1325 days ago

Poll: Do you agree Matariki or Māori New Year should be a public holiday?

Ripu Bhatia Reporter from Community News

Hi neighbours,

Labour leader Jacinda Ardern has announced Labour will make Matariki New Zealand’s twelth public holiday from 2022 if re-elected.

The new winter public holiday would fall at some point during the Matariki period, with an expectation that it would always happen on either a Monday or a Friday.

The policy announcement follows a series of public campaigns for the Matariki, which acts as the Māori New Year, to be recognised.

The exact timing of Matariki shifts every year as it relates to a star cluster reappearing and has traditionally varied between Iwi.

It would be the first new public holiday since the Third Labour Government made Waitangi Day a public holiday in 1973, although then Prime Minister Norman Kirk called it “New Zealand Day”.

“Matariki will be a distinctly New Zealand holiday and a time for reflection, celebration and to look to the future as we take increasing pride in our unique national identity,” Ardern said.

She said the struggling tourism sector could use the help of another holiday and noted the “long run” with no public holidays that currently happens between Queen’s Birthday in early June and Labour Day in late October.

“We don’t have many statutory holidays compared to other OECD countries and it would be good to break up the long run through winter,” Ardern said.

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Do you agree Matariki or Māori New Year should be a public holiday?
  • 63.8% Yes
    63.8% Complete
  • 36.2% No
    36.2% Complete
1358 votes
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3 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.7% Yes
    91.7% Complete
  • 8% No
    8% Complete
  • 0.3% Other - I'll share below!
    0.3% Complete
961 votes
1 hour ago

ANZAC Day // We Will Remember Them

Saint Johns Butchery

Spare a thought tomorrow, ANZAC day, for New Zealand's servicemen and women, both past and present. These amazing people will be remembered and honoured this day for their courage and service to our country. For details about ANZAC parades and services in the Auckland area, check out ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...

Respectfully, Saint Johns Butchery will be CLOSED on ANZAC day and will reopen for business as usual on Friday.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

- Laurence Binyon, 'For the Fallen' (fourth stanza)

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2 hours ago

Sore Back, feel Stiff, have Aches and Pains?

Saul from Glendowie

We can help! Strengthen, Move and Heal with Pilates To Be.
Pilates is proven to reduce pain and increase flexibility and strength. You need not be defined by past injuries or current limitations. It is never too late to ‘do life better’. We exist so you are Free to Move and Free To Be. Classes across the Eastern Suburbs www.pilates2be.co.nz... or contact Saul on 021 918 487 See below Intro Offer at new location). IG @pilates2be The hardest step is the first…😀