New Zealand Listener Issue 4 2020

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed not quite two years ago, they vowed to make the Commonwealth the major focus of their lives. Meghan had the native flower of every Commonwealth nation embroidered into her wedding veil and the two pronounced themselves “hugely excited” to be appointed Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors, a role Prince Harry said was particularly important as 60% of the Commonwealth’s people are under 30. The prince opened his first speech in the role with a tribute to his grandmother, the Queen, noting that on her 21st birthday, the then Princess Elizabeth gave an extraordinary radio address from Cape Town. “With an already unflinching sense of duty, she made a commitment. She said that whether her life be long or short, it would be dedicated to the service…

So, now we are told how bad salt is for us (“Over salt”, January 18). As a child I loved toast covered with dripping smothered in salt. Through my life I have always well salted my vegetables and salads. So, it seems I will not get to a ripe old age. Ah well – I’ve reached 88. Jack Jackson(Pukekohe) After reading the cover story on salt and Tūī Allen’s letter (January 18), I wonder if anyone is carrying out a study of the correlation between the rise of veganism and a declining sense of humour. Such a study might also extend to other groups who have an overinflated sense of their right to be offended. Robin Peirce(Marton) AUSTRALIA BURNING The January 18 Editorial reminded me that I recently bought the complete set of satirical interviews on…

Paula Green, Epsom, Auckland FINALISTS Nancy Pelosi: “Zip it, tweety.” – Paul Cosgrove Caption: “Nancy Pelosi has Trump’s measure.” – Alan Petrie, Te Anau Pelosi: “Some politicians tweet. I prefer the bird dance.” – John Stribling, Wellington Pelosi: “Welcome to my shadow cast of the Lying King.” – Kath Jones, Waikanae Pelosi: “When his nose had grown this long, we had no option but to impeach.” – Ron McNulty, Waikanae Pelosi: “No, this is my grump face.” – Paul Kelly, Palmerston North Pelosi: “Now, The Battle of the Republic in harmony, please!” – Ann Love, Nelson Pelosi: “Grandma shark doo doo doo doo doo doo.” – Owen and Wendy Glover Pelosi: “For fake’s sake, Donald!” – Tommy Kapai, Te Puna…

“Sorry, Mum, I’m stepping down as a senior Coren. Keep on paying my bills because I’m doing this for all the right, progressive, people-helping reasons and not just because I am a spoilt little public-school twerp fed up with living in the shadow of a much more famous sibling and their incredibly popular spouse.” – writer Giles Coren in the Times“Harry and Meghan latest: world enters sixth day of coming to terms with 35-year-old man moving out of his Nan’s house.” – tweet from UK TV show Have I Got News For You“I’ve had eight texts. It’s been incredible. All of them are from my mum.”– Taika Waititi on his six Oscar nominations“Here’s the difference between 2003 and now – I weigh 30 more pounds. Here’s another one: back then,…

West Coast iwi are backing a call by the Mayor of Westland to disband the West Coast Conservation Board because it is stacked with conservationists. Greymouth Star, 4/12/19 Congratulations to businesses who just persevered through all the maize of more legislation, more compliance costs, etc. Roundabout, January 2020 Rear Admiral Richard E Byrd was one of the greatest explorers of the earliest 21st century. He launched several flights to explore Antarctica from New Zealand. Dominion Post, 11/1/20 The impact of the freshwater proposals – if adopted – would swamp any other environmental changes. NZ Herald, 2/1/19 “This is a significant coo for the area as it will create more jobs …” bayleys.co.nz, 9/1/20 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;…

1. Who famously said, “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is.” ❑ Sarah Palin ❑ Richard Nixon ❑ Bill Clinton ❑ Theresa May 2. According to legend, who was presented with a magical sword by the Lady of the Lake? ❑ Beowulf❑ Joan of Arc ❑ King Arthur ❑ St George 3. Which novel begins, “Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice”? ❑ War and Peace ❑ Don Quixote ❑ 100 Years of Solitude ❑ The Sun Also Rises 4. What was designed and invented by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in 1885? ❑ Hovercraft❑ Motorcycle ❑ Steam tractor ❑ Automobile 5. Which beverage was originally formulated from a popular Thai drink called Krating Daeng? ❑…