Dr Lance O'Sullivan: It was when my daughter got sick that I realised how important immunisation is
Dr Lance O'Sullivan writes from the heart, and from the head: "It was 1996 and we were young parents. I was at medical school when I came upon an anti-immunisation pamphlet left in one of our lecture theatres.
"I was suspicious of the establishment at the time. You need to understand, I had grown up a welfare-dependent "half-caste" (I hate that term) boy living with his mother, escaping from a life of alcohol, crime and a level of violence that I would not tolerate for my daughters. An under-achiever, I was expelled from two secondary schools. I feel I had a reason to be angry at "the system".
"Then I became a father. It changed my life. I needed to be a responsible adult caring for a son, then a daughter – eventually seven children. We were young parents and wanted to do only the best for these precious beings.
"I read the pamphlet. It described "studies" in the Netherlands into communities that didn't look like mine, but I took little persuasion. I stated our second child, our little daughter Te Miringa, would not be immunised.
"At the time my wife Tracy was working as a nurse at the local medical centre and immunising children daily. Yet this was my protest against the establishment that I so mistrusted.
"Fifteen months later, we had a scare. Te Miringa became unwell with high fever and a body rash and the doctors were concerned as there was a measles outbreak locally. And I realised the information from the Netherlands did not reflect my reality.
"We got Te Miringa immunised."
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Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.
We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.
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84.8% Same!
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15.2% Would have liked to try something different
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Setting your direction for 2026? Here’s a helpful tip
Hi Neighbours, If you find it’s hard to keep to New Year resolutions you are not alone! Its actually really hard to make sustainable changes in our lives.
Setting your ‘compass’ is easier and more effective. Starting with one small step in the desired destination, taking that first step gets you going. Even a little change of direction, something that only takes a couple of minutes, can lead to significant and sustainable change over time.
If you want to move in the direction of finding more peace and calm in your life, have you considered mindfulness?
You could try it out with our small group for a mindfulness session of ease and peace to soothe body and mind . The session includes gentle movement and relaxing simple meditation. come and soothe body and mind
Next one is on Monday 19th Jan 1.30 - 2.45pm, Meadowbank Community Centre. Come and see what it is like! Contact me - the first session free, then Koha welcome. 021 255 1485
Ongoing on the 3rd Monday of the month.
Click Read More to find out more about what I do - I also offer one-on-one mental wellbeing sessions, courses for group bookings, and run a group for experienced meditators.
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