New Zealand Listener Issue 46 2019

How oddly apposite it is that we’re holding the Bird of the Year contest at the same time as commemorating the landing of Captain James Cook, who brought the first cats to New Zealand. The whimsical, stagey annual celebration of our native fauna does much to familiarise people with the wonderful variety of birds unique to these islands, and to remind us that 80% of them are endangered, some critically so. But the contest cannot compete with our other worthy preoccupations, climate change and housing, both of which are putting more pressure than ever on habitats. The Bird of the Year 2019 will have fewer places to call home as we continue to turn land over to pine forest for carbon farming, and the housing shortage leaves developers freer than ever to fell…

“There are people with disabilities, older people, including my mother who’s now passed, who need access in a vehicle.” stuff.co.nz, 23/10/19 Sky confirms it is embarking on a restructure that will see job cuts – but says the exact number is up in the air. NZ Herald, 19/9/19 Lock holds key at New Plymouth Waikato Times, 24/8/19 Lying on a remote Golden Bay beach with a horrific injury, the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter saved his leg – if not his life. Nelson Mail, 20/10/19 “With each phone call came another dead end.” Eastern Bay Life, 13/9/19 People being able to get help where they need it, and not having to jump through loop holes to get there. Weekend Sun, 20/9/19 LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND: Entries must describe New Zealand events. The first sender of those accepted will receive a $5 Booksellers voucher.…

Although there is an increasing recognition of the value of an inclusive society, much of our history and culture involve the marginalising and demonising of certain groups in various ways (Editorial, November 2). It is not surprising that there are conflicts between those who are promoting inclusiveness and those who feel that distinctions and specific moral certitudes are important to them. I support the call for societal debate, but that debate should be respectful and constructive rather than “vigorous”. Gray Southon(Tauranga) The Editorial mentions bathrooms in UK schools in which the girls have to share with transgender pupils who identify as girls. No one would deny that school ablution blocks can be places for bullying, but there is no reason to think girls are more at risk of bullying from transgender children…

Steve Godsiff, Timaru FINALISTS Caption: “Hurricane Katrina just struck twice.” – Edith Macklin, Hastings Katrina Rore: “I am woman, hear me Rore!” – John Edgar, Christchurch Rore: “Diamonds aren’t forever, they lose their cutting edge.” – Tony Clemow, Kamo Rore: “Noeline said I’d just have to wing it.” – Kath Jones, Waikanae Rore: “Make mine a double.” – PM Lynch, Upper Hutt Rore: “Ouch! I never knew you were such a rough diamond.” – Kath Jones, Waikanae Rore: “At least we beat England by two in our World Cup.” – Paul Kelly, Palmerston North Caption: “Silver Fern reminds her team of the ‘two-pronged’ approach.” – Margaret Cannon, Palmerston North Laura Scherian: “Stuff peace – this is war!” – Rex McGregor, Auckland…

“I don’t like the way the times are moving. I shall refuse to accompany them.” – Rumpole of the Bailey, quoted in the Daily Telegraph“I fear the much-touted post-Brexit free-trade agreement with New Zealand has suffered a major setback.”– Spectator chairman Andrew Neil on the All Blacks’ loss to England“With pride comes the pain.”– sports presenter and journalist James Gemmell“I’m no rugby expert but maybe stop kicking the ball to the other team.”– journalist Caitlin Cherry“Ted had quite a few comments, and I did a bit of listening, trying to do a bit of learning, and then you just move on, don’t you?”– Steve Hansen on his post-loss talk to Graham Henry“You don’t always get the thing you want, and when you don’t, you’ve got to measure your character on…

1. Which TV sitcom’s theme song begins: “Whatever happened to predictability?” ❑ Roseanne❑ Full House❑ Cheers❑ Scrubs 2. Which of these words did not originate in India? ❑ Dungarees❑ Thug❑ Jodhpurs❑ Assassin 3. True or false? The actresses Katharine Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn were sisters. ❑ True❑ False 4. London’s Inner Temple and Middle Temple are associated with which profession? ❑ Law❑ Psychology❑ Architecture❑ Dentistry 5. In which country might you take a sail on the Perfume River? ❑ Italy❑ Germany❑ France❑ Vietnam 6. Which of these people is not mentioned in Madonna’s song Vogue? ❑ Gary Cooper❑ Bette Davis❑ Greta Garbo❑ Joe DiMaggio 7. True or false? The term “caesarean section” was coined when Julius Caesar was born this way. ❑ True❑ False 8. Which of these movies was not based on a novel by Michael Crichton? ❑ Jurassic Park❑ The Andromeda Strain❑ Disclosure❑…