We don't think enough of our "national" day to make it a weekday holiday. Contrast that (Waitangi Day) with our most respectful Monday-holiday commemoration of the Queen. Holiday-wise, she gets bigger billing than the nation. That is an intriguing symbol.
Sometimes things dovetail nicely for conspiracy theorists. Take the bill National passed last year under urgency to clear the way for private prisons. Why, you have to ask, would an issue like that need urgency?
A couple of times recently I have seen a woman taking her dog for a walk in a local park. This is not unusual. A lot of people take their dogs for walks. What is unusual...
I've just been told that someone is having trouble understanding me. It's not normally a worry in my family where I'm routinely incomprehensible to my children...
Operatunity concerts specialise in timeless tunes and light comedy, and give audiences a chance to interact with the artists - by sharing lunch with them after the shows.
Practically first off the gangplank and of course wearing green, I fling myself at the first Irishman I see and flash a grin. He says 'top o' the mornin' to yer lass'. I love his accent and feel I've 'come home'.
