resolve the problem, she said.
Regardless, the company needed LINZ to confirm the lease would be renewed.
Linz Minister Damien O’Connor told the Rutherfords this month that the department was still considering the company’s application.
“This whole process has been incredibly frustrating,” Rutherford said.
She described the Kiwi Water Park as a Covid-19 success story, which received no public funding but phenomenal support from the local community.
“It’s now two months before we’re due to open, and we should be busy recruiting locals for another summer season and contributing to the local economy.”
Linz has been approached for comment.
Spring is in the air, which means that the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Tutus on Tour is back and coming to the Regent Theatre on 9 November!
See dancers from your national ballet company performing an enchanting programme including classical favourites and new works which are sure to delight … View moreSpring is in the air, which means that the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Tutus on Tour is back and coming to the Regent Theatre on 9 November!
See dancers from your national ballet company performing an enchanting programme including classical favourites and new works which are sure to delight dance fans of all ages.
With just one show and adult tickets starting at $30 plus booking fee, seats are selling fast.
Find out more and book at rnzb.org.nz.
GrandFriends is an organisation that connects people by linking families with children with GrandFriends (usually our older community). It is a win-win situation for all. Families are seeking support and a connection with our older, wiser folk and our older community are looking for more purpose, … View moreGrandFriends is an organisation that connects people by linking families with children with GrandFriends (usually our older community). It is a win-win situation for all. Families are seeking support and a connection with our older, wiser folk and our older community are looking for more purpose, companionship and to be able to help others.
GrandFriends NZ are looking for very special members of your community to support lovely families in your area. If you, or someone you know are interested in finding out more, please get in contact by email on info@grandfriends.nz or click on the link below.
We are always welcoming new members - if you are interested in getting involved with GrandFriends as a member or a volunteer - we would love to hear from you!.
TO JOIN US: www.grandfriends.nz... 😀
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