CAN THE ALL BLACKS RESTORE NZ
If the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup later this year it may just be the impetus to trigger the revival of NZ in general to lead us out of the desert into the promise land or return us to the balmy days when we at or near the top in so many international surveys - from happiness to economic prowess, from education to least corrupt.
I fear we are in a hole that is getting bigger - like that of those potholes in Ward Street, Upper Hutt.
Ardern resigned as PM and left the Labour-Green Government with a major reason perhaps being that she felt she lacked the skilled and professional competen support among her colleagues. Ardern to me needed propping up to be the great leader she showed and was capable of but the problem was, the props were on the earthquake fault line. And since her departure the Government at a cabinet, parliamentary and political levels has only gotten worse. It is virtually in disarray.
So we look to the opposition. Without an iota of a doubt in my mind, there will be a National-ACT government before the end of the year. And do I find that they will be sufficiently engaged at a higher level than what we have now. No.
Maybe the Football Ferns in July and August at the Women's FIFA World Cup will set a platform that will provide a boost to NZ that the All Blacks can finish off come October. Don't hold your breath.
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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76.4% Yes
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22.3% No
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
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: 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% Yes
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15.3% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below