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March 31, 2025
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Heartfelt support This was the impressive result when the call went out last month for donations of handbags filled with essentials for women in need. The annual Love Grace Appeal was set up in memory of young British woman Grace Millane, who was viciously murdered in Auckland seven years ago, to help women escaping domestic abuse and violence. Local coordinator Ricky Wrightwebb said the response was overwhelming, with 200 bags donated. “We couldn’t fit any more love into one picture,” she said. “These bags are a beautiful mix and display of generosity. What an incredible effort from our community. We are beyond grateful and I would like to thank everyone.”
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The bags are being donated to Hestia Rodney Women’s Refuge, which hosted a special Love Grace morning tea in Orewa last Friday, March 28, with Detective Inspector Scott Beard, who led the investigation into Grace’s death and who lives on the Hibiscus Coast, as guest of honour. “It’s very clear that Grace’s tragedy has affected many people from all walks of life,” Wrightwebb added. “Please let these bags give some light and hope for women in need.”
Path plan ‘sledgehammer to crack a nut’ Controversial plans by Auckland Council to dig up 90 metres of the Snells Beach coastal walkway to encourage more shorebirds to roost roused passions at Rodney Local Board’s Warkworth HQ this month. Over 30 Snells residents gathered outside the Elizabeth Street offices on March 19
to present a petition with more than 700 signatures opposing the proposal. There were frustrations that not everyone could fit into the 16-seater board room for the presentation, as well as confusion over council communications and the whole decision-making process.
Some of the mostly elderly also expressed surprise at the presence of security guards and two Warkworth police officers. Petition organiser Stan Armiger said signatories wanted to keep the walkway and picnic area at the northern end of the beach, and removing it would be a waste of money.
“The birds and us can live together. There’s plenty of land there without taking the footpath away,” he said. When he asked how many board members had actually visited the site, only two raised their hands. continued page 2
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