Laughter the best medicine after all
Hi neighbours,
Former mental health nurse Jude Ivy gave up working six years ago to dedicate her time to her husband Chris, who was diagnosed with stage four throat cancer and given a year to live.
She looked after him until he died a few months later. Unemployed and alone, Ivy fell into depression, which she had struggled with in the past.
“I stayed strong for him and then when he passed, I collapsed.
“Comedy saved my life,” she said.
The comic has set up her own line-up of comedians, performing at Christchurch’s Austin Club.
“I needed a spark of joy.”
Read the full story by clicking 'Read More' below.
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.
Book Cellar Christmas Opening hours
Merry Christmas from The Book Cellar!
The summer break is the perfect time to relax with a book or two (or three or four…). And, of course, books make excellent gifts. There is still time to come in and find the perfect read for you or someone else.
We are open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week as usual, then our Christmas hours are:
Monday 22nd December, 10am – 3pm
Wednesday 24th December, 10am – 12noon
Friday 26th December (Boxing Day), 10am – 1pm (last day for the year).
We will reopen with our usual hours on Thursday 8th January 2026
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!
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