Sharing My Neighbourhood book - a Hataitai residents experience of COVID-19 Lockdown
Hey Bert, what’s Sharing My Neighbourhood all about?
Well Ernie, it’s a book released on 25 September 2020 – exactly 6 months since New Zealand went into COVID-19 Lockdown. It’s is a photo journal of our neighbour Debbie’s personal experience leading up to and then living in self-isolation in her bubble for 38 days under Lockdown.
Apparently she was stopped in her tracks when she first saw us on Mum’s fence on 3 April - I do remember her taking a couple of photos of us then. Then she was out walking past our house again the next day and Mum had asked us to change our positions, which we had done. Debbie was really tickled by it and then got a bit fixated upon us (wouldn’t be the first) and took our photo every few days whilst out on her walks.
That’s so cool Bert. I do remember Debbie - she visited us often, was always happy for a natter, and yes she loved taking our photo!!! She was in a bubble of just her and her cat if I remember rightly. So is Debbie’s book just photos of us Bert?
No Ernie it’s not all about us, although obviously we are the cover stars and there are lots more photos of us in her book. Her photos which are centred around Hataitai, Kilbirnie, Lyall Bay, Rongotai and Roseneath include photos of the empty streets, the chalk messages of support on the pavement, the innovative ANZAC poppies, the autumn colours and all the other ‘teddies’ placed in view for the kids to seek out as part of the New Zealand Bear Hunt – they are all captured here to preserve these memories. Oh, and not forgetting her book also includes her personal narrative, and the daily NZ COVID-19 stats.
Wow Bert that sounds amazing! So where can we buy her book?
Debbie can be private messaged for bank details, or visited at the Hataitai monthly community market, or you can buy it on her website debbiewareing.com.
Debbie is kindly donating $5 from each book sale to the redevelopment of the 100+ year old Hataitai Centre - the iconic former bowling club.
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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76.3% Yes
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22.3% No
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1.4% 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.
Wellington Colours
Red Cross Shop Kilbirnie is celebrating our provincial colours this week! Come in and get decked out in Wellington colours!
27 Rongotai Road Kilbirnie Wellington
9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday,
10am to 4pm Sunday