A festival of aroha – Let's make Matariki a public holiday in 2021
Hi neighbours,
Today, Stuff is launching a campaign to make Matariki a public holiday from 2021.
Plucked from obscurity and given the breath of life, since the turn of the century, Matariki has blossomed into an inclusive, popular event.
Tied to the rising of Matariki, the Pleiades star cluster, in the night sky, the festival marks the start of te Mātahi o te tau, the new year.
Once a casualty of colonisation, Matariki’s comeback has fostered greater use of te reo Māori, and recognition for Māori customary practices.
We believe it is past time to officially acknowledge all Matariki stands for in our national calendar. To learn more about Stuff's campaign, click here
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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5% Second half of November
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44.7% 1st December
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16.6% A week before Christmas
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32.5% Whenever you wish
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Do you think an age check is required for these drinks?
Stores are checking IDs for fancy soft drinks and not everyone is happy about it.
One shopper, who asked not to be named, bought some zero alcohol branded drinks at his local supermarket and was asked to “step around into the thoroughfare so a supervisor could see me and make sure I was over 18. I couldn't believe it."
Do you think an age check is required for these drinks? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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33.3% Yes
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0% Not sure
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66.7% No
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.