Book Review. 

Not in Narrow seas

For anybody with some time for reading this is a brilliant book to pick up from the library.  It is a big book both in size (almost 700 Pages) and information contained covering the commercial history of New Zealand from the arrival of the first Māori through until the current government showing how trading has evolved. 

It records how the traditional Māori way of sharing products among their iwi had to change when the Pākeha mariners arrived and wanted to resupply their ships. Exchanging good was fine when you knew and trusted those involved, however as strangers became involved rules and mediums of exchange became necessary.  … Continue Reading

FIRE BRIGADE REPORT 

Almost halfway through the year already ! The Brigade has this last month been steady with both Medical Responses from our First Responders, which now makes up about 65-70% of our work, and our usual responses to Motor Vehicle Accidents, and Fire related calls. 

We met and reviewed the success of the Medical First Response program with our Training and response partner Wellington Free Ambulance, and hope to have some training dates shortly for those who have indicated their desire or joined the Medical Response Team. Just a wee reminder about COVID, please answer any questions around Covid symptoms or test results honestly, we do put on extra PPE to help protect our volunteers. … Continue Reading

Democracy under pressure

Democracy has been challenged in recent years not just by populists of the right, but from a renewed progressive left as well.”

Psychologist Stephen Pinker clings to the faith. He tells us we are living in the best of times: a time of global peace, technological advancement, we are healthier and wealthier and live longer than at any other time in human history.

However, as the American political scientist Francis Fukuyama says: ” Yes. But try telling that to someone living in Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan, North Korea or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Try telling that to someone in Ukraine.

Try telling African Americans dying under the knee of cops that these are the best of times. … Continue Reading

Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival 

Featherston Booktown Karukatea 2022 Festival is all on from 8-12 June! Check out the programme at www.booktown.nz and snap up the remaining tickets at www.eventfinda.co.nz for talks, debates, workshops, readings and spoken-word performances. From novelists to slam poets, illustrators to seed-bombers, paper making and story building, there is something fun for everyone.

In its 7^th year, the Festival attracts award-winning writers and illustrators including: … Continue Reading