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In watching the men's and women's rugby sevens in Dubai, and living in Wellington makes one very frustrated.
Ok, a little history. Wellington Regional Stadium staged a leg of the international sevens tournament for years and though it dwindled in spectator numbers due to a number of … View moreIn watching the men's and women's rugby sevens in Dubai, and living in Wellington makes one very frustrated.
Ok, a little history. Wellington Regional Stadium staged a leg of the international sevens tournament for years and though it dwindled in spectator numbers due to a number of fixable factors, upwards of 38,000 people had turned up each day of the two day event.
Then it went to Hamilton and good year-on-year numbers went through their stadium gates.
But now - from the 2023-24 internationals series on into the near future at least, neither Hamilton nor any other part of NZ gets to host the sevens. And yet Dubai hosts the event in conditions that can reach an unhealthy, sticky 40c and with several hundred spectators watching main;y from the back of sub-standard stands in largely less than enthusiastic conditions that are dispossessed of such things as ridiculously dressed-up and/or gentle beer swilling people.
And just now like in many other years, NZ is the world number one in both women's and men's rugby sevens.
I enjoyed the international rugby sevens at our stadium both as a spectator and in the capacity as a volunteer. One year my wife and I dressed up in Fijian garb and sat among the Fijian supporters and thoroughly loved it. Another time we dressed as dignified Indians and that was fun too.
But I wouldn't be travelling to Dubai to watch rugby sevens anytime soon. The international rugby sevens in Dubai is not a joke and of course money is finding its way into the coffers of world rugby though not via the turnstiles of the park used for rugby in that city.
When one looks at the changing nature of the Wellington Region, Upper Hutt sticks out most for all the recent and ongoing additions to the fabric of this city.
But it is really the rise and rise of the military presence that sets Upper Hutt apart from other cities and towns in NZ.
Trentham … View moreWhen one looks at the changing nature of the Wellington Region, Upper Hutt sticks out most for all the recent and ongoing additions to the fabric of this city.
But it is really the rise and rise of the military presence that sets Upper Hutt apart from other cities and towns in NZ.
Trentham Military encampment is large and from its bowels every evening at 5pm sharp, a sole bugle rings out for all within its range to know the time of day.
The military and the Department of Defence occupy a lot of Upper Hutt's land, a number of buildings including a great share of the attractive former General Motors building and one right in the centre of the CBD, as well as a lot of residential properties with a number in the process of being constructed near the camp's Davis Park.
And the full force of the military presence is felt every ANZAC Day at 6am at the UH civic centre as a witness to the prominent dawn service that Upper Hutt stages.
The officers of the military usually turn up at the impressive UH Cossie Club after the ANZAC public service for a hearty breakfast along with hundreds of locals.
Just a five minutes walk from the Military Camp is NZ's largest prison. It is these two entities that create a lot of the wealth and commercial activities that is Upper Hutt.
Whether you're looking to find a home with the freedom to embrace adventures or a place that feels like home for the whole family; now is the time to buy a Ryman independent apartment, townhouse or serviced apartment and reward yourself too. With more money staying in your pocket, it’s yours… View moreWhether you're looking to find a home with the freedom to embrace adventures or a place that feels like home for the whole family; now is the time to buy a Ryman independent apartment, townhouse or serviced apartment and reward yourself too. With more money staying in your pocket, it’s yours to spend!
Purchase an occupation right to any Ryman independent apartment or townhouse and receive a $20,000 credit on settlement. Or purchase an occupation right to any serviced apartment and receive a $10,000 credit on settlement.*
Offer valid until 22 December 2023.
*Terms and conditions apply, visit rymanhealthcare.co.nz/ts&cs
Give the gift that keeps on giving this Christmas. NZ House & Garden magazine is your go-to inspiration for interiors, homes, and gardens, plus find sumptuous food that’ll make your mouth water and curated lifestyle features sure to impress.
This Christmas, gift or purchase a 1-year NZ … View moreGive the gift that keeps on giving this Christmas. NZ House & Garden magazine is your go-to inspiration for interiors, homes, and gardens, plus find sumptuous food that’ll make your mouth water and curated lifestyle features sure to impress.
This Christmas, gift or purchase a 1-year NZ House & Garden subscription for only $85 and save yourself $47, plus you’ll get the added benefit of home delivery every month!
The team at NZ House & Garden
Never heard of the Puteketeke or Crested Grebe until fast talking, fact amassing comedian, John Oliver of the American network, spluttered about the grebe a couple of weeks ago.
It is a kind of duck and not seen in the North Island for ages and only a 1000 survive in the bowels of the South … View moreNever heard of the Puteketeke or Crested Grebe until fast talking, fact amassing comedian, John Oliver of the American network, spluttered about the grebe a couple of weeks ago.
It is a kind of duck and not seen in the North Island for ages and only a 1000 survive in the bowels of the South Island.
Oliver has done me a favour. The annual NZ Bird of the Year is a bit of a farce and so when it came to the NZ Bird of the Century which promised to be equally farcical, along comes Oliver, whom I have a great admiration for, and dug the knife deeper into farcical.
Every year we are virtually told by NZ Forest and Bird whom to vote for in Bird of the Year or at best given a list of maybe three birds and advised who could be favoured. The idea is to spread it around the dozens and dozens of birds that grace our lands. So it is a joke this annual public voting. It is just a publicity stunt.
And who can forget that two years ago Forest & Bird promoted a non- bird for the Bird of the Year and of course sheep-like voters complied and the animal ( a bat) won.
Be that it may, we were told to select who we like as NZ Bird of the Century but to really go for the North Island Brown Kiwi.
In steps Oliver and proclaims on his televised weekly show that the Puteketeke nestled in Australia, NZ and in some other Pacific islands should be honoured with the title and not the little Brown Kiwi.
The Kiwi is reserved, rather dour, colourless, quiet and a night-time-only prowler. The Crested Grebe is the opposite. Colourful, quirky, well adorned and can make a splash.
Oliver's choice and his organisation's promotional costs won out by a landslide - over 290,000 votes to the 12,000 allotted to the NI Brown Kiwi.
if you have never before heard of John Oliver you have now. Thank you John. NZ Forest & Bird just might feel compelled to change the way they promote animals that live in NZ in future.
Snap up a subscription to NZ’s best selling weekly entertainment magazine - the perfect gift for the TV enthusiast in your life. Each week, receive the latest entertainment, competitions, puzzles and an extensive listing guide. You’ll never miss out on the best of TV with a home-delivered … View moreSnap up a subscription to NZ’s best selling weekly entertainment magazine - the perfect gift for the TV enthusiast in your life. Each week, receive the latest entertainment, competitions, puzzles and an extensive listing guide. You’ll never miss out on the best of TV with a home-delivered subscription to The TV Guide.
This Christmas, gift or purchase a 1-year TV Guide subscription for only $99, saving you $67!
The team at The TV Guide
Had a trip to Hastings by car via State HIghway 1 and the Saddle Road crossover to Sate Highway 2 and the only potentially dangerous incident during the trip were the ominous several same model "gang" vans parked in the CBD area of Hastings with some of the members gathering around.
… View moreHad a trip to Hastings by car via State HIghway 1 and the Saddle Road crossover to Sate Highway 2 and the only potentially dangerous incident during the trip were the ominous several same model "gang" vans parked in the CBD area of Hastings with some of the members gathering around.
The patches will soon be off so promises the new Government which will only make it a little harder for the public at large to identify a potential issue.
Hope these better driving habits are a good omen for the December-February holiday period in NZ.
Is this a sign of prosperity in Hastings: may have chosen only the best in the city but on a Thursday evening, a large Thai restaurant was all but booked out and on Friday mid morning, a large art deco cafe was similarly filled including with a leisurely relaxed young policeman.
A little later, I couldn't get a cop to pop over to a service station to investigate some issue. But the very next day they sent me a text asking how satisfied I was with their response.
Metal framed futon, wooden arms. Works well, converts to a bed easily. Size: 200
mm long, 100mm wide (as sofa), 80mm high. Comes with 3 washable covers for mattress (2 black, 1 white). From a smoke free house but not pet free.
Buyer will need to collect.
What an incredible Black Friday it's been! We received a whopping 460 responses from all you savvy shoppers who shared your best deals for a chance to WIN a $200 Prezzy Card!
Now, the moment you've been waiting for – did you strike gold as the lucky winner? Find out right here: … View moreWhat an incredible Black Friday it's been! We received a whopping 460 responses from all you savvy shoppers who shared your best deals for a chance to WIN a $200 Prezzy Card!
Now, the moment you've been waiting for – did you strike gold as the lucky winner? Find out right here: www.nzcompare.com...
Didn't score the big win this time? No worries! Follow NZ Compare to stay in the loop about future competitions, deals, and shopping tips! We're here to brighten up your budget. CLICK below to explore more.
This week's Nice Neighbours are Matt, Amelie and Jireh Rudich of Papakura. They were nominated by Yolanda Schuller.
On Yolanda's birthday, her husband had a major heart attack. They had an entire day planned, but then life threw a spanner into the works.
Yolanda asked Amelie to feed… View moreThis week's Nice Neighbours are Matt, Amelie and Jireh Rudich of Papakura. They were nominated by Yolanda Schuller.
On Yolanda's birthday, her husband had a major heart attack. They had an entire day planned, but then life threw a spanner into the works.
Yolanda asked Amelie to feed her cat, Koda, but Amelie's family went over and above. They cooked dinners two nights in a row and sent yummy treats during the tough time.
“I was really touched by their love, prayers and generosity. They are amazing. I couldn’t wish for better neighbours,” said Yolanda.
Nominate a Nice Neighbour you know, and they could be recognized on Stuff (and you both win a prize!).
With Christmas Box, your $40 donation turns into $70 worth of everyday essential food and treats to help those who need it most across Aotearoa this Christmas.
100% of donations go to not only feeding a family but will also provide much-needed hope.
Donate $40 today and bring hope to the … View moreWith Christmas Box, your $40 donation turns into $70 worth of everyday essential food and treats to help those who need it most across Aotearoa this Christmas.
100% of donations go to not only feeding a family but will also provide much-needed hope.
Donate $40 today and bring hope to the table.
Do you love op shops and connecting with your local community? One of our member organisations is looking for volunteers to join their suburban Thrift and Gift store in Brooklyn. They are a not-for-profit store where the profits are donated quarterly to organisations in the local community. For … View moreDo you love op shops and connecting with your local community? One of our member organisations is looking for volunteers to join their suburban Thrift and Gift store in Brooklyn. They are a not-for-profit store where the profits are donated quarterly to organisations in the local community. For this role, you will need a friendly nature and confidence in handling interactions and sales with customers. You will need to be prepared to pitch in to keep the shop tidy and you will be in charge of opening and closing the store, overseeing the floor throughout the shift and processing sales. Training will be provided! For more information, and to register your interest, please see our website at:
shorturl.at...
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