1821 days ago

New Year Honours: New Zealand's top scientist Dr Juliet Gerrard becomes a dame

Caroline Williams Reporter from Central Leader

Asked how she feels about being made a dame, Dr Juliet Gerrard​ is somewhat lost for words, an unfamiliar position for the woman whose job is distilling the most up-to-date scientific information for those making the decisions that will shape our future.

Gerrard, currently Jacinda Ardern’s chief science advisor, has been named a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit​ in the New Year Honours.

While she hasn’t really processed what it means on a personal level, it hasn’t stopped the Freemans Bay resident from sharing the news with her 75-year-old mum in the United Kingdom, who got a kick out of getting the good news on her birthday.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 hour ago

Create a Stunning Stain Feature Wall with Resene Colorwood

The Team from Resene ColorShop Mt Roskill

Transform your living room into a work of art with Resene Colorwood wood stains. Find out how to create your own stain feature wall with these easy step by step instructions.

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4 days ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 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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Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 79.7% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    79.7% Complete
  • 20.3% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    20.3% Complete
812 votes
M
7 hours ago

Age Well Kiwi

Mabel from Hillsborough

We are a new support group for seniors. We meet once a month to share our experience and discuss our challenges & concerns.

With the growth of our ageing population, and more seniors living alone, this group would explore and advocate/address the social, emotional and physical needs of our seniors, and promote positive and healthy ageing.

We meet on the first Saturday afternoon of the month in Mt. Roskill. Our next meeting will be 3 Jan 2026.

If you are interested in joining us and contribute your ideas, knowledge, experience, talents and resources, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at agewellkiwi@gmail.com.