Jacinda Ardern has announced that if voted in, Labour would make Matariki a public holiday. Matariki signals the Māori New Year. It is a time of renewal and celebration that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster during mid-winter. If made into a public holiday, it would mean New Zealand would have 12 public holidays and it would break up the winter period.Labour Party deputy leader Kelvin Davis said a Matariki public holiday would help the domestic tourism and hospitality sector."As New Zealanders plan mid-winter getaways and will also allow the tourism industry to market Matariki globally to international travellers as a uniquely New Zealand winter experience in years to come."Other politicians have spoken out about their disagreement with the policy, saying that in the Covid economic climate, another public holiday would put a strain on employers and small businesses.Rodney locals have voiced their opinions on Matariki as a public holiday, calling it “a more relevant holiday for Kiwis.” “If people actually used the day for what Matariki encompasses, whanau, kai, celebrating the new year together, then it could become a day that is looked forward too and appreciated by families each year.”Others saw the importance of celebrating what is important to the Maori culture of New Zealand, but suggested that instead of creating another holiday, Matariki could replace an already existing holiday, such as Queen’s Birthday weekend.

Construction on the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway continued during winter and under COVID-19 Alert Level 3, and progress is being made to the massive project.Thirteen beams, each weighing 42 tonnes, were installed over three nights on Watson Road Bridge. The beams were lifted with a 400-tonne mobile crane. This had to change position between each lift – a complicated task which involved moving around 150 tonnes of counterweights, rigging and the crane. Progress is being made on the 11 Barrel Culvert – which will be the largest culvert in New Zealand on completion. Culverts are the primary method of allowing existing stream and watercourses to flow beneath the motorway alignment. There will be 46 culverts across the alignment, including the 11-Barrel Culvert structure for flood relief at Carran Road. The culvert is being constructed of 187 concrete pipes, each weighing 10 tonnes. When complete, each barrel will be 42 metres long and 2.4 metres in diameter.Road users are encouraged to prepare for upcoming road layout changes to State Highway One north of the Johnstones Hill Tunnels, Pūhoi. Traffic in the southbound lanes will merge with the northbound lanes on approach to the tunnels. It will diverge into two lanes again before entering the tunnels. This work is expected to take place in the coming months and marks the start of major Southern Connection work to connect the tunnels to the new motorway.This month marks the start of bird breeding and fish migration seasons in our region. This means before carrying out any vegetation clearance or stream works, workers need to check to ensure they are not disturbing any nesting birds or migrating fish.“During this time, our project ecologist needs to assess any trees or vegetation we’re planning to remove to check if any birds are currently nesting in them,” says Environmental Manager Jonathan Green. “With fish migration, each stream within the project footprint has previously been assessed for fish species so we know which migratory species are present. This enables us to determine if there is any risk before carrying out any work.”So far, $17 million has been spent on suppliers and subcontractors from Warkworth and Pūhoi for the project. The new motorway is scheduled to open in May 2022, fingers crossed.

During October, Matakana will be celebrating all of the incredible wine grown in the area and harvested from the sea. Matakana Winegrowers are joining with the local oyster farmers from Mahurangi Harbour to give wine and oyster lovers the chance to enjoy delicious local oysters and beautiful Matakana wines together at our cellar doors, restaurants and cinema.Matakana Wine and Oyster CelebrationAll October     Vintry and MMK 6 oysters and a rosé - $22.003-4 October     Matakana Pub Oyster specials4 October       Wine and oyster matching at the Vintry10 October      Oyster and wine pop-up at Matakana Estate with Monarch Estate and Mahurangi Oysters10-11 October Matakana River Tours with Herons Flight Winery12-31 October Brick Bay wine and oyster trio matched $2718 October      Wine and oysters at the Kowhai Festival1 November   5.00 p.m., Oysters, wine and movie night celebration Matakana Cinemas $40.00  Follow wine and oysters on www.facebook.com/MatakanaWineTrail or visit the website www.matakanawine.co.nz for more events and ticketing info.  

Matakana Estate is the largest winery in the Rodney region and dates back to 1996 when the first vines were planted by the Vegar-Fitzgerald family – pioneers with Croatian winemaking history. In early 2012, the winery was taken over by new owners with a dream to expand the quality winemaking business to include luxury accommodation. 2018 saw the grand opening of the Matakana Estate Lodge.Matakana Estate was the first winery that CEO Chrissy Lu visited and holds a special place in her heart. She believes the Matakana region is truly amazing and will be the next NZ hot spot. The community and local businesses have a lot to offer both local and international tourists.  “There was something about this land that attracted me when I first visited more than 10 years ago and, I still feel that today. The dream to build a vineyard resort is ambitious and it will take time, but it is a dream that I am determined to turn into reality. The Matakana region has everything that embodies the true New Zealand lifestyle and that is what makes it so beautiful.”The current plans are a renovated cellar door venue space, expansion of accommodation offerings and the addition of luxury glamping units. They will use the space to host more events like live music in the summer, picnics on the lawn, and further develop Matakana Estate into a resort-based retreat with spa and retail offerings, as well as a walk/cycle trail that will run through the property and connect with others.  Images Context Architects This is a big dream and a huge project that will span the next few years, and Matakana Estate are taking it step by step. The cellar door venue is expected to be ready by the beginning of October 2020, and more events are expected to happen over this summer.The team at Matakana Estate wants to work with the community and local businesses to help promote the region as a whole, and they want to share their passion for the area with everyone else. However, Matakana Estate are first and foremost a winery, so wine production will continue. The vines wait for no one. Proud of their locally produced wines, they will be focusing on quality over quantity. The new hero product to be launched soon is a rosé made from estate-grown Syrah. It is a beautiful blush pink rosé with aromatic notes of blackberries and red currants with violet tones and a hint of fresh green herbs. A showstopper summer wine that they cannot wait to share. 

Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation are currently working to eradicate deer that were illegally released in Omaha Scenic Reserve, near Mount Tamahunga.A source tipped a DOC worker that six deer had been released, information which was supported by sightings of them in March.Four of the six were shot, and the council are confident that they will be able to hunt down the remaining two.Feral deer are a legally declared pest species in Auckland. Deer cause damage to native forests by feeding on forest plants, trees and seedlings. When deer populations get too large, plants like schefflera, broadleaf, three-finger, hen and chicken fern and lancewood are all but removed from the ground tier in forest understoreys. Deer in New Zealand have no natural predators (apart from hunters), so if left alone, the population can grow fast. While it is unknown how the deer got there, the most common reasons for deer turning up in areas include releasing them from captivity - an easy option for removing them from a farm - or recreational hunting.It is illegal to release deer into the wild and perpetrators can face up to $15,000 in fines. The public is encouraged to report sightings of feral deer by emailing [email protected] or calling 09 301 0101.

Next week, from the 7th to the 13th of September, it will be the G.J. Gardner Homes Clean Up Week 2020.The nationwide event is run by Keep New Zealand Beautiful, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to keeping our communities clean, safe and beautiful. Their campaigns ‘Be A Tidy Kiwi’ and ‘Do the Right Thing’ have been part of New Zealand culture for over 50 years.Get your friends, family, school, business or local community group together to participate in New Zealand's largest clean up event. Last year over 52,000 volunteers picked up 507,400kgs of rubbish nationwide. So, take some time out of your week to participate in a clean up event in our local area.Lets keep our beautiful beaches rubbish free - Te Arai Beach Photo The Matakana App This year, all groups are encouraged to organise their own sustainable and reusable clean up kits by using buckets, gardening gloves, or reusable bags. However, cleanup kits, which include Keep New Zealand Beautiful reusable rubbish sacks, will still be available on request for those hosting an event and don't have access to their own clean up materials.Thanks to Waste Management and EnviroWaste registered clean up events will be able to dispose of their collected rubbish for free at one of the selected refuse transfer stations around the country.There is also the chance to win a Samsung tablet and a Keep New Zealand Beautiful prize pack by submitting your clean up event photos and evaluation form.If you are interested in taking part in G.J. Gardner Homes Clean Up Week and hosting a clean up event, please fill in the registration form.Keep New Zealand Beautiful run sustainability education programmes designed to inspire the next generation of Kiwis. They provide comprehensive resources to support members and volunteers in their community efforts. And the annual Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards celebrate our best towns, cities and local heroes, who lead the way with their outstanding environmental and beautification work.

It's Father's Day on Sunday, and if you are still struggling to find that perfect gift, we have got you covered. Check out some of our top picks that will ensure you’re dad's favourite!Matakana ButcheryWhy not spoil dad with a delicious breakfast in bed with delicious sausages and bacon from the Matakana Butchery? They also stock local free-range eggs; get all the fixings for a fry up. If your dad is a big fan of firing up the barbeque, you can get him a gift voucher so he can go in and choose some choice cuts himself. Summer SessionsIt's no secret that we have some beautiful beaches in the area. If your dad spends a lot of time in the water, consider kitting him out in some cool gear from Summer Sessions. Choose from surfboards, skateboards, wetties, rashies, swimwear, accessories, streetwear, and destination tees, and get your dad looking, and feeling, super cool this summer.8 Wired BreweryNothing says dad quite like a nice cold beer. 8 Wired Barrelworks have 21 of their deliciously unique brews on tap. Tasting flights are a great way to enjoy a range of beers, so why not treat dad to one? Flights are made up of 5 x 100ml glasses which you can customise yourself, or you can get one of the bar staff to recommend a selection suited to dad’s tastes.Matakana OystersFor an extra special treat, grab dad some of the last sweet, meaty, end-of-winter oysters from Matakana Oysters. You can't beat a fresh oyster, and dad is sure to appreciate it. A dash of lemon, a dab of tabasco and off he goes.

The northern end of Snells Beach will be off limits to dogs from now until March 2021 in order to allow endangered shorebirds to breed. During this time, dogs will be prohibited from all beach areas north of the Sunburst Avenue boat ramp, and they must be on leash at all times along Snells Beach Esplanade Reserve, north of the boat ramp. The rules for all areas south of the Sunburst Avenue boat ramp have not been changed. Council’s Natural Environment Team Manager Andrew Nelson says the area is an important habitat for many native shorebird species. These include the New Zealand dotterel, variable oystercatchers, and bar tailed godwits. Dotterels are sensitive birds, and with only 1,700 of them left in New Zealand, they are classified as a threatened / vulnerable species. To get the population back up, successful breeding and hatching of eggs is imperative, but this is difficult when nesting birds are constantly under threat from people, dogs and other predators.  Ordinarily, dogs are prohibited on public beaches from the 1st of December to the 1st of March between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. but given the circumstances, these rules have been amended in Snells Beach.

Summer Sessions have opened their doors to their new shop, right in Matakana Village. Summer Sessions was first a dedicated paddleboard and surfboard shop started by Matt and Natasha Craig - ocean dwellers, parents, friends and ambassadors of the surf and sea community – and has since expanded to include skate and surf fashion. It’s now located next to the Matakana cinemas in the heart of the village.As well as a great range of products, Summer Sessions also run surf lessons and surf summer camps for the kids at Omaha beach.Summer Sessions in Matakana stocks everything you need for a great day on the coast. Choose from surfboards, skateboards, wetties, rashies, swimwear, accessories, streetwear, and destination tees. https://summersessions.co.nz/

Yesterday, Auckland joined the rest of the country at level two; people will once again be allowed in and out of Auckland.Schools have reopened completely to all students, and only those who need to self-isolate will continue with distance learning.Bars, cafes, and restaurants can reopen fully for dine-in experiences, provided they comply with social distancing, and patrons stay seated while they are there. Tables will have one server to control the number of people each group has contact with and to prevent crowds forming at bars and counters.Gatherings of 100 people both indoors and outdoors will be allowed in all areas of New Zealand, except for Auckland, where the gathering limit is 10. Public buildings like gyms, libraries and museums are also back open, with social distancing measures put in place.Level two allows us to connect with friends again, but while Covid-19 is still active in New Zealand, it is a good idea to keep note of who you have been in contact with, and to restrict number of people you see, if possibleIf using public transport or flying on a plane, you are required to wear a mask. Mask use won’t be enforced anywhere else, but it is strongly recommended that you wear one while out and about. Although we are allowed to move beyond our bubbles, it is still asked of us that we follow these rules:● Keep your distance when you’re out in public.● If you’re sick, stay home.● If you have symptoms of cold or flu, contact your health provider or Healthline.● Wash your hands.● Don’t get together socially with more than 10 people.● Keep track of your movements.

We all know how magical a day at Goat Island exploring the underwater world can be. Goat Island was New Zealand’s first marine reserve, created in 1975 for scientific purposes. It covers 518 hectares of coastal sea. More than 100 species of fish have been recorded from the reserve. Invertebrate species that include crabs, sea stars and sea shells number in the thousands.Soon there will be a new way to experience all this marine life, through a ‘Clearyak’ invisible kayak. Clearyak run kayak tours with a difference. They take kayaking tours in clear boats (hence the name "clear-kayaks"). Made from the same material as bullet-proof glass their boats are both strong and completely see-through, providing views of the sea floor beneath.The kayaks are a perfect way to explore the marine reserve, being unobtrusive on marine life. They are peaceful and paddle powered so won't affect the natural environment.Alert level and Weather permitting, Clearyaks will be running trips from the 11th of September. They will offer a great way to see the reserve before the busy summer season, without you having to take a dip in the chilly water.Fares from $30 per person for half hour paddle.clearyak.co.nz 0204257925

Construction work on the Warkworth pontoon has been delayed due to Covid-19.The pontoon and the attached foot ramp are an important part of Warkworth wharf, allowing easy access to the riverside for sailors, regardless of the tide. It also provides a great spot to feed the ducks. It was removed for repairs in late summer, just before Level 4 lockdown was imposed. Auckland Council hoped to have the pontoon back in place last month, but it is still waiting upon specialised parts from overseas .Auckland Council Community Facilities Manager Mike Feather says as soon as the parts arrive, the repair will be a key focus of the facilities team.“Boats coming up the Mahurangi River to visit is something special about Warkworth and we love seeing it. Despite the delay, we are on track to have the pontoon ready for the summer sailing season.”

The Takatu LandCare group is a volunteer organisation with a vision of the Takatu Peninsula being a pest and weed free buffer zone for the stunning Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary.They hope that some of the endangered species flourishing in the sanctuary will be able to spread safely into the broader region and connect with other important ecological zones through the implementation of the control of pest mammals and invasive exotic weeds on private land.The Takatu LandCare group is embedded in the Buckletons Bay, Baddeleys/Campbells Bays, Christian Bay, Christian Bay West, Takatu Road, Waikauri Bay and Omaha South communities. They work in conjunction with the Omaha, Point Wells, Leigh and other local pest control volunteers and also with the Matakana Community Group and the Forest Bridge Trust.You may have noticed the wonderful Takatu LandCare sign on the Takana Native Trees site at the corner of Leigh and Takatu Roads.The sign clearly states their goal of “Creating a pest-free peninsula”. If it encourages passersby to make contact and perhaps join one of the many local groups active in pest control in our peninsular neighbourhood, their goal will be one step closer.Currently the animal pest control work of TLC encompasses community volunteer groups who focus on the target pests of mustelids, possum and rats. In terms of invasive weeds, climbing asparagus, woolly nightshade, Japanese honeysuckle, moth plant, kahili ginger and pampas are relatively common on some parts of the peninsula. Community working bees are organised to help manage weeds within the local communities.Through Auckland Council funding, they have a dedicated pest control co-ordinator who assists by encouraging and helping people with trapping in their areas. Records show that the group successfully trapped 1,257 pests in the first 6 months of 2020, almost triple the previous catch for a similar period. Birds are already returning to areas where active trapping is taking place.If you would like to know more or are interested in being involved with trapping or weed control, please contact [email protected]. www.takatulandcare.com

If you are walking your dog in Omaha, be wary of poison stations left out to control pests. Two bait stations in Rahul Te Kiri Reserve at the southern end of Omaha were removed over the weekend, as members of the community feared they were too close to the beach and walkway. The poison was accessible to children as well as dogs and other animals, with some of it lying openly on the ground.  The council was informed and marked it as a ‘critical’ project. Council contractors looked at it on Friday. However, they weren't able to start a cleanup process due to it being hazardous material that only poison experts are qualified to deal with. The stations have now been removed.The poison was believed to be Pindone, an effective pesticide used to control possums, and most commonly, rabbits. However, Pindone is also toxic to cats and dogs. Pindone is less hazardous than other commonly used poisons, but you still need to take care to prevent accidental poisoning, either from pets eating toxic bait or carcasses. The secondary poisoning risk from eating poisoned carcasses is very small.If you see pets eating toxic bait, induce vomiting as soon as possible and take them to a vet. A vet can administer vitamin K1, which is an effective treatment, but it must be given in the early stages of poisoning.

On Monday, the government announced that face coverings will be mandatory from next week on all public transport, planes and rideshare services from level two up. This applies to the whole country, not just Auckland, where we have seen community transmission.The World Health Organisation recently published information on mask use for different age groups suggesting that:Children aged 12 and over should wear a mask under the same conditions as adults, in particular when they cannot guarantee a distance of at least one metre from others and there is widespread transmission in the areaFor children aged between six and 11, the WHO advises taking into account how widespread the transmission of the virus is and whether the child is interacting with high-risk individuals such as the elderly. It also stresses the need for adult supervision to help children use, put on and take off masks safelyChildren aged five and under should not, under normal circumstances, wear masks.There are two different types of masks readily available to us, disposable surgical masks and reusable fabric masks. Single use surgical masks are easily accessible, being sold at most supermarkets and pharmacies. They need to be changed if they become moist and should be used for no more than four hours. Single use masks can also be an environmental hazard if not disposed of correctly. Waterlogged masks, gloves, hand sanitizer bottles and other coronavirus waste already are being found on seabeds and washed up on beaches. If you are using single use masks be sure to cut the straps before you dispose of them, so if they do end up out in the world, they are less likely to tangle on any creatures.Fabric masks are also readily available, with lots of crafty locals using this lockdown to get sewing. It's a great way to use up leftover fabric, and has been quite a profitable venture for some, with one Auckland woman making $1,500 in just three days from selling her masks. The important thing to remember if you are using fabric masks is that to be effective, the mask needs to be made of a weave that is tight enough to be effective at containing droplets, while still allowing you to breathe easily. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests they should ideally have 3 layers. They also need to be washed after every use. 

Nothing makes you appreciate the little things like being stuck at home for two weeks. With Auckland (hopefully) set to move back into level two next week, here is a list of some the things many of us are looking forward to doing locally again very soon.Live Music at the Leigh Sawmill Cafe, Once we hit Alert Level 1! The Leigh Sawmill is known far and wide as one of the best places to catch some of New Zealand's freshest talent. The Sawmill has played host to major New Zealand musical acts and comedians, as well as small, otherwise unheard-of bands. Local legends such as The Chills, Cornerstone Roots and Shihad are no strangers to the pub. You can take a seat or join the moshpit and hear everything from hard hitting drum and bass to classical performances. A Beer with Friends at 8 Wired BarrelworksAt 8 Wired, you go for the beer and stay for the friends. They have 21 taps pouring their latest crafty creations, and on weekends you will find food trucks parked up in their car park (or inside during winter) bringing you a vibrant and ever-changing food offering. The outdoor seating area gets the sun long into the evening as the weather gets warmer, and it is a great spot for a post-beach beer. Big breakie at Pete & Mary's - Photo Bri Cato Breakfast at Pete & Mary’s EateryWarkworth has seen the addition of Pete & Mary's Eatery in the town. Formally known as Ginger, Pete & Mary's is bursting full of homemade goodness, happy locals, and a cup or two of delicious coffee. Head in for a deliciously big breakfast of hearty bacon and eggs with all the trimmings, like pork sausage, mushrooms, smashed potatoes, slow roasted tomatoes, spinach and beans. As full and satisfied as you may be, it's near impossible to leave without grabbing one of their delicious sweet treats from the cabinet. Oyster Tour with Matakana River ToursSpend a day collecting fresh oysters straight from the water while the skipper teaches you how to ‘shuck’ or open them, and then lets you have a go yourself. Once finished eating as many as is seemly, or you can, head back to Scott's Landing cruising shallow sheltered bays while spotting stingrays and enjoying the beauty of the harbour.Movies at Matakana CinemasWhat better way to escape reality for a bit than being transported to a different world in one of New Zealand's most beautiful boutique cinemas. Grab a glass of wine from The Vintry next door and settle in for a few hours. Don't miss their monthly event ‘Cinema Enigma’ in which the movie you’ll be seeing is a complete mystery … it may not even have been officially released yet. There are so many great things to do in our area, especially as we get closer to summer. Don’t forget, support local!

Tomorrow cabinet will meet to discuss whether New Zealand is ready to make the move down to level two. We have already experienced level two before the country went into full lockdown, but with new data on the virus, some changes have been made to the restrictions in order to keep everyone as safe as possible.Level two will mean that domestic travel will once again be allowed, as long as social distancing is practiced, and people keep a record of where they have been and how they got there. This news has been welcomed by the tourism industry, who will once again be able to operate for Kiwis who want to experience what our beautiful country has to offer.Schools will open completely to all students, and only those who need to self isolate will continue with distance learning.Bars, cafes, and restaurants will be able to reopen fully for dine in experiences, provided they comply with social distancing, and stay seated while they are there. Each table will have one server to ensure a minimal number of people they have contact with. Gatherings of 100 people both indoors and outdoors will be allowed, which differs from the 500 person limit for outdoor events last time we were in level two. This will allow funerals and small weddings to go ahead as before.Public buildings like gyms, libraries and museums will be back open, with social distancing measures put in place. Level two will mean that our bubbles are a thing of the past, and we will once again be allowed to connect with friends and family in person. However while the Covid-19 is still active in New Zealand, it's a good idea to keep note of who you have been in contact with, and keep the number of people you see small if possible.Thanks to our efforts as a country, New Zealand has moved through this tough time incredibly successfully, especially compared to other countries who have seen the devastating effects of Covid-19 when action is not taken. Level two would bring a little bit of normalcy back to our lives, and the move will be thanks to everyone who stayed home, and stayed in their bubbles.

The search for a missing boatie on Saturday ended sadly, with a body being found at Lagoon Bay, just south of Scotts Landing. The man, who was in his 60s, was reported missing when he failed to show up for work on Friday. The man lived on his boat in the Mahurangi Harbour, and concern grew when police searched his boat on Friday evening and failed to locate the man. The man’s dinghy, which was usually tethered to the boat, was also missing.The Kawau Coastguard, police maritime unit and Eagle helicopter carried out a search on Saturday, along with the dive squad.The death will be referred to the coroner and formal identification of the body will need to take place, police said.

As well as the general election, in October Kiwis will also be asked to vote in two referendums: one on the legalisation of cannabis, and the other the end of life choice act, which would give people with a terminal illness the option of requesting assisted dying.Voting in the two referendums is optional. You can vote in one, both or neither. The official results of the referendums will not make anything legal right away. If either or both of the referendums get more than 50 per cent of votes supporting them, a bill will go to a select committee, during which stage the public can give their feedback on the bill. Select committees usually have six months to gather information and prepare a report on a bill for the house. Then, there will be second and third readings, so it’s likely we’ll be waiting until 2021 for actual law changes.The Cannabis Legislation Bill would allow those over the age of 20 to:Buy up to 14 grams of dried cannabis (or its equivalent) per day only from licensed outlets.Enter licensed premises where cannabis is sold or consumed.Consume cannabis on a private property or at a licensed premise.Grow up to two plants, with a maximum of four plants per household.Share up to 14 grams of dried cannabis (or its equivalent) with another person aged 20 or over.Cannabis would only be available to buy from licensed premises, and the consumption of it in public spaces would still be against the law. A recent poll of 120 Rodney residents revealed differences of opinions on this cannabis referendum, with 63 voting for yes, and 57 voting for no. Those who voted for yes mostly agreed that the regulation would mean that the substance could be better controlled in New Zealand. Those who voted no thought that the detrimental effects of smoking cannabis would have too great of an effect on people to justify it. The End Of Life Choice Act means people with a terminal illness are given the option of assisted death. In the act, 'assisted dying' means:a person's doctor or nurse practitioner giving them medication to relieve their suffering by bringing on death; orthe taking of medication by the person to relieve their suffering by bringing on death.In the act, 'medication' means a lethal dose of the medication used for assisted dying.To be able to ask for assisted dying, a person must meet ALL the following criteria. They must:be aged 18 years or overbe a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealandsuffer from a terminal illness that's likely to end their life within 6 monthshave significant and ongoing decline in physical capabilityexperience unbearable suffering that cannot be easedbe able to make an informed decision about assisted dying.A person would not be eligible to ask for assisted dying if the only reason they give is that they are suffering from a mental disorder or mental illness, or have a disability of any kind, or are of advanced age.Some big questions to ponder until Saturday, 17 October 2020.