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Omihi School is inviting locals and visitors alike to come together for an evening of food, connection and community when Food Truck Friday returns to Omihi Community Hall on Friday, March 6. Now in its third year, the event runs from 5pm to 9pm and is designed as a relaxed community gathering rather than a fundraiser. Principal Maree Lucas says the idea grew from a desire to reconnect people after COVID and create something welcoming for the wider rural community. “It’s not

Mark Ferguson, chief executive of neXtgen Agri, is taking on a 2,000km movement challenge across 2026 to raise funds and awareness for brain cancer research. Supplied. Christchurch-based neXtgen Agri chief executive Mark Ferguson has set himself a significant challenge for 2026 — walking, running or riding 2,000 kilometres over the year to raise funds and awareness for brain cancer research. The challenge, called TwentySix2000, was inspired by the diagnosis of one of his clos

Stress, worry, and low moods are part of the human experience. Everyone encounters moments of emotional strain, especially in today’s unpredictable world. Yet when these feelings persist or begin to interfere with daily life, they may signal something more serious than ordinary ups and downs. Distinguishing between everyday challenges and knowing when professional care might be needed, is an important step toward protecting your wellbeing. If you find yourself overwhelmed by

With Mental Health Week just having past, it’s great to see awareness building on the topic – an issue that has always existed, but with more visibility and acknowledgement, comes a perception that problems are increasing. If you don’t struggle with your mental health, that is great. You lucked in when mental health issues were being randomly assigned to around a quarter of the population, or roughly half of us over the entirety of our lives.   But if you haven’t had the misf

Farmers don’t equipment or experience to join Surfing for Farmers- they just need to show up. Supplied. When Stephen Thomson first had the idea for Surfing for Farmers, he never imagined it would grow into one of New Zealand’s most celebrated grassroots wellbeing initiatives. What began with a handful of Gisborne farmers hitting the surf in 2018 has now evolved into 25 beach locations nationwide, with farmers ditching Swanndris for wetsuits and hitting the water 8,000 times i

“I just want to be happy”. Something I hear on an almost daily basis, in my personal and professional roles. It’s also something everybody wants for their children – and with good reason. Why would we not? Being happy has become the holy grail of wellness, a sign of excellent mental health, and the panacea to all of life’s ills. It’s also a message we constantly see everywhere: movies, TV, framed wall art, clothing, social media, and just our culture in general. Think: Don’t