SMILE, SNAP AND WIN PHOTO COMP

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced a $4.5 million funding boost for QEII National Trust to support partnerships with landowners in creating protected areas under covenants. The Trust has a successful track record in safeguarding biodiversity habitats, with a focus on lowland and coastal zones, protecting 187,000ha of land over 50 years. Additional funding of $5.8 million annually for the next three years will benefit the Trust and Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust Sanctuary, ensuring continued conservation...

Photo supplied. "The Brutalist," directed by Brady Corbet and starring Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, and Guy Pearce, is a compelling epic period drama that follows a man's escape from post-World War II Europe to pursue the American dream. Clocking in at 215 minutes, the film's strategic intermission and exceptional quality make it a captivating watch. Standout performances from Pearce and Jones, along with stunning visuals and a poignant epilogue, make "The Brutalist" a must-see cinematic...

In Auckland, the Man Up protest at a Pride event in a library was deemed to have gone too far, although Destiny Church's active community involvement was acknowledged. The Leader of the Opposition emphasized the importance of having a conversation about what it means to be a real man, advocating for moderation and avoiding conflict. The Leader of Destiny Church shared a humorous anecdote about seeking guidance from God and maintaining a positive outlook. Full...

After facing fertility struggles, the author discovers she is pregnant with her second child, bringing immense joy and relief. However, during a routine dating scan at nine weeks, she experiences the devastating loss of a miscarriage. The emotional journey of hope, excitement, and ultimately heartbreak is vividly portrayed in the poignant narrative. Full Article

Police in central Auckland are searching for a person involved in an altercation where three men were reportedly involved. Emergency services were called to Lower Albert Street after one man was seen with a "handheld weapon," which has been recovered. Two men have been taken into custody, and the public can expect increased Police presence while the search continues for the third individual. Full Article

A new poem by Kim Cope Tait titled "Not Waving But Dying" reflects on the idea of arriving at the place of one's dying, transitioning to a new life, and witnessing tragic events. The speaker experiences a symbolic death in a new house, encounters a fantail bird as a sign of change, and reflects on the tragic death of a boy in Gaza. The poem explores themes of transformation, loss, and mortality in a profound...