Time flies, they say, especially when you are having fun. Indeed, it is now only a couple of weeks away from Christmas and the New Year, however before we do that, have a quick look at this month's highlights;

• October started with a six years jail sentence for former MP Taito Fields.  Many people, and in specific the Island community, were shocked with this "harsh" sentence.
• Good news on financial level; inflation remains at under 1.5% meaning no pressure to raise interest rates.
• For the second time, the All Whites will be representing New Zealand on the world stage soccer at the World Cup in South Africa. A great penalty save and a fantastic header secured the only goal in the game and a place in the finals.
• Holding a mobile phone while driving has become illegal. This obviously resulted in very strong sales of hands free devices.
• The NZ Herald reported that the migration gain is the most in the last 5 years. It also reprted that more and more Ausies come to our shores for holidaying and skiing.
• Honey appears to be the fastest growing industry in New Zealand at this moment. So next to sheep, we now also have more bees that inhabitants!
• Last but not least, at the end of this month, the new Immigration Act passed its third reading. The objective is, as per policians, to enhance border security and improve efficiency of the immigration services. Others say it is a clever act to ensure that government can do what they want without too much interference.