Books, Bagels & Banter Speaker Announcement
2024 SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT
We are delighted to announce this year’s line-up of
speakers:
OPENING EVENT SPEAKER – FRIDAY 24th MAY
Simon Wilson: Well-known award-winning journalist, Simon Wilson, will talk at our
opening night on ‘HomeGround: The story of a building that changes lives’.
SATURDAY LINE-UP – 25th MAY
Jenny Lynch: A former editor of the NZ Woman’s Weekly, Jenny will share her story of
writing her first novel in her eighties, ‘The Secrets They Kept’.
Geoff Scott: Acclaimed chef, Geoff Scott, will talk about his favourite cookbooks and how
they have influenced his cooking.
Colleen Brown: Community advocate and author, Colleen Brown, will share the back
story to her well-loved books ‘Violet’s Scarf’ and ‘The Bulford Kiwi’.
SUNDAY LINE-UP – SUNDAY 26th MAY
John Bluck: Writer, broadcaster and former Anglican Bishop and Dean of Christchurch
Cathedral, John will talk on his latest book ‘Becoming Pakeha – a Journey Between Two
Cultures.’
Tickets are required for each speaker and can be booked here:
events.humanitix.com...
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!
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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71.6% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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18% Hmm, maybe?
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10.4% Yes!
Have you seen Rowena?
Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.
She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.
Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.
If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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