Mary Hobbs: Our beloved country – illusions laid bare

When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall… think of it, always. — Mahatma Gandhi

In earlier decades New Zealanders seemed far more relaxed as they cruised through life. It was a time of no internet – yes, the ancient times! – and less government and local council interference. Overall, we revelled in celebrating what it was to be Kiwi.

Mary Hobbs: ANZAC Day 2025 – A salute to some NZDF heroes

Non-cooperation with tyrants is a duty. — Gandhi

ANZAC Day is a traditional public holiday revered in New Zealand and Australia. It is a time when we remember, with the greatest respect, those who fought for what we all believed to be the freedom and democracy of our people and our countries.

Mary Hobbs: Dr. Bruce Dooley – A man of courage

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. — Martin Luther King Jr.

I was asked this week if I knew Dr Bruce Dooley. “Yes I know him,” I replied. “He’s a legend. One of New Zealand’s finest. He was the guy who exposed what appears to be the obscured, undue influence and control of the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) over Medical Councils throughout the world.

“And that was all before breakfast.

Mary Hobbs: Christmas and the great kiwi summer holiday

To give pleasure to a single heart by a single act is better than a thousand heads bowing in prayer. — Mahatma Gandhi

The Christmas and summer holiday break in New Zealand is loved by most.

It is an intrinsic part of the Kiwi culture. It’s a time to take it easy, rejuvenate, catch up with family and friends, get outside, enjoy the summer, and tune out the world’s woes. A calm spreads throughout the country. It gives most of us at least some time to enjoy summer.

Mary Hobbs: The light of truth shines on Australia and the world

Even if you are a minority of one the truth is the truth. — Mahatma Gandhi.

In Australia last week, the power of true Justice pierced through the thunder-clouds of oppression and cast strong beams of sunlight over the country, when Dr William Bay won an historic landmark case in the Supreme Court on 13 December 2024, over the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). A short summary of the victory is here.

Mary Hobbs: Erasing lies and reawakening hearts

When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible but in the end they always fail – think of it, ALWAYS. – Mahatma Gandhi.

Recently, I spoke at the Roadshow24 Event in Queenstown on 11 November, an event created by the amazing Donna Clapham who used her unique talents to bring it to four areas (Dunedin Queenstown, Nelson and Wellington) of our country. I was asked to speak on my recent article, Erasing an Orchestrated Litany of Lies, although there were also some key additional sections I added to the original article. An audio of this talk is attached, along with extra information that, due to time constraints, was omitted at the Roadshow. It takes about 30 minutes to listen to, so make yourself a cuppa and join me for the wild ride! I hope it uplifts, inspires and helps bring reassurance, too.

Mary Hobbs: Protecting the innocence of our children

If we are to reach real peace in this world .. we shall have to begin with children; and if they will grow up in their natural innocence . . . we won’t have to pass fruitless idle resolutions, but we shall go from love to love and peace to peace, until . . . all the corners of the world are covered with that peace and love for which consciously or unconsciously the whole world is hungering. — Mahatma Gandhi

Imagine you are a 13-year-old girl, about to start high school. You may look forward to it with a sense of positive anticipation for what the future holds, combined with a little trepidation – because you’re back to being one of the “new kids”. You’ll probably be keen to find good friends, and hope to have good teachers. High school is an exciting step and most of us remember a sea of children at a bigger school we will be attending for the next five years, so those first few weeks loom large — especially as they cement foundations for the majority of the teenage years.

Mary Hobbs: The Indomitable Human Spirit

The Indomitable Human Spirit that, against all odds, either finds a way or makes one. — MH

Many years ago, as a first-year student nurse in Christchurch hospital — known to be the strictest and ‘most English’ of all training hospitals in New Zealand — I became aware of a slight alteration to the feeling of the usual routine on the men’s orthopaedic ward where I was working. On this day, there seemed a slight ruffle of change in the atmosphere that was hard to define — it felt different.