Last week, I struggled to find any cheerful stories to include in my Weekly Whirl; this week, I’m spoilt for choice.
In a week where ego-driven world leaders continue their power struggles, stories of one man’s bravery, magic mushrooms and a chicken tree put smiles on Kiwis’ faces.
Let’s kick off with a story of true Kiwi spirit.
Inclusive Fitness in Hawke’s Bay Hits the National Stage
23 June 2025
It all started as a small fitness class for six people, but it quickly grew into a thriving programme.
Adaptive Whakauru Tahi now supports nearly 200 participants across Hawke’s Bay each week. The programme offers a wide range of classes, including sensory dance, Tai Chi, seated fitness and aqua sessions, all designed for people of all ages and abilities.
Demand is booming due to its koha-based pricing and no-one-turned-away policy, making fitness accessible, fun and social.
The programme is being recognised for its leadership in diversity and inclusion and is a finalist for the second consecutive year in the New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards.
There is no stopping founder Leana Becker. With demand booming and a new central hub opening soon, the team is eyeing expansion outside Hawke’s Bay, even if funding limits how far they can go.
Read this inspiring story at On The Up: Hawke’s Bay disability fitness programme recognised on national stage.
Kiwi Hero Dives onto Runaway Boat
25 June 2025
From one Kiwi hero to the next.
Would you risk it all to stop a runaway boat? Not sure, but Seth Dillimore thought it was a good idea.
When a small boat started circling out of control off Waihi Beach, no one dared intervene until Dillimore dove onto the vessel in a dramatic leap captured on video.
He narrowly missed the propeller and walked away with only a sore knee and ribs.
The grateful owners promised a box of beers as thanks, but Seth is still waiting (which, I assure you, is not the Kiwi way!).
Watch: Brave bystander dives to stop unmanned boat.
New Zealand Approves Psychedelics for Treatment of Depression
19 June 2025
It may sound a bit ironic that a week after reporting a rise in drug use, New Zealand approved the medicinal use of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in ‘magic mushrooms’.
However, that compound is very effective in the treatment of certain types of depression. Australia approved the medicinal use of psilocybin in 2023. This week, New Zealand followed suit by approving the prescription outside of clinical trials.
This is very encouraging news for people with depression who’ve tried everything else without success.
However, it does not mean that people can just visit any psychiatrist and walk out with a prescription. The government has made it clear that the treatments will be strictly controlled.
Only highly experienced psychiatrists will be approved to prescribe the drug. So far, only Dr Cameron Lacey has been given authority to prescribe psilocybin.
Read the interview with Dr Lacey in the article Psychiatrist hopes ‘magic mushroom’ treatment will be more widely available.
The New York Times has also reported on this significant breakthrough in psychiatric treatment of depression: New Zealand Approved Psychedelic Therapy. He’s the Only Doctor Who Can Do It.
Sam Harvey Pushes Human Limits with 118 Loops in Brutal Backyard Ultra
26 June 2025
New Zealand ultrarunner Sam Harvey has stunned the endurance world by completing 118 laps at the Backyard Ultra in Queensland. That’s a mind-blowing 800 km.
In this extreme event, runners complete a 6.7 km loop every hour until only one remains. Out of 263 starters, only Harvey and Australian Phil Gore were left by day four.
After matching Gore step for step and shattering the previous world record of 116 loops, Harvey collapsed mid-loop on Thursday morning, delirious and unable to continue. Gore pushed on solo, potentially claiming the new title.
Harvey is known for his resilience. He’s determined to take it to 150 laps!
Despite the outcome, his record-equaling run was nothing short of legendary.
Read the full story at Record-breaking Kiwi runner Sam Harvey collapses 118 loops into Backyard Ultra.
Auckland and Wellington Hold Their Own in Global Liveability Rankings
26 June 2025
I admit it. I live in Auckland, so I’m biased.
Although I have a love–hate relationship with the city (more love than hate, as long as I avoid the traffic!), I’m not surprised that Auckland ranked as high as 7th. Not too sure about Wellington though 😊, but Wellingtonians will surely disagree with me.
Anyway, good news for Kiwis! Auckland and Wellington have once again secured their spots among the world’s top 20 most liveable cities in the 2025 global rankings by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The rankings consider factors like healthcare, education, infrastructure and culture across 173 cities worldwide.
Auckland climbed to a shared 7th place with Osaka, up from 9th equal last year (Auckland topped the list in 2021!). Wellington held steady at 20th.
This year, Copenhagen took the top spot, ending Vienna’s three-year reign.
New Zealand’s biggest cities’ continued presence is proof that there’s a lot to be thankful for when you live in New Zealand.
Read the full story on the 1News website: NZ cities retain top-20 ranking on world’s ‘most liveable’ list.
Also on the EIU website: Copenhagen replaces Vienna as world’s most liveable city.
North Otago’s Chicken Tree Still Ruffling Feathers After 50 Years
29 June 2025
Lat but not least, here’s a light-hearted story not to be taken too seriously. We all need a good laugh from time to time, don’t we?
North Otago’s Chook Tree, a towering, hen-shaped macrocarpa, has been clucking up attention for over 50 years.
This leafy landmark even comes with its own ‘egg’, a well-placed Moeraki boulder.
It all began as a storm-damaged tree in the 70s. Local chicken farmers gave it a feathery makeover, and it has been the region’s unofficial mascot ever since.
Locals love it, travellers stop to snap pics, and now it’s a finalist in the 2025 Tree of the Year competition. While you’re at it, feel free to cast your vote!
If it has any chance of winning remains to be seen, but one can’t argue that Chook Tree has personality and charm, and it’s got the whole district crowing with pride.
And that’s it for another week.
Keep smiling and be kind to one another😊