Waikato expressway: Motorists can now bypass Huntly
A section of the new Waikato expressway opened to drivers on Monday. The $300 million, four-lane highway takes State Highway 1 east of Huntly - bypassing the small town. This particular section connects with the completed expressway at Ohinewai and Ngaruawahia. Work on the section of road has been underway since 2015. "The project has been complex and challenging but also hugely rewarding for all involved," NZTA portfolio manager Darryl Coalter said. It will improve safety and reduce time on the road cutting 35 minutes from the trip between Tirau and Auckland, the NZTA says. While drivers are happy about quicker travel times some Huntly retailers told they were worried they'd miss out on the more than 20,000 drivers that pass through the town most days. "We may stay for a couple of weeks and see how it goes and then we'll make a plan after that, but you know we are gonna miss out on the one-off people who are here on holiday," said Karen Putwain, who runs a seafood truck in the area.
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Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
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78.3% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
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21.7% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
The gift of giving …?
The author of “The Gift of the Magi” is O. Henry, a pseudonym for William Sydney Porter.
“The Gift of the Magi” is a poignant short story about a young couple, Jim and Della, who are deeply in love but financially struggling. With Christmas approaching and limited money, each decides to sacrifice their most prized possession to buy a meaningful gift for the other. Della sells her beautiful long hair to buy a platinum chain for Jim’s watch, while Jim sells his grandfather’s watch to buy a set of combs for Della’s hair. In the end, their love and sacrifice underscore the true spirit of giving during the holiday season.
🤔
I would say the story underscores the stupidity of Xmas gifts … after all, it is not YOUR birthday, so how about donating something to good causes and otherwise enjoying being together?
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