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Let’s not put too fine a point on it: for the past five weeks we’ve been living in the middle of a crisis of unknown magnitude. It’s been a time of unprecedented change and for many it will have been an intense period of worry and anxiety. But however much lockdown might have separated us, it has also brought us together as families and communities united in fighting a common threat. · It has been heart-warming to witness the commitment our…

The impact of COVID-19 on our economy is yet to be seen in its entirety and may not be for some time. · Fortunately for Franklin and Papakura areas, the sense of community is strong, and I believe it won’t be long before many businesses are back in full swing and it is up to all of us in the community to support them. · The expected move to Level 2, hopefully mid-May will see many more businesses open and with sensible shopping, we can all do…

Immensely talented local portrait artist Logan Moffat is undaunted by the postponement of his exhibition ‘The Mind is the Portrait’ due to the COVID-19 outbreak. He sees it merely as a reason to continue working on his portraits and to evolve what he knows as consciousness painting. A former student at ACG Strathallan, a graduate of Elam School of Fine Arts, with a BFA Honours, Moffat is also the youngest winner ever of the Adam Portraiture…

The Papakura Business Association is committed to helping businesses in Papakura open under Levels 3 and Level 2 of the COVID-19 lockdown. · Most businesses in Papakura are open in some way or other, and you can support your local favourite retailer, café, trade, professional service or health or Beauty service by going to www.papakura.co.nz and searching for them. · \EatLocal in Papakura, ShopLocal in Papakura, and #LivePapakura!

The Government’s state of emergency has created a dangerous political vacuum. Decisions that profoundly affect everyone’s lives are being undertaken in an autocratic fashion without any attempt at democratic involvement. · Even the typically reserved Law Society has raised concerns about the lack of transparency and consultation associated with the lockdown: “As far as possible, there should be an ongoing attempt to replicate the normal policy…

ANZAC day 2020 will be a vastly different day to years previous, but still bears little resemblance to the horrors that young Sergeant James Stanton experienced during the First World War. Thanks to a canny series of events, we know a little about what he endured by the contents of his diary, written in the trenches and in the safekeeping of local man Mr Phil Gibbs for many years. · “My mother was given the diary by a lady next door neighbour …

Day 28 Update: Managing your hair! examples of people helping their communities; new SOS Cafe Facebook page initiative; and planning for the ‘Stand at Dawn’ commemoration on ANZAC Day.

While public ANZAC Day services will not be able to go ahead this year, we can still take time to reflect on the sacrifice made by our ANZACs and show our appreciation to all of our veterans and service personnel. · Defence Minister Ron Mark joined Defence Force personnel in urging all New Zealanders to stand at the end of their driveway, living room, balcony, or their essential places of work, at 0600 hours on the 25th of April to commemorate…

Day 23 Update: Recent business tax changes; New electorate boundaries announced; and congratulations to Sam at Port Waikato for reopening his dairy.

Day 19: Need to keep exercising; distribution of free face masks to the local community and special issue to a retirement home in Tuakau; good news for golf and bowling clubs; and please email me at andrew@baylymp.co.nz if you would like my assistance