Our sweet pea seeds send out, April issue and Get Growing

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours and NZ Gardener family,

Our April issue should be with our subscribers now and available in supermarkets and service stations (having been distributed prior to the lockdown restrictions). Whether or not it's on the stands yet is a bit patchy ... but then the incredibly brave and hard-working supermarket staff have quite a bit on their plate right now so I understand if there is a delay! Please, please, please everyone ... don't go out to buy it! Normally of course we love you buying NZ Gardener but right now it's far more important that you stay home and stay safe. (You can buy a copy with your online shopping though! That's safe and I think we are all in the market for something uplifting to read right now).

In this issue we offered to send out sweet pea seeds to any reader who sent us a SSAE. Just to reassure you, we will still send out sweet pea seeds to any reader who is keen to participate. We are just not quite sure when! Ignore the dates in the magazine of when you needed to send the envelope in by - that has been indefinitely extended. But we cannot wait to send you the seed and for those flowers to bloom as by then we will be well through this or even have it behind us. And keep letting us know what you are sowing and growing, send in pictures of your harvest, your flowers or what you are sharing.

We always love hearing from NZ Gardener readers but now when we are all staying apart that connection means more than you can imagine. Stay home, stay safe and stay in touch everyone. For the most updated gardening advice, subscribe to our digital e-zine Get Growing, which will be delivered to your inbox completely free.

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The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What has a head but no brain?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

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38 minutes ago

Urgent Community Support Needed for Representing New Zealand on the World Stage!

David from Remuera

Tēnā koe (Hi) Neighbours,

I trust this request finds you well.

I am writing to seek your support for my sponsorship request.

I am an Old Boy of Auckland Grammar School, alongside the fact that I am an alpine skier who began with Special Olympics New Zealand and now represent New Zealand under Virtus International, the global governing body for elite athletes with an intellectual impairment.

Paralympics New Zealand is the affiliated national member organisation for Virtus, responsible for elite athlete pathways and development. I have been officially endorsed and classified to compete for New Zealand at the upcoming Virtus Open Alpine Ski Championships from late January to February, where I am currently the only athlete in my classification.

First and foremost, I am a Double Gold Medallist from the 2007 and 2011 Special Olympics National Winter Games, and I represented New Zealand at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, winning Bronze in Slalom and placing 6th in Super Giant Slalom and 7th in Giant Slalom. Alongside this, I have contributed as a volunteer to major international sporting events, including the 2010 Inaugural Youth Olympic Games and the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, and served on the 60th Committee for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Aotearoa New Zealand.

As I prepare to represent New Zealand on the international stage as a Virtus para-athlete, every moment of training and every bit of support, including financial contributions, counts towards this journey of dedication and excellence.

Notably, I am at present dedicating myself to my training, while maintaining the focus and determination required as I prepare to compete at my best in the upcoming Virtus Open Alpine Ski Championships in Tarvisio, Italy, and Kitzbühel, Austria.

Skiing is a sport that demands discipline, resilience, and precision, and each race requires strength and the confidence that comes from knowing I have a community standing behind me. My journey is far from over, and I now need your support more than ever as I work to secure my position at the Paralympic Winter Games in 2030, once the selection regulations are finalised, as they are currently being confirmed following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Virtus International.

Most importantly, I remain fully committed to intensive training and performance development, intending to win a medal at the Virtus Open Alpine Ski Championships and progress towards sponsorship opportunities with High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Thus, with the relevant regulations uncertain in order to compete at the international level, rigorous preparation is essential to cover all contingencies, whilst ensuring I am fully ready should a regulation be implemented. That said, the FIS and Virtus memorandum highlights the vital importance of inclusion in winter sports:
www.fis-ski.com....

In light of the above, given limited sponsorship, financial support is crucial. Any donation, no matter the amount, makes a significant difference, and introductions to potential funders are warmly welcomed. Donations can be made via my Givealittle Fundraising and/or Pledge Me pages. Here are the links for more info: givealittle.co.nz... and www.pledgeme.co.nz....

Every contribution makes a meaningful difference. Additionally, it would be greatly appreciated if you could simply share my page, as your support helps me stay on the slopes, refine my skills, and pursue excellence on the international stage. If you know of any sponsors who may be able to provide support, I would be grateful if you could connect me with them at davidee@outlook.co.nz.

Attached is a letter of support for your kind consideration for any future sponsors or funders.

Lastly, your support enables me to continue training, competing, and representing New Zealand at the highest level.

Thank - you.