Billy T: Life and Times of Billy T James (book)
Billy T: Life and Times of Billy T James (book)
by Matt Elliott
2009
Paperback, 384 pages
Very good condition
Billy T James was a larger-than-life comedian who gave us some of our best belly laughs, creating enduring characters as he poked the borax at race relations in New Zealand. His characters were Kiwi through and through and we loved him for it.
When he died in his early forties, of complications following a heart transplant, we were shocked - first by his premature death, and then by one of the first highly publicised interracial body-snatching incidents.
His widow, Lynn Matthews, and a number of Billy's closest friends have cooperated with author Matt Elliott to tell the story behind the cheeky grin. The result is perceptive, poignant, funny and endearing - just like Billy T.
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.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.1% Yes
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13.4% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
What do you think about this car park's condition?
A Tokoroa local says the car park at Tokoroa Hospital is a “third world” shambles and is not a good look for the town’s public medical centre.
Olaf Langhenkel said the state of the car park, which is riddled with potholes and past attempts at repair, had been deteriorating for around five years and nothing had been done about it.
What do you think about this car park's condition? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).