Articles by Sally Sumner

Ensom Funeral Services recognises that each family’s needs are different and, with that in mind, they take the time to prepare a unique and fitting tribute and farewell. It is the emphasis on providing personal advice and assistance to grieving families that sets Ensom Funeral Services apart. · The friendly and professional team at Ensom Funeral Services has been part of the Auckland community for many years. John Ensom started in the…

As a child, I recall a few occasions whereby I was labelled ‘defiant’ or ‘challenging authority.’ These occasions were never related to breaking the rules of the land merely questioning those who perhaps felt they were above being questioned. But I was encouraged by my parents to questions things I didn’t agree with and to form my own opinions. As an adult that has provided for robust debate and discussions with like and unlike minds alike. I…

So, here we are back in lockdowns. Different levels for Auckland to the rest of the country and different rules for the levels. Families and businesses are at breaking points and frustration a plenty about the situation. Swiftly introduced emergency powers in 2020 continue to give the Prime Minister and the Director General of Health immense autocratic authority that raises questions about the state of democracy in New Zealand. All of us,…

Auckland born Monique Laloli spends her workdays editing the photos of high-end real estate in New York City; with many of these homes belonging to the rich and famous. She has worked on many properties including a 1930’s Long Island estate that once belonged to the Vanderbilts and Whitneys. Decorated with an amazing degree of opulence, the asking price was $27 million. · Earlier this year, Monique worked on the photos that helped sell…

It was wonderful to see the level of support locally for the recent nationwide protest organized by Groundswell. Farmers from throughout the region participated and experienced a high level of support from those who honked, flashed lights, shouted out and joined in, all in support of our Farmers. I was surprised through at the seemingly lack of coverage this event got and wondered if it was as well supported nationwide as I thought. · So, it…

Groundswell NZ is a volunteer group of farmers and rural professionals advocating for our Grass Roots farmers and rural communities. They recently took to the streets in the biggest protest since Bastion Point and converged on all the main centers nationwide in a convey of tractors – pushed to the limit with the number of regulations and perceived unworkable legislation that they feel is out of touch with what is happening within the actual…

Safety: the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury. Everyday, we engage in behaviours to ensure we are kept safe from dangers, risk or injury in our everyday endeavors. We follow rules and adhere to policies like driving on one side of the road, stopping at red lights, refraining from drinking bottles of chlorine bleach. We educate our children from a young age to bounce in the middle of the trampolines,…

When the current and returning members of the Waiuku Golf club gather to play at the Club’s 100th Year centennial celebration weekend in June, they will be thankful that the hazards they encounter are not hoof marks from cattle and sheep and fences around all the greens and gullies full of tea-tree and prickly blackberries as was the case in the early years of the course. Certainly not ideal for ball retrieval! The club has its origins as far…

We all know people who seem to be constantly striving to better themselves. It can by physically whether it be in a gym, running longer or running faster, lifting heavier or loosing weight. Some people give up a vice, such as alcohol or sugar for a month or longer and there are any number of charities that offer monthly fundraising challenges that you can align yourself too. Some of these people we know take on unbelievably difficult…

Tommy could be described as a quiet over achiever. Imported by Nicola d’Almeida from Scotland in 2013, as a three year old, he was originally destined to be bred from. A pure-bred, Black Tabiano Gypsy Cob stallion, he stands at a sturdy 150cm. Kind-hearted, with a beautiful head and with very correct movement, it was evident to Nicola and fellow equestrian enthusiast Chanelle Reid that he was a very special horse. · “I’ve been more or less…