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That morning cup of coffee doesn’t just wake you up for the day, it also gives a boost to billions of friendly microbes residing in your digestive system. Because, according to a growing body of research, there is evidence that your espresso may positively influence your microbiome – gut bacteria – leading to better overall health and even a longer life. · “The microbiome comprises legions of species of ‘good bacteria’ that work collectively…

The government is ramping up efforts to achieve its Smokefree 2025 goal by offering free vaping starter kits to adult smokers through stop-smoking services. · From next week, these services will provide kits including a vape device and a month’s supply of nicotine pods, with ongoing support over three months. · Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said “We know that more people try to quit over Christmas and New Year.” She argued that those…

Boxing Day sales were up by 13% this year, with New Zealanders spending nearly $68m. This is in contrast to subdued pre-Christmas activity, which dropped nearly 1% compared to 2023. Shoppers hit up bookshops, clothing stores, and hardware outlets, according to payment processor Worldline. · Bruce Proffit, the company’s chief sales officer, noted that this rebound follows a challenging year marked by economic pressures like Cyclone Gabrielle. ·…

The first official New Zealand airmail to the United States left Auckland for San Francisco on Pan American Airways’ Samoan Clipper on January 2nd, 1938. The Sikorsky S-42B flying boat was piloted by Captain Ed Musick – then the world’s most famous pilot – and carried 25,000 items of mail. · After crossing the International Date Line, Musick arrived in Pago Pago, American Samoa, where it was still 1 January. At his next stop, an uninhabited…

This twist on fried chicken is a fun way to start the New Year and use up any left over sparkling wine for the batter.  · Ingredients · Vegetable oil, for frying · 1 1/2 cups sour cream · 3 tablespoons drained prepared horseradish · 2 teaspoons lemon zest · 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice · Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper · One 2-ounce jar caviar · 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish · 1 1/4 cups…

As we step into the new year, I want to reflect on the journey through 2024—a year defined by fearless reporting, exclusive interviews, and relentless investigations that challenged the status quo. Your support has made it all possible. · In 2024, I focused on uncovering critical issues that have been ignored, misrepresented, or outright suppressed by the mainstream media. Through my work, I exposed regulatory failures, highlighted flaws in…

It’s that time of year again: we’re overfed, over-partied and likely to be a bit heavier than we were. Yet, even though January is a good moment to reset and embark on healthy new year’s resolutions, most of us start with over-ambitious goals only to jack them in three weeks later. · Experts recommend looking at your life and choosing one resolution in an area where you will feel tangible results. “If you’re giving up smoking, for example, I…

Pencarrow Head lighthouse, at the entrance to Wellington Harbour, was lit for the first time amid great celebration on January1st, 1859. After years of inadequate solutions, Wellington finally had a permanent lighthouse – New Zealand’s first. Equally notable was the lighthouse’s first keeper, Mary Bennett, who had tended Pencarrow’s temporary light since her husband’s death in 1855 – she remains New Zealand’s only female lighthouse keeper. ·…

Grey leaves New Zealand after first term as governor - 31 December 1853 · During his first term as governor (1845–53), Sir George Grey was praised for ending the Northern War, opening up land for settlement and fostering the colonial economy. However, he angered settlers by delaying the implementation of a constitution that would have given them some political power. · After the New Zealand Constitution Act (UK) 1852 came into force in early…

Charles Darwin leaves New Zealand after nine-day visit - 30 December 1835 · Darwin’s visit to the Bay of Islands on HMS Beagle was brief and unspectacular from his point of view. The Beagle’s captain, Robert FitzRoy, would later serve as the second governor of New Zealand. · New Zealand was a short stopover on FitzRoy’s five-year expedition, the main aims of which were to chart the southern coast of South America and run a chain of chronometric…