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In edition 211 there is an article on medical marijuana, in the 'looking abroad' section it talks about Sweden’s choice to have a zero-tolerance policy against drugs which as stated had a backlash of drug related deaths. I am confused why you used a negative example while talking about healthy drug control and use. However, Portuguese would be a positive example of change, their government chose to decriminalize personal illicit drug use, they…

Each year the debate intensifies as supporters and detractors line up on opposing sides of the fence. Both sides are equally passionate in their presentation of evidence, and fervent in their claims to be preserving our native wildlife. This article seeks to give a simple, easy to read explanation of the scientific evidence offered. The Department of Conservation (DoC) and TBfree NZ are the largest users of 1080 in NZ, which uses…

In recent months, we have seen a rash of strikes – teachers and nurses in particular, with other sectors suggesting that they may strike also unless the people who work in those sectors get a substantial wage or salary increase. Of course, people say, that’s what you’d expect when we have a Labour- New Zealand First Coalition Government. They’re a worker-friendly government, so naturally there’ll be more strikes. I don’t doubt that there is…

Ian Austin was born in the UK and enjoyed a high-octane career with the Hampshire Police, including serving as a tactical firearms officer and covert surveillance operative, before migrating to New Zealand in 2003. After a stint with the NZ Police, Austin turned his hand to writing and is now the author of three novels, including The Ideas Man (2011), with more in the works. Austin’s Dan Calder series of crime novels began with The Agency…

Born to Indian parents, food writer and school nurse Ashia Ismail-Singer was raised in Malawi and the UK. Her grandparents moved from India to Malawi in the late 1940’s, when India and Pakistan were partitioned, and Ashia grew up in a large Indian community in Malawi. Aromatic, spicy, tangy and sweet . . . these are the words that describe Ashia Ismail-Singer’s earliest food memories. Inspired by her mother’s cooking, Ashia’s first cookbook My…

The annual Waiuku Blast to the Past family entertainment event is being held in November and it is set to be better than the rest, with a spectacular, professional fireworks display, family entertainment and a variety of craft and food markets for the family to enjoy. Lucy Mullinger looks back at what has been achieved in the region and what makes Waiuku special enough to have a whole festival dedicated to it. Each year, the popular event,…

Not many people have heard of Zonta, but the world is bound to hear about a couple of young women who have just received awards from the organisation. Zonta exists to help women worldwide, but like all good things, it begins at home. In south Auckland, Zonta raises money to fund local projects which include supporting teen parent units and women's refuge, and providing breast cushions for post-mastectomy women. Nationally the club supports…

A look at some of the weird and sometimes very sad unsolved crimes and mysteries of New Zealand. A relatively new country by most standards, New Zealand is most likely not at the top of the list when it comes to unsolved crimes and mysteries, but there have been some spine-tingling events that have taken place on our quiet isles throughout the years, some of which have been highly documented and some that have remained under the radar. In the…

Sixty years later, an underwater research group has discovered U-196 partially submerged, stern down, in the sand and apparently not fully flooded in 15 meters of water. It is surmised that U-196 refuelled from the German convoy raider ‘Orion’, somewhere near Palau, before the German surrender brought inevitable internment, then headed south as the Japanese navy was preparing for a general withdrawal to the home islands. Approaching New Zealand…

If you’re struggling with pain, anxiety, depression, sleeping problems or health issues, you might be interested to find that acupuncture can assist you. If you’re struggling with pain, anxiety, depression, sleeping problems or health issues, you might be interested to find that acupuncture can assist you. While it is renowned for dealing with pain, there is a lot more to the ancient Chinese holistic approach than first meets the eye. Local…

NEW BUSINESSES IN TOWN: Out of Space and The Local Business Network both from Papakura joining as Associate Members Toy World Pop Up Store next door to BNZ in Great South Road St Johns Opportunity Store next door to the Post Office in the Great South Road CHRISTMAS IN PAPAKURA: So much happening Christmas Decorations going up around town on the week commencing 19th of November Rotary Santa Parade – Sunday 2nd of December at 3 pm. Fancy…

What has been happening for the month of November. It’s been an exciting few months for us with several projects we have been working on for a long time becoming reality. Just a few weekends ago we joined residents at a community day to open a new playground in Kauri Reserve in Takanini. Located within a new housing area, the playground is designed for a range of ages to have fun and be challenged. What was great about this project was that…

Road Safety reminder from Counties Manukau Police for the upcoming holiday period. I’m sure like most of you out there your fingers are currently crossed that the warm sunny weather is here for the next few months. Along with the warmer weather comes our community getting out and about around our stunning district. It’s timely for us to all take a moment to think about road safety and how to keep each and every one of us around for Christmas.…

Spring is one of the ‘traditional’ peak selling seasons and with the surging property prices behind us for a while, and that while is more probably measured in years than months, tradition is again in play Spring is one of the ‘traditional’ peak selling seasons and with the surging property prices behind us for a while, and that while is more probably measured in years than months, tradition is again in play. There has been a flush of new…

When you meet noteworthy contemporary photographer Tatiana Skorik for the first time you instantly get the sense that her poise and calm nature allow her the space and privilege of an advanced level of insight when it comes to observing life and the interactions that give life meaning. It is this level of insight that helps her to capture moments in such a remarkable manner. Initially intrigued by the appearance of images from blank pages as a…