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1555 days ago

A poem for the 2020 General Election

Oliver Neighbourly Lead from One Tree Point

Election time is coming
And I am worried sick
What candidate and party
Should I award my tick?

I'm reasonably well-informed
And have an open mind
So here's my message to you all
Be truthful and be kind

Drop all your usual rhetoric
Forget the GDP
A genuine focus on wellbeing
Is what I want to see

Leave port moves to the experts
No barrel and no pork
Stick to the facts and evidence
Don't take me for a dork

I won't look at your hoardings
Your ads and your SM
Your bribes and empty promises
To me it's all just spam

And I will certainly not watch
A televised debate
I really have no need to feel
Uplifted by the state

Don't sell me "back to normal"
Forget the "tough on crime"
No crusher and no stardust
Just tell the truth this time

I'm tired of your platitudes
Your kicking of the cans
I want to read your policies
And understand your plans

I'm scared and eco-anxious
I need a dash of hope
And not just referenda
On managed death and dope

Don't be the handbrake all the time
Please pull out all the stops
I want a tidal wave of change
And not just a few drops

When Mother Nature kicks our bum
With fire, drought and flood
She tells us in most certain terms
To nip it in the bud

And when the great pandemic hit
Just like a lightning strike
We rediscovered care and kindness
And what life should be like

So put a cap on cows and diesel
And all that dirty s#!t
And spare me your disinformation
Since I won't fall for it

There's more that needs to disappear
Not just the plastic bag
I want that green recovery
Clean air and regen ag

Plus energy efficiency
Instead of soot and mould
Stop muddying the waters now
It's getting a bit old

And when it comes to transport
There is no "road or rail?"
There's only less emissions
If we want to prevail

Forget the aluminium smelter
We're always bound to lose
Reroute the Manapōuri power
And put it to good use

When you're talking waste and rubbish
I want to smell no rat
Bring on deposits and recycling
And make us pay for that

We are obsessed with housing
So go and take a dare
Kill off the speculation
Just tax it fair and square

Our welfare isn't doing well
And here's the reason why
It's targeted and quite the trap
Why not a UBI?

Business needs certainty
And keeping things on track
So don't campaign that if you win
You will just roll it back

Quit farming our kids like cattle
Repair the ECE
Just let our teachers do the teaching
And go for quality

Enable students overseas
To distance-learn online
So there's no need for quarantine
Remote will work just fine

Be careful with our borders
Whatever it might take
Don't burst our precious bubbles
For tourist dollars' sake

Please honour Te Tiriti
Respect that BLM
And quit the racist notion
That there is Us and Them

So this is it, my laundry list
What I think should be done
I'll go and check that I'm enrolled
Don't want to miss the fun

Just giving me the pen for free
Will certainly not do
You have to take me seriously
To make me vote for you

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More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64% Yes
    64% Complete
  • 33.7% No
    33.7% Complete
  • 2.3% Other - I'll share below
    2.3% Complete
1929 votes
1 day ago

Become an SPCA Foster Hero!

The Team from SPCA Whangarei - Centre & Op Shops

Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.

Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!

Sign up today and save a life!

1 day ago

Tips on Accelerating Your Comfort Level with a New Mattress

Jay from Beds4U Whangarei

Getting started on the quest for the perfect night’s sleep with a new mattress can be exciting, but it often requires a period of adjustment.

If you've recently invested in a new mattress and are wondering about the time frame for adjustment, you're not alone.


Understanding the typical adjustment period can greatly improve your sleep health and ensure you get the most comfort out of your new bed.

The Personal Touch: Individual Variation in Adjustment
When it comes to adapting to a new mattress, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

The mattress adjustment period can vary significantly depending on a number of personal factors.

Age, health, and even your usual sleep position can influence how quickly you adjust.

Generally, most people take anywhere from a few days up to a month to fully adapt to their new sleeping environment.

During this time, your body is acclimating to the support and feel of the mattress, which may differ significantly from your old one.

Understanding Mattress Types and Their Impact
The type of mattress you choose also plays a crucial role in your adjustment period.

Memory foam, for instance, may require a longer adjustment period as it contours more significantly to your body compared to a traditional spring mattress.

On the other hand, hybrid mattresses—a combination of foam and springs—offer a balance of support and cushioning, which might ease the adaptation process.

Tips for a Smoother Transition
Adapting to your new mattress is not just about waiting it out; there are active steps you can take to make the process smoother:

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day sets your body’s internal clock, which can help reduce the adjustment time.

Create a comfortable sleep environment. Ensure your bedroom is conducive to sleep—consider factors like temperature, light, and noise.

Give it time. Even if your new mattress feels different or not quite right initially, give it a few weeks, as initial discomfort is common.
Exploring more about how to enhance your sleep environment for a comfortable sleep, you can check out Beds4U Bedding.

Recognizing the Signs of Successful Adjustment
How do you know if you're well-adjusted to your new mattress?

Look for positive changes in your sleep quality and health.

You should experience less tossing and turning, fewer awakenings through the night, and reduced morning stiffness or soreness.

Increased sleep quality and waking up feeling rested are clear indicators that your body has adapted to the new mattress.

Comfort with Confidence
Adjusting to a new mattress is a unique experience that varies from person to person.

By understanding your needs and the characteristics of different mattress types, along with employing tips to aid the transition, you can enhance your sleep quality significantly.

Remember, a good night's sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being.

At Beds4U, we are committed to helping you find that perfect sleep solution.

With a wide range of high-quality mattresses and a knowledgeable team eager to assist, finding your ideal comfort is just a visit away.

Explore our latest collections and sales at Beds4U and start enjoying a more comfortable sleep tonight.

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