New Zealand Listener Issue 1 2020

An Associated Press photograph from 1935 shows New Zealand runner Jack Lovelock being mobbed by fans in New York after winning a race dubbed the Mile of the Century. Front and centre in the picture is the striking image of a silver fern on Lovelock’s black singlet, accompanied by the letters NZ. It is a reminder not only of the potent visual impact of the silver fern logo, but also of its long history as an instantly recognisable symbol of this country. No one was in danger of mistaking Lovelock for an athlete from any other land, just as no one could mistake Peter Snell’s nationality (see page 7) when he won his three Olympic gold medals. The clue was right there on his chest. Regular Listener readers may guess where…

Bill Ralston’s ruminations on Whakaari/White Island would have been of more interest if he had examined the issue of risk as applied to living in New Zealand or anywhere else for that matter (Life, December 21). Does he consider when he leaves his front gate by car that more than 300 people die on our roads each year and considerably more suffer life-changing injuries? The likely answer is no. We are all exposed to risks big and small every day and take that as the cost of a full and interesting life. Adventure tourism is no different. The only stone left unturned by Ralston is the inevitable bevy of US lawyers looking to make a quick buck out of the eruption. He could have asked what percentage of a payout eventually gets…

Phoebe Wray, Christchurch FINALISTS Boris Johnson: “The kestrel started nesting just here.” – Alan Petrie, Te Anau Anne, Princess Royal: “I can lend you a brush I use on my horses.” – Margaret Cannon, Palmerston North Anne: “Is your barber a Corbyn supporter?” – Sue Dalgety, Mangaweka Johnson: “Well, you see, the tube of superglue and the tube of hair gel looked so similar.” – Peter Crawley, Westport Johnson: “Seems I finally got Corbyn out of my hair.” – Sorrel Bovett, Kerikeri Johnson: “Politics is a hair-raising occupation, Ma’am.” – Mike Lynch, Upper Hutt Anne: “We’d all like to get Brexit out of our hair, Boris.” – Kate Highfield, Hastings Caption: “Boris ruffles his straw poll.” – Ellie Henderson, Motueka…

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”– US social reformer Frederick Douglas“We should be teaching young women to take up space.” – Miss Universe winner Zozibini Tunzi“Wisdom is universal and is not confined by generations, by oceans or by cultures. It is part of the legacy of humankind.” – Sir Hirini Moko Mead“You are who you pretend to be, so be careful who you pretend to be.”– Sophie Scott, professor of neuroscience at University College London, quotes Kurt Vonnegut“Even on the most exalted throne in the world, we are only sitting on our own bottom.”– Michel de Montaigne, French philosopher“Among artists without talent, Marxism will always be popular, since it enables them to blame society for the fact that nobody wants to hear what they…

I would have thought, though, that the apprehension of a potential cereal killer would have warranted more than being “spoken to and cautioned for careless driving”. Otago Daily Times, 19/9/19 Chilled & Frozen Assistant wanted! Mountain Scene, 24/10/19 One of the women took it home to warm it up and feed it, before bringing it back to the station for the family barbecue. Bay of Plenty Times, 15/11/19 Lunches could be cut at childhood centre Bay Harbour News, 20/11/19 Shooting clubs up in arms Wairarapa Times-Age, 7/11/19 Collins said wallabies were introduced to NZ in the 1870s – almost 200 years ago. Rural News, 22/10/19 LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND: Entries must describe New Zealand events. The first sender of those accepted will receive a $5 Booksellers voucher. Enclose name, address and source/date; TV and radio entries must also include specific time.…

1. In the medieval and Renaissance periods, tusks from which creature were often sold as magical unicorn’s horn? ❑ Wild boar❑ Narwhal ❑ Walrus❑ Mastodon 2. Which of these countries has the second-largest film industry in the world, in terms of annual output? ❑ South Africa ❑ Kenya❑ Nigeria❑ Ghana 3. Under which country is the crater from the impact that is thought to have ended the age of dinosaurs? ❑ Mexico❑ Turkey❑ Australia❑ Spain 4. Who delivered the famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech? ❑ Kaiser Wilhelm II❑ John F Kennedy❑ Bruce Springsteen❑ Margaret Thatcher 5. True or false? Humans are considered to be primates. ❑ True❑ False 6. Which city has – by far – the most Michelin-starred restaurants? ❑ Tokyo❑ London❑ New York❑ Copenhagen 7. Which TV show coined the phrase “Here’s one we made earlier”? ❑ Blue Peter❑ Hudson…