Glenn Dwight: Snails, dinosaurs and weirdness – my review of 2025

OPINION: A look at the odd, fun and joyful moments that made us proud to be Kiwi in 2025.

Well,2025. What a year. It wasn’t a year of massive political upheaval, or earth-shattering scientific breakthroughs. it was… quirky. Gloriously,wonderfully quirky. And honestly, after the last few years, a bit of quirky was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Let’s start with the snails. Yes, snails. remember the Great Auckland Snail Race? It started as a bit of a laugh, a pub bet really, but quickly spiralled into a national obsession. thousands tuned in to watch shelly, a particularly determined garden snail from Mt Eden, take the title.The prize? A lifetime supply of lettuce and a tiny, custom-made racing helmet. It was majestic.

Then there was the Boom-Boom Statue. Taupo,you absolute legends. Erecting a six-meter-tall statue of a boombox blasting out 80s hits? Inspired. Utterly, wonderfully inspired. It quickly became a pilgrimage site for anyone who remembers leg warmers and big hair, and frankly, it just made everyone smile. The local council initially had concerns, naturally, but the sheer joy it brought to the community won them over.

And who could forget the Festival of Weird in Hamilton? This wasn’t your average arts festival. We’re talking competitive ferret-legging, underwater knitting, and a surprisingly popular interpretive dance performance based on the life cycle of a gnat. It was… an experience. A slightly unsettling, but ultimately uplifting experience.

Of course, no review of 2025 would be complete without mentioning the dinosaur. not a real dinosaur, sadly, but a remarkably realistic animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex that somehow ended up wandering around a sheep farm in Southland. The farmer, bless his heart, initially thought he was hallucinating. It took a team of paleontologists and a very large crane to safely relocate Rexy to a local museum, where she’s now the star attraction.

These are just a few of the moments that stood out. the little things, the unexpected joys, the things that reminded us not to take ourselves too seriously.

2025 wasn’t about solving the world’s problems. It was about celebrating the weird and wonderful spirit of Aotearoa. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

Hear’s to 2026 – may it be just as delightfully odd.

Glenn Dwight: Snails,dinosaurs and weirdness – my review of 2025

It’s been a year of snails,dinosaurs,and a whole lot of weirdness. 2025, that is. And as we hurtle towards whatever 2026 throws at us, it’s time to reflect on the year that was.

Let’s start with the snails. Not literal snails, even though I did encounter a particularly brazen one attempting to cross the motorway near Taupō. No, I’m talking about the pace of change. It felt like everything was moving in slow motion. The promised technological revolutions felt… distant. The political landscape remained stubbornly stuck in the mud. Even the weather seemed to be taking its time deciding what it wanted to do.

Then there were the dinosaurs.Okay, not actual resurrected dinosaurs (although, honestly, at this point, nothing would surprise me). But the resurgence of old ideas. The return of arguments we thought we’d settled decades ago. The captivation with nostalgia, with a yearning for a past that probably wasn’t as good as we remember. It felt like we were all wandering around in a Jurassic Park of outdated thinking.

And the weirdness? oh, the weirdness. This is where it gets tricky to articulate. A general sense of… off-kilter-ness. A feeling that the rules have changed, but nobody told us what they are. A pervasive anxiety bubbling just beneath the surface.

Perhaps it’s the lingering effects of the past few years. Perhaps it’s the constant bombardment of details, the endless scroll of social media, the feeling of being perpetually connected and yet utterly alone. Perhaps it’s just… life.

But amidst the snails,the dinosaurs,and the weirdness,there were moments of genuine joy,of connection,of beauty. A stunning sunset over Lake Taupō (the one the snail was trying to reach). A laugh shared with a friend. A moment of quiet contemplation.

These are the things that get us through. These are the things that remind us that even in the midst of chaos, there is still hope.

So, as we say goodbye to 2025, let’s embrace the weirdness, learn from the past, and try to speed things up a little. And maybe, just maybe, keep an eye out for snails on the motorway.

new Zealand’s Housing Crisis: A Deep Dive

It’s no secret: New Zealand is facing a serious housing crisis. For years, the dream of homeownership has slipped further away for manny Kiwis. But what’s actually driving this, and what’s being done about it?

House prices have skyrocketed. They’ve increased dramatically, especially in major cities like Auckland and Wellington. This isn’t just a recent trend; it’s been building for decades. Demand consistently outstrips supply. That’s the core problem.

What’s Causing the crisis?

Several factors are at play. Low interest rates made borrowing cheaper, fueling demand. But that’s not the whole story. Restrictive zoning laws limit the amount of land available for building. this artificially constricts supply.

Immigration has also played a role. More people arriving in New Zealand increases demand for housing. However, it’s important to note that immigration isn’t the sole cause. it’s a contributing factor within a complex system.

Investment properties are a big part of the issue. Many homes are bought as investments,not to live in. This takes them out of the market for first-home buyers. It drives up prices, too.

Government Responses

The government has tried several approaches. The “Bright-line” test taxes profits from property sales within a certain timeframe. It aims to discourage short-term speculation. It’s had some impact, but it’s not a silver bullet.

Changes to loan-to-value ratio (LVR) restrictions require larger deposits.This makes it harder for people to borrow money.it’s intended to cool the market, but it can also make it harder for first-time buyers to get on the ladder.

Increasing housing supply is a key focus. The government is encouraging more building, particularly higher-density housing. But it takes time to build new homes. There are often planning and resource consent hurdles to overcome.

What About Renters?

Renters are also struggling.Rental costs have increased considerably. Finding a rental property can be incredibly competitive. Many people are facing financial hardship due to high rents.

There’s growing pressure for stronger renters’ rights. This includes things like rent controls and greater security of tenure. These measures could help to stabilize the rental market. They’re controversial, though, with landlords raising concerns about their impact.

Looking Ahead

There’s no easy fix to new Zealand’s housing crisis. It requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to build more houses, address restrictive zoning laws, and consider ways to curb speculation.

It’s a complex issue with significant social and economic consequences.finding solutions that work for everyone will be a major challenge. But it’s a challenge New Zealand must address to ensure a fair and equitable future.

You can find more information at Statistics New Zealand and Housing and Urban Advancement Authority.