Whakaahura singers
This week we were entertained and informed by four members of Whakaahura, Their mission is to ease the suffering of those at the end of life, or perhaps those with dementia or other illnesses.
They do this by singing to them around the bedside, choosing soothing material from a variety of sources. Their singing is a gift, not a performance.
Whakaahura means to warm, or to cherish. It is a voluntary organisation with about 30 members in Wellington, of whom 20 sing regularly. They sing in homes, retirement homes, and hospices, usually in groups of four to six.
It is helpful to the dying, and to families and care staff. Each ‘sing’ is planned around the needs and preferences of the patient. Apparently, hearing is the last sense to close down at the point of death.
The four singers, Sue, Ian, Jiko, and Angela, gave us a selection of their songs as they went along, much appreciated by the club.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73.2% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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15.7% Hmm, maybe?
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11.1% Yes!
Be prepared for upcoming roadworks
SH1 Transmission Gully works until mid-February, weather permitting.
There’s no roadworks for the holiday break from Friday 19 December, and all lanes will be fully open. Contractors are back to work on Monday 5 January, at night. Plan ahead for lane closures, night-time road closures and speed restrictions until mid-February. When the highway is closed, detours are via State Highway 59 and State Highway 58.
Chip-seal works begin in early January, so drivers must do 30km/h to prevent flying chip that can damage vehicles.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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