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Spring’s here, and with it comes warmer weather and lots of activity from our birds. It’s a great time to get outside—many birds are easier to spot as they build nests, raise their chicks, or return from their Arctic adventures 👀
Keen to do some backyard birdwatching? The Department of … View moreSpring’s here, and with it comes warmer weather and lots of activity from our birds. It’s a great time to get outside—many birds are easier to spot as they build nests, raise their chicks, or return from their Arctic adventures 👀
Keen to do some backyard birdwatching? The Department of Conservation have put together a nifty guide on how to plan and plant a garden that attracts native birds.
We hope this brings a smile!
Police are excited to invite media to the launch of the Henderson Beat Team, which began patrolling this week.
A launch event will be held in Henderson on Friday morning.
Waitematā West Area Commander Inspector Simon Walker and Minister of Police Mark Mitchell will launch the team.
Please … View morePolice are excited to invite media to the launch of the Henderson Beat Team, which began patrolling this week.
A launch event will be held in Henderson on Friday morning.
Waitematā West Area Commander Inspector Simon Walker and Minister of Police Mark Mitchell will launch the team.
Please arrive before the start time to allow time to set up.
WHERE:
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Meet at Waitākere Chambers
6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson.
Entrance is accessed via Te Ara Pūheke or via Railside Avenue, using the rail overbridge.
WHEN
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Friday 12 September from 11am-12.30pm
WHAT
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The Henderson Beat Team will be launched to community guests and media.
After the launch there will be further opportunities for media with a walkalong through part of Henderson CBD, followed by a media stand up.
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Homework in primary school has an effect of around zero”.
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We’ve all been there – sitting at the kitchen table, feverishly finishing our spelling while an anxious parent coaxes us along. For generations, homework at an early age has been part … View moreHomework in primary school has an effect of around zero”.
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We’ve all been there – sitting at the kitchen table, feverishly finishing our spelling while an anxious parent coaxes us along. For generations, homework at an early age has been part of everyday life. But now many experts are questioning its value for primary-aged children, with some calling for it to end altogether.
Currently, in New Zealand, there are no specific Ministry of Education laws mandating or regulating homework. Some schools choose to adopt guidelines like “the 10-minute rule” (10 minutes of homework per school level), others choose to have none.
For Kiwi parents, this can mean drastically different workloads for kids. One Auckland-based parent tells the Herald that her two children, 5 and 8, are often too tired to focus on homework, and it takes away from quality time.
“My 5-year-old is so exhausted when he comes home, and I dread sitting him down and forcing him to do homework - it just feels too much for him after a long day and always ends in a tantrum.”
The mother said her 5-year-old gets spelling words to revise, as well as a book to read with parents, while her 8-year-old comes home with “basic revision, chapter books, maths and some projects”.
“After I empty school bags, get through all that homework and make dinner, do the bath, there’s barely any time for anything else before bed,” she shares.
In recent years, the role of homework has come under critical review globally, with public attitudes to the practice changing.
Countries like Poland and Denmark have gone as far as introducing legislation to ban or limit homework in the first 2-3 years of primary school, and opt for reading revision only up until year 6.
With our own government looking to overhaul the education system, citing poor literacy data and putting a “writing action plan in place”, many have been left wondering exactly what that plan entails, and what role homework plays in it.
Does homework help create more intelligent children? Or does it simply overwhelm their exhausted brains, desperate for rest and play?
Psychologist Nigel Latta has publicly criticised homework in primary schools, suggesting it has no use.
He says most teachers agreed and assigned homework only to appease parents, which made children resent learning.
Child neuroscientist and early childhood expert Nathan Wallis agrees, stating that a child’s behaviour is a reflection of the amount of anxiety they have, and this can directly relate to their feelings about learning.
“Te Whariki, the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum, doesn’t talk so much about literacy and numeracy; it talks about wellbeing, belonging and connection. If the 5-year-old does not feel these things, their behaviour will go out the window. The evidence shows that whether you teach a child to read at age 5 or age 7, by the time the child is 8, there is no difference in their abilities.”
According to Professor of Education John Hattie, ONZM, homework at primary school makes a negligible difference to student learning and achievement and a very small positive difference in high school.
“Homework in primary school has an effect of around zero”, he told the BBC.
Hattie suggests it’s better to focus on revising things that have already been taught, rather than new material, which is best handled by a teacher.
“Five to 10 minutes has the same effect as one hour to two hours. The worst thing you can do with homework is give kids projects. The best thing you can do is to reinforce something you’ve already learnt.”
Wallis agrees, stating that at ages 5 and 6 in particular, play is much more critical to a child’s development, and at those ages, children shouldn’t be receiving any homework at all.
“There is no evidence that homework is beneficial - teachers do it because parents expect it, and kids do it because teachers expect it. I would argue that it’s not important.”
With primary school children already spending six hours in structured education, five days a week, and having limited time to experience a parent’s influence, Wallis says the focus needs to shift to creativity, imagination, and play.
“It would be more beneficial to talk to a family member about their day at school for five minutes a day, so there is a connection happening between home and school. You don’t get a better 5-year-old by getting them ready to be a 15-year-old. You get a better 5-year-old by meeting the needs of a 5-year-old.”
So why shouldn’t they be getting homework? Isn’t it important for parents to get involved in their kids’ learning? Wallis says that the answer comes back to what is happening within a child’s brain developmentally at that time.
“Creativity and imagination are the things that underpin human intelligence, not literacy and numeracy. AI is capable of literacy, numeracy and computation, but can’t do creativity and imagination. Children need time to develop that; 5-year-olds should be playing.
“They are developing dispositions that will underpin their learning for the rest of their lives and will basically determine in many ways how intelligent they are. Dispositions are things like persevering through failure, do you give up after one go or persevere, knowing when to ask for help and when to persevere.”
And it seems parents agree with that sentiment, with the Auckland-based mum of two noting, “I genuinely feel my kids get more out of sitting at the kitchen bench, maybe helping me with dinner and chatting about their day, what went right and wrong with it, disagreements with their friends and how I can help them figure that out.”
So why are our tamariki doing homework? And is it time for a total reform on how we view homework, and its place in our education system?
Hattie says it still has its place, but the key is getting it right, not getting rid of it entirely.
“It’s one of those lower-hanging fruit that we should be looking in our primary schools to say, ‘Is it really making a difference?’ If you try and get rid of homework in primary schools, many parents judge the quality of the school by the presence of homework. So, don’t get rid of it. Treat the zero as saying, ‘It’s probably not making much of a difference, but let’s improve it’.”
Wallis agrees, adding that in later years of primary school, it can help prepare children for what’s ahead. But he notes that building a sense of connection is the most important thing in fostering a well-rounded, critically thinking child.
“In the last year of primary school, formal homework could be introduced to prepare the children for high school. Prior to this, homework should just be tasks such as reading with parents or asking your grandparents what their earliest memory is, things that are building connection.”
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Solid wood coffee table features 53inches length, 29inches width and 17.5inches height.
Solid rustic pine wood entertainment unit. Nearly new with features, length is 61inches, the width is 20inches, and the height is 28 inches.
Friday 12 & Saturday 13 September, 10am - 2pm.
Experience the award-winning lifestyle at a Ryman village.
Join us at our open days and explore our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and see the premium amenities on offer.
We look forward to seeing you.
Friday 12 & Saturday 13 September, 10am - 2pm.
Experience the award-winning lifestyle at a Ryman village.
Join us at our open days and explore our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and see the premium amenities on offer.
We look forward to seeing you.
A repair culture
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Our landfills are overflowing with items that could be repaired and reused. Through showcasing a variety of projects, initiatives, and solutions, we cultivate repair skills and knowledge sharing, fostering a culture of responsible consumption. The Repair Festival is … View moreA repair culture
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Our landfills are overflowing with items that could be repaired and reused. Through showcasing a variety of projects, initiatives, and solutions, we cultivate repair skills and knowledge sharing, fostering a culture of responsible consumption. The Repair Festival is for Everyone!
Join us, learn to fix, and celebrate reducing waste and building community! This week-long celebration, taking place from 6 to 14 of September 2025, will be held across the country, bringing communities together to celebrate fixing, mending, and extending the life of our belongings.
Please visit: www.repairnetworkaotearoa... for more details.
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A new survey has ranked Macpac and Stihl Shop as the best places for Kiwis to shop, while dishing out low marks to some of New Zealand’s most well-known retailers.
Consumer NZ spoke to more than 3,200 people over June and July for its latest retailer survey to better understand how satisfied … View moreA new survey has ranked Macpac and Stihl Shop as the best places for Kiwis to shop, while dishing out low marks to some of New Zealand’s most well-known retailers.
Consumer NZ spoke to more than 3,200 people over June and July for its latest retailer survey to better understand how satisfied Kiwis are with their shopping experiences.
It found five stores going above and beyond for their customers, along with five others that performed poorly after failing to satisfy buyers.
Consumer NZ’s Kate Harvey said two stores across the entire survey had tied with the highest satisfaction rating of 94% - Stihl Shop and Macpac.
Stihl Shop - a specialist hardware and power equipment store - won praise “for its customer service and staff members’ product knowledge”, Harvey said, while outdoor clothing and equipment company Macpac topped its competitors “in all the categories we ask about, including perceived value and range of products available”.
Mitre 10 also performed strongly in the survey, but was edged out of first place in the hardware category by Stihl Shop.
In the appliances sector, 100% Home Appliances continued to excel, winning both the large and small appliances categories for the 11th year in a row.
Harvey said the company’s satisfaction score “was well above the next highest scoring store” in both cases.
Smiths City, which recently entered voluntary administration, came second in the large appliance category, while Briscoes was rated second place for small appliances.
Leading technology retailer PB Tech also outperformed competitors in two categories, home tech and mobile tech, with customers valuing its prices and product range especially highly.
All five retailers have been named winners of Consumer NZ’s People’s Choice award.
But among those surveyed were also several household-name stores that flunked the test.
Rebel Sport received the lowest satisfaction rating in the sports and outdoor category, with customers alleging poor service and a lack of staff product knowledge.
New Zealand’s two largest telecommunications companies - Spark and One NZ - also failed to win over consumers, both receiving low marks for value for money and their product ranges.
The Warehouse underwhelmed in the home tech category, with Harvey noting only 63% of shoppers felt “very satisfied” with their purchases of items such as TVs and gaming consoles.
OPSM also received a humbling review, lagging behind all other eyewear providers.
While Consumer NZ found people had a better shopping experience at Specsavers, Harvey said “those who shopped at an independent optometrist” were the most content with their experience.
Shopping experiences are ultimately subjective and difficult to quantify, but Consumer NZ’s findings suggest that across the board, there are four key drivers of customer satisfaction in New Zealand stores.
These are strong service, perceived value for money, a wide product range, and knowledgeable staff.
“The survey also showed shoppers are highly price-sensitive at the moment and have become increasingly motivated by discounts,” Harvey said.
“A store having a promotion is now the main reason for shoppers to choose to make their purchase there.
“It has surpassed loyalty and the convenience of the location.”
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From Sat 6 – Sun 21 September, all long-stay animals at SPCA will be available for adoption by donation/koha - for the right home.*
They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a loving home. And they have been … View moreFrom Sat 6 – Sun 21 September, all long-stay animals at SPCA will be available for adoption by donation/koha - for the right home.*
They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a loving home. And they have been waiting for a long time for that Special Love!
Look for the ‘Long-stay resident’ tag on our adoption profiles, check you can provide what they need to flourish & apply online at www.spca.nz...
*animals looking for their forever family for more than 42 days; our usual adoption criteria and processes apply.
Let's honour and show our gratitude and appreciation for Fathers and Father figures like Stepfathers, Fathers-in-Law, Guardians, Foster Parents and family friends.
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At Ryman you'll find a perfect blend of independence and community. To learn more, read our guides to introduce you to life at Ryman, showcase our independent and assisted living options, and give clarity around the costs.
Click below to access your free guides to retirement living.
Australia: A$ 3.90 / kg = NZ$ 4.34 / kg
NZ: NZ$ 21.98 / kg
That's over 5x the price in Australia.
Any question?
P.S. I don't think I'm allowed to write what I think of the NZ Commission "looking into" supermarket pricing …
P.P.S. Odd Bunch tomatoes at $12.25/kg … View moreAustralia: A$ 3.90 / kg = NZ$ 4.34 / kg
NZ: NZ$ 21.98 / kg
That's over 5x the price in Australia.
Any question?
P.S. I don't think I'm allowed to write what I think of the NZ Commission "looking into" supermarket pricing …
P.P.S. Odd Bunch tomatoes at $12.25/kg are "only" 2.8 times as expensive as the Australian ones, but then they are of course 'out of stock'
Midway through a difficult discussion in her performance review, an employee named Jane finally cracks, and the tears start. Her boss doesn’t know what to do and handles the situation awkwardly.
Ask yourself: how would you react in this situation? And would you have the same reaction if it were … View moreMidway through a difficult discussion in her performance review, an employee named Jane finally cracks, and the tears start. Her boss doesn’t know what to do and handles the situation awkwardly.
Ask yourself: how would you react in this situation? And would you have the same reaction if it were not Jane who was crying but a different employee, Mike?
It can feel like the consensus is that crying should not take place at work. But crying at work is not unusual.
A lot of crying at work happens in the restrooms.
According to a recent survey by mental health app company Headspace, 48% of in-person workers and 44% of hybrid workers have cried due to work. Among fully remote workers, the figure was 70%.
So, do we need to rethink our attitude towards it? And what can you do if you or somebody you know cries at work?
It’s OK to cry
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There are many different reasons people cry at work. Difficulties meeting workload demands, interpersonal conflict and major workplace change are all examples of stressors that can contribute to poor mental health and crying.
If it looks like a colleague is crying, it can be hard to know what to say.
But people may also be distressed at work for personal reasons completely unrelated to their work. Whatever the reason, crying is a normal healthy response that should not be suppressed.
Why does crying at work feel different? Crying outside of work is not uncommon – it’s normal at weddings, funerals and other life events. But in the workplace, it can feel unexpected, intense and out of character, making the crier and those around them uncomfortable.
The resulting awkwardness may lead to questions about the motives of the crier. Is this person crying because they are genuinely upset, or are they trying to manipulate the situation?
If a colleague or manager sees the crying as insincere, they will react differently than if they think it’s a display of real emotion. If the crying is believed to relate to an acceptable reason, such as passion or care for the work or significant personal circumstances, the crier is more likely to be excused.
Crying at work may negatively impact career progression, particularly if it is a regular occurrence and distracting from performance.
Gendered norms
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Gender norms can also be a factor in crying and how others react to it. Women are more likely to cry and suffer from the consequences of negative stereotypes, including being viewed as emotional, weak or unprofessional. For men, crying is regarded as less acceptable and in violation of male stereotypes.
Regardless of gender, the fear of being seen as unprofessional or insincere can discourage people from crying at work. An organisation’s unique social norms and culture may also influence the way tears are interpreted.
In some workplaces, employees may feel pressured to regulate their emotions, while in more supportive workplaces, emotions are regarded as being part of the human experience.
How to respond
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When someone is crying at work, keeping a few important things in mind can help everyone involved feel seen and supported. Here are some tips.
For the person crying:
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Shift your focus. Take a deep breath and redirect your thoughts. This will allow you to focus on the matter at hand rather than the tears.
Take a break. Ask for time out to compose yourself. This demonstrates emotional maturity and acknowledges your crying may cause others discomfort.
Reframe the emotion. Help others understand that your response comes from a place of care and deep passion. Clarify if the tears are work or non-work-related to give perspective and understanding.
Seek help if you need it. Consider sources of additional support, such as a doctor or a counsellor.
For a manager or colleague:
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Be prepared. Workers are human, and sometimes they cry. Having an appropriate location for people to take some time out – and small touches like offering a box of tissues – can make a big difference.
Show empathy. Listen actively, don’t jump to conclusions and respect boundaries. Your reaction and behaviours can have a big influence on what happens next.
Challenge your bias. One crying episode does not necessarily demonstrate weakness or a lack of professionalism.
Understand your zone of influence. Is the crying a result of something you, as a manager, have control over? Know your responsibilities and obligations.
Seek help. Unless you are a trained counsellor, you are not a trained counsellor. Know when to seek professional support for yourself or others.
With the intensity and uncertainty of life, it is not surprising that workers may become overwhelmed at times. Crying is a natural part of human behaviour, and it should not come as a surprise in the workplace.
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The mother of a young woman who went missing more than two weeks ago has made a plea for her daughter to come home.
Te Anihana Pomana, 25, was last seen leaving Sky City on 21 August around 5.06am, leaving all her belongings at the hotel. CCTV footage showed her last known movements.
She was … View moreThe mother of a young woman who went missing more than two weeks ago has made a plea for her daughter to come home.
Te Anihana Pomana, 25, was last seen leaving Sky City on 21 August around 5.06am, leaving all her belongings at the hotel. CCTV footage showed her last known movements.
She was dressed in all white and Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said she appeared to be "confused" before she disappeared.
Her mother, Catherine Anderson, joined Friend at the Auckland Central Police Base on Friday morning to talk to media and bring more attention to the case.
Anderson said she had travelled to Auckland from Dunedin to help search for her daughter who was last seen in a "dishevelled state" in central Auckland.
"Te Anihana is a much loved daughter, auntie, sister, friend and mokopuna," she said, "as a mother I'm appealing to anyone who has seen her to come forward.
"Te Anihana, if you see this we all love you and miss you and want to know you're okay."
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said there was nothing to suggest foul play but the length of time Pomana had been missing and the fact she left all her possessions was worrying.
"We just do not know what's happened to her."
Friend said with such vast networks of CCTV in Auckland city it was surprising Pomana had not been seen on CCTV after leaving Sky City hotel.
Flyers were also being distributed to local businesses.
'Linking up with her heritage'
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Friend said Pomana had been travelling the country before she disappeared and it was believed she was trying to learn more about her heritage, including contacting maraes in Northland.
However, he said there were no recent sighting of her in the Far North.
Police had been in touch with maraes in that area, Friend said.
The last time Pomana was seen was when she was walking down Victoria St West in Auckland's CBD, Friend said, but it was believed on August 20, the day before she disappeared she had taken the WX1 bus to Henderson.
"She got off and caught another one instantly to the city," Friend said. "We are reaching out to anyone who was on that bus to get in touch with us."
He said police were in the process of getting footage from that bus.
Pomana did have whānau in Henderson and West Auckland, Friend said, although most of her whānau lived in the South Island.
"There are people she does know in Auckland, we're trying to establish where she might be.
"She's travelled quite extensively - flew down to Dunedin and stayed briefly with her mother, then travelled to Christchurch with her father, then sought treatment at Middlemore Hospital [in Auckland] for an existing injury, then stayed at multiple hostels and bedsits in Auckland and Sky City Hotel on August 18."
Friend said Pomana was "very resourceful" but police and her loved ones just did not know where she was.
"Our aim is to find her and bring her home to her family."
Te Anihana Pomana's mum Catherine Anderson, with a family member and Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend putting up fliers in Auckland.Te Anihana Pomana's mum Catherine Anderson, with a family member and
Pomana is of thin build, around 154cm tall, with curly black hair and tattoos.
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Pomana's last known movements
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Early August - Pomana travelled from Dunedin to Christchurch with her father.
August 2 - She arrived in Auckland and was treated at Middlemore Hospital for existing injuries. She was later discharged.
It's believed she moved between multiple hostels, hotels, and bedsits in early August.
August 18 - Pomana checked into SkyCity Hotel in Central Auckland, at 11.11pm.
August 20 - She was seen on CCTV boarding WX1 bus from Hobson St at 6.37pm. Police believed she travelled to Lincoln Rd in Henderson then returned to city.
August 21 - There was a confirmed sighting on CCTV of Pomana leaving Sky City at 5:06am, where she left all of her belongings behind.
The last confirmed sighting was on Victoria St West that day at 5.16am.
August 29 - Police released CCTV of Te her last known movements.
September 5 - Pomana's mother and police issue an appeal for information about her location.
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