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Hi neighbours,
Ever wondered why we cover the stories that we do? Or what our policy is on swear words on Stuff? What about why the homepage greets you with 'Kia ora, Aotearoa!' and not 'Hello, New Zealand!' ?
The Backstory is an occasional email newsletter giving you … View moreHi neighbours,
Ever wondered why we cover the stories that we do? Or what our policy is on swear words on Stuff? What about why the homepage greets you with 'Kia ora, Aotearoa!' and not 'Hello, New Zealand!' ?
The Backstory is an occasional email newsletter giving you behind-the-scenes insight into stories and newsroom decisions, from Stuff Editor Patrick Crewdson. It's sent every one to two weeks and it's free!
Sign up here.
If there's an element of Stuff's operations you'd like the inside scoop on, email Patrick with suggestions here.
I was gifted this poem when I was 15 and taking Driving Lessons back in the day. It had a profound affect.
TOO MANY OF OUR YOUNG AND LOVED ONES ARE DYING ON OUR ROADS.
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Please God I’m Only 17
The day I died was an … View moreI was gifted this poem when I was 15 and taking Driving Lessons back in the day. It had a profound affect.
TOO MANY OF OUR YOUNG AND LOVED ONES ARE DYING ON OUR ROADS.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Please God I’m Only 17
The day I died was an ordinary school day. How I wish I had taken the bus. But I was too cool for the bus. I remember how I wheedled the car out of my mom, “special favor” I pleaded. “All of the kids drive.”
When the 2:50 bell rang, I threw all my books in the locker. I was free until 8:40 tomorrow morning. I ran to the parking log, excited at the thought of driving a car and being my own boss. Freel!
It doesn’t matter how the accident happened. I was goofing off – going too fast- taking crazy chances. But I was enjoying my freedom and having fun. The last thing I remember was passing an old lady who seemed to be going awfully slow, I heard a deafening crash. I felt a terrible jolt. Glass and steel flew everywhere. My whole body seemed to be turning inside out. I heard myself scream.
Suddenly I was awakened; it was very quiet. A police officer was standing over me. Then I saw a doctor. My body was mangled. I was saturated in blood. Pieces of jagged glass were sticking out all over. Strange that I couldn’t feel anything.
Hey, don’t pull that sheet over my head! I can’t be dead. I’m only 17. I’ve got a date tonight. I’m supposed to grow up and have a wonderful life. I haven’t lived yet. I can’t be dead!
Later I was placed in a drawer. My folks had to identify me. Why did they have to see mee like this? Why did I have to look at Mom’s eyes when she faced the most terrifying ordeal of her life? Dad suddenly looked like he was an old man. He told the man in charge, “Yes , he is my son.”
The funeral was a weird experience. I saw all of my relatives and friends walk toward the casket. They passed by, one by one, and looked at me with the saddest eyes I’ve ever seen. Some of my buddies were crying. A few of the girls touched my hand and sobbed as they walked away.
Please – somebody – wake me up! Get me out of here! I can’t bear to see my mom and dad so broken up. My grandparents are so racked with grief that they can hardly walk. My brothers and sisters are like zombies. They move like robots. In a daze, everybody. No one can believe this. And I can’t believe it either.
Please don’t bury me! I’m not dead! I have a lot of living to do! I want to laugh and run again. I want to sing and dance.
Please don’t put me in the ground. I promise if you give me just one more chance God, I’ll be the most careful driver in the whole world.
All I want is one more chance!
Please, God, I am only 17!
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Very, very powerful. I have not read this for quite a while and every time I do, I realize that we have only once chance at this amazing life that God has given us. Some of our mistakes we get a “do over” with, but there are many times that our mistakes are either life changing or life ending.
I strongly encourage all parents of young drivers to give this to them as a gift, yes a gift……it is literally a gift that could save their life and the lives of their friends.
You could be eligible for a grant for ceiling and underfloor insulation.
Cut down on those power bills today by making your home more energy efficient.
Every student has different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning. Customised tutoring programmes help ensure your child is learning effectively in a way that works for him or her.
Come and see how NumberWorks'nWords maths and English professional tutoring programmes can help.
Kia ora koutou!
You don't have to cast your eyes too far down a newspaper or watch the news to know that Aotearoa's weather can be rather unpredictable.
To help you dress and gear-up for those crisp winter mornings, we have $1000 worth of Torpedo7 Gift Cards to share between 10… View moreKia ora koutou!
You don't have to cast your eyes too far down a newspaper or watch the news to know that Aotearoa's weather can be rather unpredictable.
To help you dress and gear-up for those crisp winter mornings, we have $1000 worth of Torpedo7 Gift Cards to share between 10 lucky members.
If your name's on the list, get in touch with us to claim your prize! If you know any of your neighbours listed, be sure to give them a neighbourly congrats!
Well done to:
Jonathan Howe from Gisborne
Alaina Luxmore from Auckland
Kelly Ryan from Ngāruawāhia
Hunish Segran from Pukekohe
Kirsten Mcmullen from Christchurch
Fereti Lualua from Auckland
Saniya Thompson from Invercargill
Annelize Kratz from Wellington
Kate Bonne from Christchurch
Martyn Simes from Whangārei
Stay safe and warm and remember to keep checking in to Neighbourly for more giveaways from the team!
Hi Neighbours, make simply delicious dinners with HelloFresh! Start today and use code “NEIGHBOUR” for up to $100 off pre-portioned fresh ingredients delivered right to your door. You can dish up some of our all time favourites as rated by Kiwis.
This includes wholesome dishes like:
• … View moreHi Neighbours, make simply delicious dinners with HelloFresh! Start today and use code “NEIGHBOUR” for up to $100 off pre-portioned fresh ingredients delivered right to your door. You can dish up some of our all time favourites as rated by Kiwis.
This includes wholesome dishes like:
• Lamb Shortloin & Mint Chimichurri with Honey-Roasted Carrots & Pistachios
• Southern Crumbed Chicken Tacos with Charred Corn Slaw & Garlic Aioli
HelloFresh is flexible around your schedule with no lock-in contracts, 20+ recipes to choose from each week, and plan sizes to suit every household!
Kia ora neighbours,
Opponents of the marina at Kennedy Point have vowed to continue their fight, even as construction at Pūtiki Bay gathers pace.
Hundreds packed the Ostend War Memorial Hall on Sunday, with Whaea Kathryn Ngapo opening with a statement that became the theme of the afternoon: … View moreKia ora neighbours,
Opponents of the marina at Kennedy Point have vowed to continue their fight, even as construction at Pūtiki Bay gathers pace.
Hundreds packed the Ostend War Memorial Hall on Sunday, with Whaea Kathryn Ngapo opening with a statement that became the theme of the afternoon: “It ain’t over yet”.
The meeting closed a week when tensions flared at the beach occupation. On Thursday, police descended on the beach and three protesters were arrested.
Ngā uri o Ngāti Pāoa (descendents of Ngāti Pāoa) are the force behind the occupation and the 15,000-strong petition for Council and government to instigate a review of the consent.
Heavy student desk for free. used well a coat of polish would make it look as new.
Kick start your career with an apprenticeship and learn on the job while getting paid! Check out our current job listings in Auckland:
Print apprenticeship
Fabrication apprenticeship
Everyone deserves a warm, comfortable home.
See if you're eligible for 80% off insulation and a heater with a Warmer Kiwi Homes grant.
Dive into SEA MONSTERS this July, a new awe-inspiring exhibition exploring prehistoric ocean predators. 🦈
Be one of the first to meet the 13-metre long Elasmosaurus and 9-metre long Prognathodon when the doors open on Wednesday 7 July.
Tickets on sale now. Free for Museum Members.
Book here: … View moreDive into SEA MONSTERS this July, a new awe-inspiring exhibition exploring prehistoric ocean predators. 🦈
Be one of the first to meet the 13-metre long Elasmosaurus and 9-metre long Prognathodon when the doors open on Wednesday 7 July.
Tickets on sale now. Free for Museum Members.
Book here: bit.ly...
Kia ora neighbours, a planned mass vaccination event at a south Auckland events centre where officials wanted to dose at least 15,000 people over three days has been knocked back several weeks.
Would you be more likely to get the vaccine at an event like this compared to booking an appointment … View moreKia ora neighbours, a planned mass vaccination event at a south Auckland events centre where officials wanted to dose at least 15,000 people over three days has been knocked back several weeks.
Would you be more likely to get the vaccine at an event like this compared to booking an appointment with your GP?
Feel free to comment below on your answer.
www.stuff.co.nz...
Hi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day … View moreHi neighbours,
Do you have a vehicle that is taking up space and becoming an eyesore? At AAA Auto Parts we dismantle and wreck cars. We will pay top cash whether your car is dead or alive!
* $300 - $3000 for small cars
* $700 - $10,000 for 4x4 utes, vans, 4WD, trucks and buses
* Same day removal
* Free quotes over the phone
We will beat any prices in the market by 10%.
Support your local business.
Give us a call on ** 0800 50 00 01 ** and we will be happy to have a chat.
The 2021 Tāmaki Makaurau Zero Waste Awards are all about celebrating all those amazing people and groups doing fantastic things to reduce waste across Auckland.
Tell us who you think deserves one of the five awards.
There’s categories for young people, individuals, groups, marae, social … View moreThe 2021 Tāmaki Makaurau Zero Waste Awards are all about celebrating all those amazing people and groups doing fantastic things to reduce waste across Auckland.
Tell us who you think deserves one of the five awards.
There’s categories for young people, individuals, groups, marae, social enterprises, and local businesses.
Nominations close Wednesday 30 June. - Find out more.
With SPECIALS like this you can live like a KING for the week!!
WHOLE SCOTCH & SCOTCH FILLET STEAK ONLY $29.95 per kg
WHOLE SIRLOIN & SIRLOIN STEAK ONLY $27.95 per kg
SCALLOPS (Frozen) $24.95 (1kg Bag)
By POPULAR DEMAND we are continuing last weeks SPECIALS!!
Filled Chicken Breast ONLY … View moreWith SPECIALS like this you can live like a KING for the week!!
WHOLE SCOTCH & SCOTCH FILLET STEAK ONLY $29.95 per kg
WHOLE SIRLOIN & SIRLOIN STEAK ONLY $27.95 per kg
SCALLOPS (Frozen) $24.95 (1kg Bag)
By POPULAR DEMAND we are continuing last weeks SPECIALS!!
Filled Chicken Breast ONLY $2.95 each (Assorted Flavours)
Whole Chicken Legs ONLY $4.95 per kg
Whole Chickens No.13 ONLY $5.95 each
Premium Beef Mince ONLY $12.95 per kg
Beef Topside Roast ONLY $13.95 (Great for SUNDAY Dinner)!
Can't make it into store, we've got you covered with our online shopping option check us out at www.wholesalemeatsdirect.co.nz...
Specials valid Friday 18 June to Thursday 24th June 2021 or until stocks last!
SUPPORT OUR SMALL LOCAL KIWI BUSINESS!! 👍😀
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