Every delay to this crazy sand mining proposal is good news — Bream Bay sand mining proposal on hold as McCallum Brothers seek time - NZ Herald:
The fast-track panel has hit pause on McCallum Brothers Ltd’s application to mine sand in Bream Bay, granting the company more time to respond to submissions.
In a minute issued last week, the panel confirmed the pause from June 2 after McCallum Brothers sought extra time to address 46 submissions from invited parties – many backed by detailed material and expert evidence – allowing technical review and preparation of its response.
I was really looking forward to my first cup of tea this morning: a Bagua Shan Dong Pian Oolong tea from Taiwan. Flavour: sweet, vegetal, floral.
As I reached out to grasp the cup I managed to knock it over completely… 😒
So is the one I'm drinking now the first or second cup? 🤔
I needed something quick to eat and this morning had bought a tiny bottle of truffle infused olive oil to try out. We also had lemons from a friend's overflowing tree. That all led me to Spring Pea Pasta Salad (no photo), which turned out to be all right.
Not sure how I feel about truffle oil.
In Kaikohe, next to the Waitomo petrol station, is Cafe Ihaalam, named apparently after a Middle Eastern grandfather of the owner.
At Ihaalam the food was wonderful. I was quite taken that my green tea was served in a good old-fashioned metal teapot. The apple pie was scrumptious.
Ihaalam vs Malaahi
Ihaalam is not to be confused with nearby Cafe Malaahi where we didn't enjoy the food at all.
This is turning out to be a series I really enjoy. While reading, I identified several potential perpetrators, but I was wrong each time. Murder in Knockhaven Harbour (Detective Marjory Fleming Mysteries Book 2) by Aline Templeton. 📚
On a stormy September night, the Knockhaven lifeboat crew are returning from a routine rescue when disaster strikes. The boat inexplicably misses the harbour and crashes into the lethal rocks of nearby Fuill’s Inlat.
The routine inclusion of Scots words and phrases is a delight too.
This was a fun and easy read — Mirabile by Janet Kagan. 📚
On the distant planet of Mirabile, a settlement of human colonists from Earth is jeopardized by the genetic mutants of Earth plants and animals like the Loch Moose Monster, the Frankenswine, and the dreaded carnivorous Kangaroo Rex—and it’s up to ecological troubleshooter Mama Jason to destroy the menacing mutants.
A young looking Kōtare | Kingfisher on the stump out back behind our place. 🐦
A few weeks ago we visited the original Ngawha Springs. Today we tried out the newer, renovated and updated area called Wai Ariki.
There are a dozen pools at different temperatures, with shelters outside where you can hang a bag.
As always, it was a delight to soak in the mineral hot springs.
Just enjoying the crunchy sweet deliciousness of a Piqa pear — Optimising the Piqa®Boo® harvest · Plant & Food Research:
The fruit has a striking red appearance with crisp, juicy white flesh and very good storage capability.
A pleasing start to the morning.
The other night we ate dinner with friends at No.8 Restaurant in the Town Basin at Whangārei.
… the most authentic Modern Asian flavours this side of the harbour bridge. Every meal is made by a passionate team who use locally sourced meat, seafood and produce.
The venue is spacious and pleasant, the wait staff were excellent and we had a good evening.
For me, the problem is that the menu just didn't have things I want to eat. In the end I ate about 1/3 of a small (enormous) plate of Korean fried mushrooms with chilli glaze and sesame. It was good but there was just too much food.
Vintage railway, Russell
Most of the TV and movies I watch come from the UK and the US or Canada, set in mysterious (to me) places.
So it's a special kind of delight to watch NZ shows like Brokenwood, filmed not too far from us, and Bust Up, filmed in and around Russell where we visited recently. I was able to say: we went in that building!
On The Brokenwood Mysteries S12E04 the action revolves around a vintage steam train — the very train we rode on just a few months ago, passing through countryside I recognised.
Places I recognise, the kind of English I speak and hear around me every day, familiar scenery — it's so special to have that connection with these (well-written) fictional stories!
Today we travelled for 2 hours on a special outing of the Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway.
Very much a procedural but enjoyable as always. Some interesting character developments too. Zero Tolerance (The King & Midnight K-9 Mysteries Book 4) by D. L. Keur. 📚
What Mike knows is that he’s got hours only to find and secure the life of a man he not only admires, but respects, because the people who Mike suspects took Powers aren’t playing games.
Hah. After reading about Plains Indian Sign Language I fell into this wonderful rabbit hole about sign languages, such as Harem Sign Language: A Tool of Power in the Ottoman Empire:
Today we’re diving into the fascinating story of Harem Sign Language, also called Seraglio Sign Language, from inside the Ottoman Empire. This wasn’t just a way for Deaf servants (dilsiz) to communicate — it was the everyday language of the harem and the palace, used by sultans, women, and guards for hundreds of years.
This is a different "In The New Forest" series from others I've read. I enjoyed the story, the characters and the setting and will read more. The plot developed some interesting complexities and some pleasing surprises. Death in the New Forest (New Forest Murder Mysteries Book 1) by Linda Mather. 📚
Detective Elinor Saxby leaves the city for a crooked little cottage near sleepy Lyndhurst village. It’s not exactly her dream home, cut off from everything and everyone she’s ever known. But Elinor will do anything to leave her troubled past behind.
A light and easy read, though our lead character is distracted by a couple of good looking young men. The Channel Islands Harbour Murder (The Gull Bay Mysteries Book 3) by Ashley Cain. 📚
Dripping diamonds and disdain, ‘Scandalous Sam’ orders vintage champagne, insults her company . . . and rushes out without paying her share of the bill.
By nightfall Samantha has vanished. And just twenty-four hours later her body is hauled from the harbour
Nailed it. Guy Body cartoon in the Northern Advocate, 01 June 2026. See This is so wrong.
I've been moaning a bit about the government, but every year I'm impressed by the Inland Revenue Department. They know about my income, assets, interest and dividends. I upload proof of charitable donations. Then they work it all out and send me a really well written letter.
Alex Hsu has an excellent YouTube channel. Today's episode points out that pushups aren't necessarily about looking good, but are more about being able to open heavy doors, or get up off the floor. The Real Reason Adults Need Pushups:
Your goal isn’t to punish yourself. Your goal is to build a body that stays capable, confident, and useful for real life.