Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer.
Breakdancer creates stir that’s still ongoing
Well, the Olympics are done and dusted and there were many, many highlights. My favourite was the Australian breakdancer whose performances got a good many people talking, criticising, and praising. Firstly, there was some discussion about breakdancing even being an Olympic sport in the first place but to be fair, some said the same thing about beach volleyball, BMX, and handball.
This year for the first time, breakdancing showcased the talents of performers from all around the world. Enter Rachael Gunn, a 36 year old Australian academic, performing under the name Raygun.
“Gunn, who competed in her green and gold uniform, has been part of the Australian breaking community for 20 years. It has consumed her personal life and her intellectual interest. She was among those who scrambled to create an Australian federation after breaking was thrust into the Olympic spotlight. ‘I wanted to make an impression in a different way,’ she said after she was eliminated from the round-robin stage without scoring a point against breakers from France, the United States and Lithuania, who claimed all the 18 points available.” (Source: “Australian breakdancer ‘Raygun’ breaks the internet with toe-curling routine,” by Jordan Baker, 10th August, www.stuff.co.nz).
5 stars – I love the courage to compete and the confidence to do it in an original and inspiring way.
OCR drop leads to interest rate reductions
Yesterday the Reserve Bank cut the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% and banks have subsequently lowered interest rates on loans. With huge pressure on lenders over the past few years this is some relief. Citing an easing of consumer price inflation, as well as other factors, Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr said: “‘The darkest period is where we are right now’, reflecting on the heightened OCR rate in place following the Covid-19 pandemic, peaking at 5.5% and staying there since May 2023.
“However he outlined the reasons for the rate cut: ‘Our recent announcements have talked about the [Monetary Policy] committee’s growing confidence that rising spare capacity in the economy and changing price setting behaviours would reduce inflation and enable the future easing in monetary conditions – and it is here today that I can say that this confidence has now reached that point where the committee has been able to act,’ he said.” (Source: “Reserve Bank drops official cash rate to 5.25%,” 14th August, www.stuff.co.nz).
5 stars – obviously it will take time for the New Zealand economy to stabilise, however the Reserve Bank has signalled that further cuts may eventuate this year if inflation continues to fall. So, fingers crossed for more good news like this!
Hero cops meet baby they helped deliver
This is a lovely tale. A few weeks ago, two police officers in Auckland were serving a trespass order in an apartment block when they were flagged down by a security guard seeking their assistance. Nooroa Elia was in a nearby apartment and in the later stages of childbirth and in need of urgent help. With no ambulances available, the two officers decided to get her to their squad car and drive her to hospital themselves. After a careful. slow trek to the car, they drove under lights to Auckland Hospital where staff delivered baby Kahurangi, whose shoulders had become stuck during childbirth.
Noora required nine blood transfusions after significant blood loss and mum and baby stayed in hospital for a few days to recover after a rather traumatic birth.
This week the two officers got to meet the wee one they had helped into this world. “Auckland city constables Paratene and Oliver, who asked that only their surnames be used, took toys, blankets, nappies and a tiny pair of police baby booties for baby Kahurangi and her mum. ‘We were both so keen to meet baby and see mum again because the last time we saw them they were being rushed into theatre,’ Oliver said. ‘It was definitely one of the best jobs – I had an adrenaline rush for days.'”
5 stars – a beautiful story of strangers playing an important and significant role in ensuring the safety of others. Good news indeed!
