Christmas creep: The silly season now starts in spring
Opinion columnist Lyall Macfarlane has been shocked to see Christmas decorations start appearing - what do you think?
“Christmas comes but once a year.” But based on recent experience, the festival takes up about a quarter of it.
I saw my first Christmas retail displays last week – 3 of them, in early October.
A couple of days ago, my local mall’s walkways were festooned with trestle tables groaning under the weight of Yuletide novelty goods. You know the thing – archangels, elves, Christmas trees and Father Christmases/Santas in various poses. Some jolly old gents were capable of doing a wee jig while ho, ho, hoing or singing a jolly old festive ditty, far too early.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
Hospital ED new location of interest in measles spread
Waikato Hospital’s Emergency Department is the latest location of interest for measles.
Two separate days in the last week were listed on Health NZ’s website on Friday morning as a place where someone with measles was known to have visited.
Poll: Have you ever had a Healthy Homes inspection done where you live?
Conflicting Healthy Homes inspection reports are raising concerns about the consistency of standards meant to ensure rental properties are safe and liveable.
In one recent case, a Cambridge rental property underwent two inspections within a week, with significantly different outcomes. The first, arranged by tenant Sara Lewis, identified multiple issues including mould, vermin, and ventilation concerns. A second inspection, arranged by property managers Harcourts, just six days later, found little to criticise.
Have you ever had a Healthy Homes inspection done where you live? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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33.3% Yes
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66.7% No
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