Concern for those in need
There have been articles in NZine about the poverty which is the lot of thousands of New Zealanders and about the work of some of the people who help others cope with many kinds of problems.

We are thinking at Christmas of those who have distressing problems resulting from poverty and of those who are in pain or unwell and must wait for their names to come up on waiting lists for surgery to ease their problems. We think too of those who will go to Women's Refuges to escape violence over "the festive season", and of those who must spend Christmas in prison, and their families. We give thanks for the help given by those who work in the foodbanks, answer phone calls from those who need to share their problems, serve Christmas dinners to lonely people, work in the refuges or care for the sick.

People planning enjoyment for others
We have been so interested to receive details about holiday programmes being offered for people of all ages around the country. Here is some information sent us about activities in the next two weeks before NZine's next issue on January 10.

Fun in the Far North
The Mitimiti Horse Races on December 31 at Pawarenga Beach on Whangapae Harbour include events for all ages. There are ten horse races. Bring your own horse! - or join in the fun as a spectator.

The Opononi/Omapere Axeman's Carnival on New Year's Day is part of the National Champion Circuit and also offers family entertainment with a hangi and activities for the children.

At Opononi there is a fishing contest on January 3 combined with all sorts of fun for the children, and on the same day there is a golf tournament at the Rawene Golf Course.

Music and children's activities in Nelson
From December 27 to January 1 during the day the streets will be alive with the sound of music and there will be evening concerts in a number of venues as it is the time for the annual Nelson Jazz Festival.

If you prefer electronica and trance music drive up Takaka Hill and join in the New Year's rave - The Gathering - on December 31. This years event features six zones for styles including Drum 'n' Bass/Dub/HipHop/Reggae, Trance/Techno, Hardcore, House, and Tribal, with both DJs and live acts. The festival runs to January 2nd.

Six weeks of free entertainment at lunchtime in the city streets, events for children, concerts and night time outdoor movies and open days at local industries -- all these are provided in the Sealord Summer Festival from December 20 to January 24.

Queenstown
Kids "Summer Sizzler" - holiday programmes offered by the Queenstown Lakes District Council
Between December 29 and January 13 the programme of activities offers trips, games, barbecues, walks, gondola rides, movies and library research. Inquire at the District Council office.

Another programme is run at Wanaka.

TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown Kindly contributed by Fiordland Travel.

Te Anau
The Southland District Council Te Anau Holiday Programme for children January 5-8
This programme includes games, face painting, a visit to the Gym, mini golf, pavement painting and team games.

Inquire at the District Council Office.

The Department of Conservation Te Anau Visitor Programme December 28 to January 31 - activities for all ages
The varied programme includes guided walks, trips, evening talks on the landscape, the history and the wildlife, presentations on conservation from a Maori point of view...
As their programme states:
"From alpine zones and takahe homes
To limestone caves and historic raves
There's a great day out for everyone."

For information about the Fiordland area check the website at FiordlandTravel

Milford Track - Te Anau Kindly contributed by Fiordland Travel.

Christchurch events - fun without fees "Carols by Candlelight" celebrates its fiftieth anniversary on December 24. The New Year's Eve party at 10 p.m. in Cathedral Square opens the 1998 Summertimes Festival of music, drama and family fun.

KidsPlay - entertainment and cushion theatre - happens in parks around the city from January 5 - 10 at 10.30 a.m.

For more information ring (03) 379 1660.

The Press lunchtime concerts are held in Cathedral Square at noon on January 9 and 16.

Remind your Teddy about the Teddy Bears Picnic at Hagley Park at noon on January 11.

Plan for next year.
If you can't make it to these events this year, put them in your programme for the 1998-9 holidays.

Enjoy yourselves over the holiday period and watch for the next issue of NZine on January 10.