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A few weeks ago, the Government announced that as from 2022 teaching New Zealand history would be a mandatory part of the school curriculum, at both primary and secondary level. As somebody who was an historian before he was an economist, I was delighted. It is important that all New Zealanders, whether born here or born overseas, have an understanding of where we have come from as a nation – including the things we can be proud of and the…

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…

Politicians around the world have been calling for faster and faster action to reduce emissions. Our own Prime Minister has joined the political hype-train by announcing climate change is "my"/her generation’s nuclear free moment (who made everyone under 40 "her" generation? and why are we now pitting different generations against each other?) Politicians around the world have clamoured over each other to announce they will do more than the…

After his death, James Cook’s memory was revered and his mana grew, while ‘his reputation spread across the Pacific’.[^2] However, it was in only those places, such as Hawaii and Tahiti, where ‘Cook had forged a ceremonial friendship with a paramount chief that he later became a focus of ancestral veneration’.[^3] For Maori, it was his Tahitian companions who were remembered in oral traditions, while Tongan memories focussed on the plot to kill…

The heated exchanges that occurred at a recent Ministry for the Environment meeting in Pukekohe are symptomatic of the pressures building on our growers and farmers. They are becoming increasingly worried about the future and Government policies are the key reason. They turned out in force to meet Ministry for the Environment officials and Freshwater Leaders Advisory Committee chair John Penno when they hosted a “roadshow” to get feedback on…

There is plenty of choice locally in Pukekohe when it comes to finding a building company who are willing and able to build a house for you, complete with all the bells and whistles. But it takes a special builder with whom you can create a relationship worthy of a friendship that results in a stress free, exact build that you and family can call home and create a mountain of memories. Lance Hutton is one such builder, and along with his…

Having a baby is one of the most beautiful things in life. The fertility journey should be full of joys but unfortunately it can be stressful and frustrating when things don’t turn up the way you expected. Some are doing it for the first time, some are suffering from secondary infertility, some have been trying for a while and would simply like some help. There are also others have been on this road a long time and been through the emotion…

GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS IN PAPAKURA · We are getting ready for Christmas here as it looms up in just a few months · CAROLS IN THE PARK · Friday 6th of December in Central Park from 6 pm · ROTARY SANTA PARADE · Sunday 8th of December in Central Park at 3 pm in town · CHILLING IN THE PARK · Sunday 8th of December in Central Park straight after the Santa Parade – come down to Central Park and listen to a few good bands, grab a coffee, Mr…

Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook and anyone who has ever been a parent or acted as a caregiver to a child, knows that it is not easy negotiating the many needs of a child from the moment they are born. Connecting Together is a relatively new Occupational therapy community service/private practice providing care, intervention, therapy and guidance to children and families in the Franklin area. It is the brainchild of Melissa Walker-Tate, a…

With Christmas just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about long Summer evenings spent dining with friends, relaxed brunches with extended families and the obligatory workplace Christmas party. What better venue is there than Bracu Restaurant to celebrate these occasions all festive season long. Nestled on the sunlit slopes of the Bombay Hills, just out of central Pukekohe the well renowned fine dining Bracu restaurant forms part…