Dad Astra: My father, the moon and me

Amy Walsh's 19-year-old daughter, Maia Johnston, went missing in the bushy hills surrounding Totara Park after falling down a waterfall, sparking a 42-hour search involving volunteers and police. Johnston was found with broken bones and facial injuries, but alive, bringing relief to Walsh and her family. Johnston faces multiple surgeries but is expected to recover, with a Givealittle page set up to support them during her hospital stay. Full Article

The post "Daily crossword, Tuesday 24 December" on Newsroom features a daily quiz and crossword for December 24th and 23rd, adhering to guidelines for font sizes, display, and image dimensions. The post includes information on newsroom activities, quizzes, and puzzles, providing engaging content for readers. The layout and design elements are optimized for a visually appealing and user-friendly experience on the Newsroom website. Full Article

Buildings on the old polytech site in Ashburton have been marked for demolition after failing to secure new homes. The Ashburton District Council decided to redevelop the site into an unsealed gravel car park for $1.6 million, with offers made to community groups to buy prefab classrooms for $1 each. Following failed tenders, the council has decided to demolish the buildings, including the two-storey structures, as part of a programme likely to take place in...

In a holiday-themed message, the author expresses optimism for the upcoming Christmas season and notes a positive shift in the rural sector compared to the previous year. They commend organizations like Groundswell for their contributions to farming communities. The message concludes with a heartwarming Christmas story about a young boy named Wally who, during a pageant, selflessly offers his room to Joseph and Mary, embodying the true spirit of Christmas. Full Article

The NZ Media Council upheld a complaint against The Spinoff for an article promoting an art exhibition featuring vintage cosmetic products labeled "Made in Palestine," citing a lack of clear distinction between fact and opinion under principle four. The article, which highlighted the historical significance of the products and their connection to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, faced criticism from the New Zealand Jewish Council for inaccuracies and bias. The Media Council ruled that the...

Make a submission against the Treaty Principles Bill by the closing date of 07 January 2025 to oppose its divisive nature, promotion of a grievance culture, anti-democratic principles, protection of unequal rights, and undermining of decolonisation efforts. Request to be heard by the Select Committee for an oral submission. Full Article