#Cleaning for homes Auckland

[urbancarenz]

Home Cleaning in Auckland: Trust Expert Auckland Cleaners for a Sparkling Home

When it comes to home cleaning in Auckland, finding a reliable and efficient cleaning service is key to maintaining a spotless, welcoming home. With the fast-paced lifestyle of Auckland residents, many are turning to expert Auckland cleaners to take the hassle out of cleaning and ensure their homes always look their best. Whether you need a quick tidy-up or a more detailed deep clean, professional Auckland cleaning services offer the perfect solution.

Why Choose Professional Home Cleaning in Auckland?

Living in Auckland can be hectic, and sometimes there just isn’t enough time to keep up with regular cleaning. That’s where home cleaning in Auckland becomes essential. Professional Auckland cleaners bring the skills, tools, and eco-friendly products needed to tackle every corner of your home, ensuring it’s fresh and spotless every time. Whether it's a weekly clean or a deep clean before a special occasion, these experts have you covered.

Expert Auckland Cleaners at Your Service

Expert Auckland cleaners are highly trained and equipped with the latest cleaning products to handle any job. From dusting and vacuuming to scrubbing bathrooms and kitchens, these professional house cleaners in Auckland know exactly what it takes to make your home shine. What makes them stand out is their attention to detail and commitment to providing the highest quality service.

Using expert Auckland cleaners means you can expect consistent and thorough results every time. No more worrying about missed spots or corners; with professional Auckland cleaning services, your home will always be cleaned to the highest standard.

Convenience of House Cleaning Services in Auckland

House cleaning services in Auckland offer convenience and flexibility, working around your schedule to provide a service that meets your specific needs. Whether you need regular cleaning or a one-time deep clean, these services ensure that your home remains tidy without any added stress. When you book home cleaning in Auckland, you're giving yourself the gift of time—time to relax or focus on other important tasks.

Many Auckland cleaning services offer customizable packages, allowing you to choose what best fits your lifestyle. From thorough cleaning of the bedrooms and living spaces to specialized services like window cleaning or upholstery care, you can tailor the cleaning to your needs. This flexibility makes professional house cleaning services in Auckland a popular choice for homeowners.

The Importance of Choosing Reliable House Cleaners in Auckland

Choosing reliable house cleaners in Auckland is crucial for the safety and cleanliness of your home. These cleaners use non-toxic, environmentally friendly products, ensuring that your home is not only clean but safe for your family and pets. With expert Auckland cleaners, you can rest easy knowing that your home is in capable hands.

Professional home cleaning in Auckland is designed to save you time and energy, giving you the freedom to enjoy a well-maintained home without the hassle. Whether you need a quick clean or a thorough deep clean, Auckland cleaning services provide the expertise to get the job done right.

With professional house cleaning services in Auckland, you’re investing in a clean, healthy, and stress-free home environment.

[iconclean]

Festive Cleaning Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Commercial Cleaning

At the end of the year, it's crucial to prepare your workplace for a hygienic environment before and after the holidays. Begin by consulting with your office cleaning team to discuss needed adjustments for the upcoming year, focusing on areas requiring more attention. Ensure thorough cleaning before holiday gatherings, targeting high-traffic areas like kitchens and restrooms. After festivities, tackle the clutter caused by decorations and furniture shifts. This is an ideal time to declutter and allow your cleaning team to effectively sanitize individual workstations and common areas. Consider deep cleaning during the holiday period, which is ideal for minimal disruption, as many companies are quieter. Engaging either small or large office cleaning services can address tasks like dusting light fixtures, cleaning drapes and walls, polishing furniture, and removing graffiti. After the holidays, you’ll notice a significant change in your workspace. Assess your current cleaning team and verify their communication effectiveness; if lacking, consider switching to a specialized company like Icon Clean, which caters to various sectors including education and healthcare. Contact them for a free quote in Auckland or nearby areas.

[divinecleaningservicesnz]

Top-Rated Home Cleaning Services in Auckland | Divine Cleaning

Looking for reliable Home Cleaning Services in Auckland? Look no further than Divine Cleaning! Our professional team offers top-quality cleaning solutions tailored to meet your needs. We understand the importance of a clean home, and we are committed to delivering exceptional results with attention to detail. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular maintenance, Divine Cleaning is here to help. Choose us for reliable, affordable, and efficient services that will leave your home sparkling clean. At Divine Cleaning, our Home Cleaning Services in Auckland are designed to make your life easier. We use safe, eco-friendly cleaning products and techniques, ensuring your home is not only spotless but also safe for your family. Trust our experienced cleaners to deliver the highest standards of service, and experience the difference that sets us apart from the competition. Contact us today to get your home cleaned to perfection.

[hiretradiesauckland]

Hire Tradies Nz

Are you tired of the endless search for reliable and affordable home cleaning services in Auckland? Look no further than HireTradies! Our commitment to excellence extends to providing impeccable house cleaning services in Auckland, ensuring your home is not just clean, but also a haven of comfort. With HireTradies, you're not just hiring cleaners; you're investing in a team of dedicated Hire Tradies cleaners who prioritize quality and customer satisfaction.

Discover the epitome of cleanliness as our meticulous team tackles every nook and cranny during our thorough home cleaning in Auckland. We understand that a clean home is a happy home, and our services reflect this philosophy. Choose us for your house cleaning in Auckland needs, and witness the transformation of your living space into a pristine environment.

What sets us apart? Apart from our competitive and affordable prices, we take pride in the fact that our cleaners are not only skilled but also undergo rigorous police checks and vaccinations. Your peace of mind matters to us, and we go the extra mile to ensure the safety and security of your home during our cleaning sessions.

At HireTradies, we believe in transparency, and our pricing reflects our commitment to offering value for your money. When you choose us for home cleaning services in Auckland, you're choosing a reliable partner in maintaining a clean and healthy living space. Our comprehensive approach to house cleaning services Auckland covers everything from dusting and vacuuming to sanitizing and organizing.

Contact Us

Hire Tradies Nz Floor 6/246 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand +64 9 870 3300 https://www.hiretradies.co.nz/

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[envirochemnz]

Five Vital Considerations on Choosing the Right Farm Cleaning Products

When it comes to running a successful dairy farm, cleanliness is of utmost importance. Proper hygiene not only ensures the health and well-being of your dairy herd but also contributes to the production of high-quality milk. To maintain a clean and efficient operation, selecting the right Home cleaning product Auckland is crucial. Here are six vital considerations to keep in mind:

1. Effectiveness

The primary purpose of dairy farm cleaning products is to remove dirt, bacteria, and contaminants from various surfaces and equipment. Ensure that the products you choose are effective in achieving this goal. Look for cleaning agents with proven antimicrobial properties that can eliminate harmful pathogens commonly found in dairy environments.

2. Safety

Safety should always be a top priority on your dairy farm. Check whether the cleaning products you intend to use are safe for both your livestock and your farm workers. Cleaning products New Zealand should be non-toxic, biodegradable, and formulated to minimize environmental impact.

3. Compatibility

Consider the materials and surfaces that require cleaning on your dairy farm. Ensure that the products you select are compatible with the materials you'll be cleaning, such as stainless steel, rubber, concrete, and plastics. Using incompatible products can damage surfaces and equipment.

4. Regulatory Compliance

Dairy farming is subject to strict regulations regarding hygiene and sanitation. It's essential to choose cleaning products that meet or exceed these regulatory standards. Look for products that are certified by relevant authorities or agencies, as this ensures that you're using products that adhere to industry best practices.

5. Ease of Use

Efficiency is key on a busy dairy farm. Opt for Dairy farm cleaning products Auckland that are easy to use and integrate seamlessly into your cleaning routines.

In conclusion, maintaining a clean and hygienic dairy farm is essential for the health and productivity of your herd. When selecting dairy farm cleaning products, consider their effectiveness, safety, compatibility, regulatory compliance, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. By making informed choices, you can ensure that your dairy farm operates at its best while prioritizing the health and well-being of your livestock and the quality of your dairy products.

[lifemaideasygroupltd]

How Cleaning Your House Boosts Street Appeal

Cleaning a home's exterior is a crucial task that greatly improves the home's curb appeal. Cleaning a house professionally entails washing the outside to remove debris, grime, and other unsightly elements. Depending on the specific requirements of each surface, house washing uses high-pressure water systems or soft wash techniques to achieve a thorough cleaning without causing any harm or deterioration. This treatment eliminates accumulated stains from various climatic conditions in addition to eradicating mould and mildew growth, which can compromise structural integrity. The building's beautifully updated exterior conveys to onlookers that it is well-maintained and stylish. A house is revitalized by having its exterior cleaned since it restores its natural luster and shields it from early degeneration.

Cleaning Older Homes Professionally to Restore Their Beauty

Older homes' charm restoration can be a labor of love. The outside surfaces suffer damage over time as a result of environmental variables and weather conditions. These unattractive blemishes, which range from dirt and grime to mold and mildew, can make even the most beautiful property appear old and neglected.

Professional house cleaning can save the day in this situation! Expert professionals can efficiently remove years' worth of accumulated filth and grime from the exterior of your property using specific tools and methods. The outcome? A youthful façade that will cause passersby to stop and look twice at your neighbors.

But it's not all about looks. House washing in West Auckland is essential for maintaining the durability of your house. By getting rid of dangerous impurities like moss, mold, mildew, and algae, you are preventing additional harm to the structure of your property. This proactive maintenance strategy may enable you to avoid making expensive repairs that would otherwise cost you thousands of dollars.

Improving indoor air quality is an advantage of professional house washing for older properties. Spores of mold that are on exterior surfaces can easily enter a building through gaps or crevices near windows and doors. You may make your home healthier for you and your family by getting rid of these potential allergies at the source.

Therefore, if you want to give an aging beauty new life, think about spending money on expert house-washing services. It will restore curb appeal while safeguarding your investment for years to come.

How Window Cleaning Enhances New Construction

New construction is frequently highlighted for its slick appearance and cutting-edge features. However, the significance of clean windows is one component that is occasionally disregarded. Although window washing in Auckland may not be considered a top concern for new construction projects, it actually has a big impact on how people view and perceive these structures.

Natural light can stream into the building through clean windows, making it appear spacious and welcoming. This may significantly alter how visitors view the interior space. According to studies, exposure to natural light offers many advantages for residents, such as boosted mood and productivity.

Additionally, clear windows improve vision from both within and outside the structure. A newly constructed structure with spotless windows gives off an air of professionalism and attention to detail as prospective consumers or clients approach. On the other side, unclean or streaky windows might present an untidy impression and might discourage customers.

Additionally, routine window washing extends the life of the glass itself. If left unattended, grime accumulation over time may result in scratches or other damage to window surfaces. Your windows will stay clear and spotless for years to come if you engage in professional window washing services for new buildings right away.

Cleaning at Home and Its Effect on Your House

We frequently consider the aesthetics and practicality of our homes. They spend time and energy decorating, maintaining, and organizing our homes. But have you ever stopped to consider the less visible effects cleaning has on your home?

In addition to just removing dirt and grime, home cleaning services in Auckland have a significant impact on your mental and emotional well-being. A clean home provides a refuge for relaxation, reduces stress, and promotes sounder sleep. It should go without saying that a tidy environment helps to keep the mind sharp.

Additionally, routine cleaning prolongs the life and enhances the beauty of your items. Dust can damage furniture or gadgets permanently if it is allowed to build up for a long time.

A spotless house also creates a welcoming environment for guests and relatives. It fosters closeness by encouraging social gatherings where memories are built.

Cleaning your home is an investment in both you and your environment, not just a duty. When you next pick up the vacuum or mop, remember that you aren't merely cleaning up; rather, you are promoting an environment that is conducive to growth, enjoyment, comfort, and general well-being.

[evengrout]

Give amazing shine to your tiles by Best Tile Cleaning Services Auckland

Are you tired dirty tile in your home or business? Let EvenGrout do their magic! Our tile cleaning services are best in Auckland . With our expertised equipment and cleaning services, we’ll remove years of dirt, grime, and dirty stains  from your tile and grout surfaces. We promise to treat your floors with the care and give them an amazing finish.

[cairnscorpnz]

How can you pick the best cleaning products for your home?

Finding the right home Cleaning products New Zealand that are safe and functional Can be tricky. Nevertheless, it would help to consider a couple of things when picking home cleaning products.

Do you want to learn more about what is in your cleaning product? How can you choose the best products for your home? Keep reading to learn the factors to consider when choosing home cleaning products.

Is it good for the environment?

One vital thing you should consider when picking a cleaning product is whether it is good for the environment.

There are many reasons that your cleaning product may not be clean. While most effective at cleaning your home, it can lead to water pollution and may not degrade.

Most cleaning products don't get back in a way that makes them safe for the environment. Consider the factors when choosing a Home cleaning product Auckland.

Does it meet your cleaning product budget?

Another vital thing to consider when picking a cleaning product is whether it fits the product budget. One first thing you can start doing is by comparing the product prices.

When you compare cleaning products, you can find that some fit your budget. It still meets your needs.

How well does it work?

The most vital aspect of choosing a cleaning product is finding one that performs well. If your cleaning products do not work well, you will waste your time and the item. Be sure that you check reviews online before buying cleaning products.

For quotes on Dairy farm cleaning products Auckland, contact us today.

Is it safe for you?

It would help if you considered safety when buying any cleaning or chemical product.

Choosing the right kind of Leaning product can make a difference in the safety of your family, kids, and pets.

Check the cleaning content.

One way you can ensure the cleaning product is safe for your family and the environment is by checking the product content. Check for the chemical content in the product to see if it has any harmful content.

[scopeworks]

Best Winter House Cleaning Tips

If you want deep clean your home in the winter, we will talk about some astounding winter housekeeping tips that will help you.

[urbancarenz]

Book a Trusted House Cleaner Online Within Minutes - Urban Care

Discover hassle-free house cleaning with Urban Care! In this video, explore the seamless process of booking a trusted house cleaner online within minutes. Urban Care revolutionizes home cleaning, connecting you with reliable professionals effortlessly. Say goodbye to stress and hello to a spotless home! Visit our website, Urban Care, and experience the convenience of secure, speedy, and top-quality house cleaning services today!

[dwaekkistar]

Chapter 5: The Turn Around

        The ride back home was fairly quiet, as Sujin was still somewhat traumatized and processing what had happened. Seungmin was deep in his mind, trying to figure out how he would turn things around with the omega, as he felt a deep regret for his behavior. Changbin and Chan were planning something they thought would help the omega when they got to the house, everyone in the car could still sense a bit of anxiety lingering on his scent. The doctor's appointment had everyone feeling like they regressed with sujin and the pack hadn't even made it past stage 1 with the latter. They were a bit stuck on what steps to take next, but they'd find a way to get the omega to open up to them more. They eventually got home, parking the car in the warm garage.

        Sujin walked straight to his room, not having the mental energy to socialize. The omega wanted to go into his nest and release what was left of the anxiety in his system. He quickly made it to his room closing and locking the door behind him swiftly. He hurriedly went to his bedroom bathroom and got undressed, throwing every article of clothing into the hamper, and began running the shower. He hopped into the shower and practically scrubbed his skin until it turned red. When Sujin felt he had sufficiently cleaned himself he rinsed himself off and turned the shower back off. He got out and still felt a bit frazzled with anxiety, which was typical in his situation. They never quite really helped soothe his anxiety when it came to the thoughts of his uncle. Nesting with his little material back in Auckland was the only thing that ever really helped him, so he was sure it was the same now. He walked to the linen closet in his bathroom pulled out a towel and dried himself as much as possible before throwing it in the same hamper with his dirty clothes and heading to his room. He walks over to the dresser, opens the compartment where his boxers are neatly stored, and pulls out a pair of boxers sliding them on. He stood for a bit contemplating if he wanted fo get fully dressed just to lay in the nest, but he ultimately decided against it. He hoped that nesting this way would not only calm his anxiety but also help him get more in tune with his inner wolf. He hadn't heard from it since he was just a mere little pup before the neglect from his family started ramping up and taking a toll on him.

He hopped into the nest and nuzzled himself against every possible corner of it, taking in the scents that were still heavily laced into every item in the nest. He snuggled close to the blanket that smelled of the seaside, inhaling deeply as he let the scent wash over him. As he did so his body relaxed to the point it felt like he almost went limp. He took in another deep breath of the scent when his eyes suddenly glowed gold, a small little voice screaming mate at him. He bolted into an upward sitting position, still holding the blanket that was pungent with the lead alpha seaside scent in a confused daze. 'Where did that voice come from?' he thought to himself, it was weird as he heard this small voice, a voice that he'd always told himself was how he would have sounded if he was like the other cute and petite omegas he'd seen growing up. As if on cue the voice spoke again, 'Inner wolf... have we been disconnected for that long ?' the voice said sassily. 'I guess so..?' sujin mentally said in response to his inner wolf as he sat up. 'Sniff nest... we need it' Not wanting to argue with or disappoint his inner wolf Sujin immediately went back to inhaling the scents in his nest, immediately becoming more relaxed than before as his eyes glowed gold once more.

A round of knocks abruptly went off as he took in the scents, causing him to jump. His eyes returned to their normal color, and he immediately hid his mostly unclothed body under the blanket before yelling to come in. The door slowly opened, when Sujin got a glimpse of platinum locks of hair. He let out a soft sigh upon realizing it was just Felix.

"Hey, I was just coming to check up on you..." He softly spoke as he slipped deeper into the room closing the door behind him. " I heard you had a rough day at the doctor's office." He then carefully sat at the foot of the nest area, not wanting to get in out of respect seeing as omegas took their nest seriously.

"Yeah, I had quite a day," Sujin replied softly, " thought I would just decompress in the nest for a bit..."

"Do you mind if I come in the nest ?" Felix said comfortingly albeit laced with caution "I wanted to help comfort you but I don't wanna break any boundaries."

"You can come in the nest," Sujin said as a soft smile grew on his face, "you're always welcome in my nest."

Felix then carefully got into the nest and sat pretty close to Sujin, shooting the omega a smile. It was at this moment the younger remembered he wasn't fully clothed, and wondered if the alpha next to him took notice of his lack of clothes. As if reading his mind Felix reached his hand out and gently rested it on sujin's bare side. The younger immediately shuddered at the touch but in a good way. For some reason, the alpha's touch made him very giddy and he couldn't understand why, until his inner wolf was practically yelling mate at him again. Why would his inner wolf be saying mate to someone with a completely different scent than earlier and what did that mean?

"Is there anything you wanna talk about or do while we wait for them to finish up dinner?" Felix softly asked, his deep voice snapping Sujin back to reality. He thought thoroughly before answering the freckled alpha.

"Why does Seungmin not like me ?" Sujin said with a tinge of embarrassment lacing his voice. It wasn't like him to voice things that bothered him let alone his emotions but for some odd reason, he felt like it was safe enough to explain these things to Felix. It was like his heart had a strong pull towards the other that he could not explain. But upon hearing Sujin's words Felix's face dropped somewhat into a frown.

"Uhm...let's just say we have a past with omegas..." He said quietly with a hint of hesitation lacing his voice, "I think it would be better if he explained it to you."

"Oh? Okay.." the omega said with confusion. What did Felix mean by they had a past with omegas... was there another omega before him? And if there was what happened that they weren't around anymore? "Well, what did you guys do while we were away today?"

"Oh, we just kinda relaxed I watched TV while checking in on you guys for the most part." The alpha replied with a faint smile. "We like to make sure everyone's doing okay even if they're not away for long."

"Oh... that's kinda sweet..." Sujin replied shyly, "Never experienced something like that"

"What do you mean?" Felix said as his brows furrowed, "Weren't you in a family pack before this?"

"Oh, uhm my family pack didn't like me if we're being honest.." the younger said trailing off as his face suddenly soured at the turn of the conversation. He didn't like talking about his family pack much considering they never treated him as part of it.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" Felix said as he inched closer to sujin, prepared to comfort the omega at any second. How the word family made the omega's face scrunch in hurt broke the alpha's heart.

"Not really," Sujin replied as he looked off deep in thought, "it's nothing of importance I should bring up anyways."

Felix decided upon hearing the younger's words that he wouldn't push it but something deep in him knew that part of whatever caused Sujin to come back home in the state he did had to do with his family. He also knew he along with the rest of the pack would do anything in their heart to undo whatever trauma the omega's family pack inflicted on him.

Just as Felix finished that thought, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He carefully pulled his phone out while Sujin watched him to see that Minho sent a text about dinner being ready.

"We should probably head downstairs," Felix said as he carefully left the nest,  "Minho says that dinner is ready and I'm kinda starving."

"Oh okay," Sujin says softly, "I'll meet you downstairs. I have to put on some clothes." Felix then shot the omega a smile before leaving the room. Sujin got up from under the blanket he was hiding his lower body with, making it over to his wardrobe and slipping into a pair of sweatpants and a black tee. He also wore socks for extra warmth and comfort as he hated how he always shivered without them. The omega quietly went downstairs to the kitchen and was not surprised to see the entire pack already sat and being served.

"Sujin-ah it took you long enough to get here.." Minho blurted out happily, " I was worried the food was going to get cold by the time you got here."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to take long.." the younger said quietly as he sat in the only available seat left between Changbin and Chan.

"It's fine," Minho said as he placed a plate of food in front of the omega, " as long as you're eating everything is good."

Sujin began to eat as he watched the alpha serve himself and join them at the table. He smiled slightly as he placed the first forkful in his mouth, and the food tasted delicious. The alphas in charge of cooking today decided to make kimchi fried rice and bulgogi, with a side of panjeon. The omega figured they had to have a cookbook somewhere because there was no way a pack full of alphas knew these dishes off the top of their head. But as he finished the thought he realized that was a very traditional and conservative way of thinking and he didn't want to remind himself of his family pack. He annoyingly realized he learned so many things through his former family pack that he would have to unlearn. He continued to silently eat his food as the others conversed with each other at the table.

The pack truly wanted to include him, but they felt it was better to give him a break from socializing after what he had experienced earlier in the day. When everyone finished their food, Sujin was the last to put his plate in the sink. Usually one of the alpha's would just load all the dishes into the dishwasher when everyone's done but it seems like they all went off and did their own thing as they waited for the omega to finish his meal. So he took matters into his hand loading the dishwasher the way he saw the others do so many times. He even made sure to load the cleaning detergent in properly before turning it on. As he stood back up he smelled a deep waft of brown sugar reach his nose. He knew someone entered the kitchen he just didn’t know who as the scent was still unfamiliar to him despite spending almost a few weeks with the pack so far.

What he didn’t expect when he turned around was Seungmin standing just right before the island separating them.

Taglist: @missrandomheart @galaxycatdrawz@hydrawaterdragon @justastraymoa @3rachasninja @justiceforvillains

[tloaak]

today we lost the great Efeso Collins, during a charity event to raise funds for clean drinking water for children in the pacific. here is his incredible parliamentary maiden speech from just last week (transcript below). i encourage you to listen, and if you can, donate to childfund's water fund here

Tēnā koe, Mr Speaker. Mai i ngā hau o Ōtāhuhu-nui-a-Rangi, o Maungarei, o Motukaroa; mai i ngā awa o Hikuwaru, o Tāmaki e rere ki te Waitematā, kei te Mānukanuka-o-Hoturoa, ko Kaiwhare, ko Taramainuku kua tau, kua tau ki ngā whenua o Ngāti Toa Rangatira, o Taranaki Whānui ki Te Ūpoko o Te Ika. Tēnā anō tatou.

[From the winds of Ōtāhuhu, of Mount Wellington, of Hamlin's Hill; from the rivers of Hikuwaru, of Tāmaki flowing to the Waitematā, to the Mānukau Harbour; Kaiwhare and Taramainuku have arrived, have arrived to the lands of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, of Taranaki Whānui in the Wellington region. Greetings to us all.]

E fakatālofa atu ki te māmālu o koutou na tamāna ma na mātua, vena foki na uho ma tuafāfine kua mafai ke fakatahi i te po nei. Vikia te Atua ko tātou kua mafai ke fakatahi venei. Mālo ma fakafetai.

Fai mai ina ua teʻi ae Iakopo i le mea sa moe ai, ona ia fai ane lea, e moni lava e i ai Ieova i le mea nei. E moni lava e i ai Ieova i le mea nei. Faafetai le Atua aua e le faaitiitia lou viiga. Ua ifo i ati malie tuʻumoega o le taeao le sa tafa i vanu tafaoga o manu sisina, ae sa faalepa le au pea, sa fili ma le manoa le fetu taʻimatagi, ae sei faalaolao le puli matagi aua ua nofoia vao tutuʻi i le malumalu ma nuʻu malumau o le maota.

Ou te le fagota la i le sao aua ua uma ona fili le utu ma uu le vao fofou. Fai mai le matematega nai tumua, ua pei o se iʻa e moemauga o le atuolo, o foliga matagofie ia ma le maualuga, maualuga lava o lenei aso aisea, ae a lea ua malutaueʻe le tiʻa sa maluʻia, ua tapu lalaga foʻi le vaʻa o le Tuimanʻua mamana ua atoa laʻau i fogaʻa.

Faafetai le Atua le Tama, le Alo ma le Agaga Sa, aua sa tu i Fagalilo tapaau o le alataua, ae sa matemate foʻi aiga sa Tagaloa pe tua ma ni a lenei aso. Ae faafetai i le Atua, aua ua tepa i ula, tagaʻi i ula, foʻi atu lou viiga e faavavau. Faafetai i le tapuaʻiga a oʻu matua ma oʻu aiga, faafetai tele i matua o si oʻu toʻalua ma ona aiga, i le latou lagolago aemaise talosaga molia. Faafetai i uo ma e masani, aemaise o le paʻia o le aufaigaluega totofi a le Atua, i soʻo se fata faitaulaga—Faafetai tatalo. Ae faapitoaugafa saʻu faafetai i si oʻu toalua Finevasa Fia aemaise si aʻu fanau pele Tapuiela ma Asalemo faafetai tatalo, malo le onosaʻi. Ae tapuaʻi maia ma le manuia.

Mr Speaker, it is an indescribable feeling to stand up and address this House. As a son of Samoan immigrants who made the mighty Ōtara 274—Southside hard—their home, I am well aware of the giants whose shoulders I stand on and the masters whose feet I learnt at. The courage, foresight, entrepreneurial spirit, and hope of our ancestors who journeyed thousands of years ago through the vast waters of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa brings me here today.

My parents arrived in New Zealand in the early 1960s, told that this was the land of milk and honey. Dad started off as a taxi driver with South Auckland Taxis, and mum on the factory floor at New Zealand Forest Products in Penrose. We lived in a four-bedroom State house on Preston Road in Ōtara, and I attended local schools: East Tāmaki Primary, Ferguson Intermediate, and the great Tangaroa College. We're forever grateful for the State house that was our home for around 20 years, and the quality public education we received from our local State schools.

I did try my hand for a short period at a decile 10 school outside of Ōtara, but that experiment lasted only two weeks. It was during the time in the late 1980s, when families from poorer areas were being discouraged from going to local schools because they weren't considered up to scratch. I'm glad we changed course and decided to high school it in Ōtara, where the motto of our school was "Waiho i te tokā tu Moana"—"Steadfast like a rock in the sea".

Later, at university, I went on to write my Master's dissertation on brown flight, critiquing the Picot reforms that have wreaked havoc on our public schooling system. That period was also a challenging time for my family because we were being told by our teachers to stop speaking Samoan at home and only to speak English. My parents didn't want us to fail at school, so we were allowed to speak English at home and over time we stopped speaking Samoan altogether. In the end, I lost my language. I struggled, I was embarrassed, and I felt incomplete. Even speaking to you in Samoan this evening gives me major tremors.

There's a saying in Samoan: "E le tu fa'amauga se tagata"—no one stands alone, no one succeeds alone—and, for me, no one suffers alone. Over the past years, with the support of my family and friends, I've taken to trying to converse again in Samoan, reading more texts in Samoan, praying in Samoan, and sending our youngest to a local Samoan early childhood centre. Our beautiful language, Gagana Samoa, has returned to our home and is helping to overcome the inadequacy that had taken root in my soul.

As I speak this evening, I'm mindful of the many young people who are navigating these at times treacherous and unsettled waters in life, filled with so much potential, energy, and hope, yet too often misunderstood. In my time as a youth worker in South Auckland, I've spoken with hundreds of young people with massive dreams for the future. We need youth workers, we need social workers, and we need mentors to walk alongside our young people, and, yes, we want our youth to be responsible and caring and considerate. So it's our job in this House to resource the people and organisations who will model the behaviour to them that we expect, but who also won't give up on them and won't come with a saviour mentality.

Many of our societal challenges are driven by poverty. We can achieve greater social cohesion and lift our sense of belonging by addressing poverty. I've been honoured to run youth mentoring programmes for nearly 25 years—that's about how old I am—and to this day I mentor young people. When we undertook and published research on youth gangs some years ago, the youth we spoke to had the solutions and just needed the means to make it happen. Too many of our young people are filling our prisons, and it is wasted human potential. Give them the tools, the resources, and the means to make a meaningful contribution to the world, and they will. I was at a conference recently about the threats to democracy and an attendee spoke about their work in developing nations and used the familiar retort, "You can't eat democracy." And I couldn't agree more. This House, this centre of democracy, needs to do more to engage our people, all of our people, so that they can see this House is not just relevant but an essential part of their lives.

The greatest challenge facing our generation is climate change. The Pacific Islands nations are among the most vulnerable to climate change in the world. The world's continued reliance on fossil fuels, loss of coral reefs, rising sea levels, and increasing severe weather patterns means that our extended whānau in the Pacific are in immediate danger. We, as a collective, must do all we can to do as we say out south "flip the script". Truth is, those who've done the least to create this predicament are being the hardest hit. Our challenges, whether ecological, geopolitical, or cultural, are diverse, but we're bonded by the inextricable ties we have to our lands and our oceans. We've inherited philosophies, knowledge systems, and profound ecological wisdom that holds the answers and drives our collective resilience—from West Papua to Hawai'i. Our fight for a climate resilient, nuclear-free and independent Pacific remains as strong as ever. We are not drowning; we are fighting.

I haven't come to Parliament to learn—learning happens as a matter of course through reflection. I've come to this House to help. Helping is a deliberate act. I'm here to help this Government govern for all of New Zealand, and I'm here to open the door, enabling our communities to connect better with this House. During the election campaign, I spoke to people frustrated about their lot in life, scared for their and their children's futures, and feeling their dreams were slipping away. The people I spoke to expect the Government to do more and move faster. And I know that there are some in this House who believe Government is not the answer to these challenges and that less Government is better. But here's the thing: the Government cannot be a bystander to people suffering confusion and disenfranchisement. New Zealand must close the divide between those who have and those who have not, because the reality for my community is that those who have more money often wield more power, more health, more housing, more justice, more access, more canopy cover, more lobbyists with swipe cards, and more time. And the opposite is true for those who have fewer resources.

It's hard to be poor, it's expensive to be poor, and moreover, public discourse is making it socially unacceptable to be poor. Whether it's bashing on beneficiaries, dragging our feet towards a living wage, throwing shade on school breakfast programmes, or restricting people's ability to collectively bargain for fairer working conditions, we must do better to lift aspirations and the lived realities of all our people. To that end, I want to say to this House with complete surety that the neoliberal experiment of the 1980s has failed. The economics of creating unemployment to manage inflation is farcical when domestic inflation in New Zealand has been driven by big corporates making excessive profits. It's time to draw a line in the sand, and alongside my colleagues here in Te Pāti Kākāriki, we've come as the pallbearers of neoliberalism, to bury these shallow, insufferable ideas once and for all. And this, sir, is our act of love.

Paolo Freire, in his seminal work Pedagogy of the Oppressed, said love is an act of courage, not fear; love is a commitment to others. No matter where the oppressed are found, the act of love is a commitment to their cause, the cause of liberation. The most recent election campaign left many in our Māori communities bruised and targeted for the perceived privileges supposedly bestowed upon them. Shared governance is a rich concept about how we include those who've been excluded for far too long in the work of this House and the democratic institutions that are fundamental to our collective wellbeing. We are Tangata Tiriti and we have nothing to fear. As a New Zealand-born Samoan living in South Auckland, I've experienced, written about, and spoken about racism in this country. I've also been on a well-publicised journey in understanding the needs and views of our rainbow communities, and I have a long way to go. And my message to whānau who often experience the sharp end of discrimination—disabled, ethnic, rainbow, brown, seniors, and neurodiverse—is thank you for trusting us with the responsibility of facilitating a new discussion on how we move forward together and make possible what was once deemed impossible.

The American civil rights activist James Baldwin said, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." We commit to working across this House as a nation and with each other irrespective of our post code, income bracket, skin colour, or level of qualification attained. But, in order for that work, we must come with humility, the desire to listen, and dare I say it, maybe speaking last. If I was to inspire anyone by getting to this House and my work over the next three years, I hope that it's the square pegs, the misfits, the forgotten, the unloved, the invisible—it's the dreamers who want more, expect more, are impatient for change, and have this uncanny ability to stretch us further.

[envirochemnz]

Simplifying Your Cleaning Routine: A Guide on How to Buy Cleaning Products

Keeping our living spaces clean and tidy is essential for a healthy and comfortable lifestyle. However, with the vast array of Cleaning products New Zealand available on the market, choosing the right ones can be overwhelming. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of buying cleaning products, making it simple and stress-free. By following these steps, you'll be equipped with the necessary tools to maintain a spotless home effortlessly.

Assess Your Cleaning Needs:

Before venturing into the world of cleaning products, it's important to evaluate your specific cleaning needs. Identify the surfaces, materials, and areas that require cleaning. Are you dealing with stubborn stains, delicate fabrics, or specific types of flooring? Understanding your requirements will help you choose the best Home cleaning product Auckland tailored to your needs, ensuring optimal results.

Research Product Types:

Once you've determined your cleaning needs, it's time to familiarize yourself with different types of cleaning products. Here are a few common ones to consider:

All-purpose cleaners: Versatile options suitable for most surfaces and areas.

Specialty cleaners: Designed for specific tasks, such as glass cleaners, stainless steel cleaners, or carpet cleaners.

Disinfectants: Effective for killing germs and bacteria, commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens.

Eco-friendly alternatives: For those seeking environmentally friendly options, look for products labeled as "green" or "eco-friendly."

Read Labels and Ingredients:

When selecting Dairy farm cleaning products Auckland, pay close attention to the labels and ingredients. Look for clear instructions on proper usage, precautions, and safety warnings. Avoid products with harsh chemicals that may pose health risks or damage surfaces. Opt for products with recognizable, non-toxic ingredients to minimize environmental impact.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right cleaning products doesn't have to be a daunting task. By assessing your needs, researching product types, and considering ease of use, you can make the process simpler and more enjoyable. Remember to read labels, compare prices, and test products before committing to a specific brand. With the right cleaning products in your arsenal, you'll be equipped to tackle any cleaning challenge and maintain a fresh and welcoming environment effortlessly.

[gumnut-logic]

J Protocol

The Protocols

This one is a long time coming and I've been staring at it for hours, so have no idea if it is good enough and it hasn't been read through by anyone but me, so I'm going in blind.

This is for @onereyofstarlight who has waited long enough ::hugs::

I hope you enjoy it.

-o-o-o-

John liked to be alone.

It allowed him to rest, to think, and to be himself. There were no demands on how he needed to act, what he was wearing or what he felt like saying.

Alone he could serenade the stars, karaoke dance to his ABBA collection, read without anyone commenting on what he was reading, and, hell, leave the bathroom door open if he wanted to. Being alone had its advantages.

But it also had its disadvantages.

Today had been an unpleasant one.

The fish brother in the back of his head cried foul and described it in much more colourful terms, in several different languages - did Gordon actually know how to speak Greek? All of the above would have had Grandma threatening to clean his mouth out with soap, but really, John couldn’t help but agree with the description.

Even the thought of his little brother had him smiling just a little as Thunderbird Five slowly grew larger.

He had been out in his exosuit, something he usually enjoyed when a rescue was close by. This had involved a couple of idiots in orbit who had done something very, very stupid.

And it cost them everything.

John had been fast, but space was faster and it took their lives.

Scott had been on comms at the time. His eldest brother had all the kind words amongst the command decisions, but a mission failure was still a failure and after the long shift before it, John was just tired and sad.

Returning home to Five was a relief, but there was part of him, a very small part of him, who missed the loud of home.

He liked being alone.

But he loved his family.

And today sucked all the ass.

Gordon, watch your language.

Talkin’ to yourself, bro.

Solitude also tended to promote conversations with himself.

“John, which airlock will you be using?”

But then, was he truly alone?

“The rear ‘lock, Eos. The suit needs some repairs and a good clean.”

“Should I alert Virgil?”

“No, I can manage.” But that would be an excuse to see his big brother. Virgil wasn’t a fan of space, but he would drop by at any hint of John needing help.

A glance in the direction of Tracy Island, in midnight darkness just like the whole half a planet beneath him.

John sighed as he slowed, firing reverse thrusters to kill off his velocity, to a smooth pacing of Five. Splattering himself across her solar panels would certainly be an undesirable end to an already shitty day.

Eos had the airlock open and waiting, enabling John to slip in quietly. Five crept around him with her protection. Being out in space was a raw experience. Beautiful, but raw. His ‘bird provided a sense of security with cahelium between him and the harsh environment.

The airlock sealed and the air pressure welled up, familiar in its reassuring caress. The inner door slipped open and he pushed off gently into the module he had left in such a hurry several hours earlier.

He ran through the disassembly routine for his exosuit, robotic arms pulling it gently from his body. For some reason he found himself leaning into that metallic touch.

Damn, maybe he had been away from Tracy Island for too long.

He would have to schedule some leave.

But he had that experiment running…and Auckland University were waiting for his write up on his comet. He could do the writing on Tracy Island - would his brothers give him the space?

The pun was ignored.

His brothers tried. He knew they tried. They respected his wishes as much as they could. Didn’t understand them, but respected them. They knew social interaction took energy he felt better spent elsewhere. They knew that what worked for them didn’t necessarily work for him.

They tried.

Hard.

But he also knew they missed him.

And he loved them for it.

Returning to Earth added him to their lives in three dimensions and they often wanted to take advantage of that. Hell, he wanted to take advantage.

But there was transition time from space to Earth, and all the stuff he had up here, and…

God, he was tired.

The mechanics finished up, leaving him floating free in the centre of the module.

He let himself drift just a little.

“John?”

Eos didn’t ask if he was okay, but the question was there anyway.

He sighed. “Stash the exosuit, I’ll do the repairs tomorrow.”

“Yes, John.” How did she put so much emotional inflection into those two words?

He refused to sigh again, simply reaching out to touch the wall and nudge himself towards the airlock leading into the central hub of Five.

The room lit up as he entered, the familiar map of the planet below spreading out across the spherical walls. The rescue indicators were clear for once in his life and he was quite happy to pass by the map and head for the gravity ring, aiming for his bathroom and the chance to clean off the sweat under his uniform.

“Hey.”

The sudden appearance of a body blocking his path confused his exhausted brain and he was slow to connect the dots of green, blue and heavy lifting brother.

“Whoa, Johnny, take a breath.”

A hand steadied him where his reaction had sent him spinning just a little.

“Virgil? What? Eos, why didn’t you tell me?”

“Virgil asked me not to. You said I should listen to Virgil, so I did.”

John deflated, and sighed in exasperation. “Virgil, why? You scared the shit out of me.”

That earned him a raised eyebrow.

Okay, so plain, old boring swear words weren’t usually his thing, but he was tired.

That eyebrow twitched in his direction.

Oh.

“Just dropping in for a home visit. That last situation was a rough one.”

“I’m fine, Virgil.” He pushed past his brother. “Just need some sleep.”

“Uh-huh.”

John rolled his eyes as he pushed himself out into the ring, his feet lightly landing in the low gravity environment. He strode across cahelium reinforced glass. “If you’re going to order me back to Tracy Island, I rather you didn’t.”

Virgil was obviously following him, the soft squeak of his specialised boots on the glass a not unfamiliar sound. “Haven’t even thought about it. Just wanted to drop by and see how you were going.”

“At two in the morning.”

“I’m a night owl.” He could feel his brother’s smile bounce off the back of his head.

John grunted as he reached the doors to his rooms. He turned to his brother standing behind him. “I’m going to get cleaned up. Back shortly.”

“Scott says debrief in the morning, but I would like to check you over before bed.”

“Really?” It was whiney and childish, and he earned that extra eyebrow arch, but damnit, he was tired.

“Really.” And there was just that touch of steel in Virgil’s voice. Not quite the same as Scott’s commander tone, but just as final. “Don’t make me come in there after you.”

“Fine.” He threw open the door and wished he could slam it behind him with all the petulance he felt right now.

Virgil didn’t answer, nor did he follow him.

It only took a moment or two for the guilt to sink in and John was faced with the fact that Virgil was worried about him. He climbed up into orbit, into space which he didn’t enjoy, to check on his little brother, only to encounter …John.

He let his head drop against the glass of his bedroom wall. Because of the lower gravity, his forehead did not hit with any of the thump he needed it to.

A sigh. He would apologise, but first he needed to get clean.

-o-o-o-

It was a bit longer than he had expected when he finally emerged from his rooms, but he felt just a little bit more human for the clean and new spacesuit.

Time also helped. His head had been caught up in rescue gone bad. Those few extra minutes helped him step back and breathe.

Virgil wasn’t outside his door, which, considering he’d likely left him with the impression he might have to hogtie John to get the readings he needed, was a surprise.

“Eos, where is Virgil?”

“In the infirmary. John, do you like pineapple?”

He frowned, heading in the direction of the small room set aside for medical needs on the gravity ring. “Yes, why?”

“Even if it is on pizza?”

“Uh, no. Pineapple should never be put on pizza.” He frowned as he slipped into the infirmary. “Have you been talking to Gordon?”

“Yes, and he is most emphatic that pizza should include pineapple in its toppings.”

“Gordon has issues.”

Virgil snorted. “That he does.” His brother looked up as John entered. Apparently, he was doing a medical supply inventory.

He had removed his baldric and harness, and was standing in his overalls-styled uniform without his usual green. It wasn’t right.

As if sensing John’s affronted senses, Virgil frowned. “You okay?”

John shrugged and sat down quietly, and obediently, on the small bed. “You need the green.”

Virgil looked down at himself, wrinkling his nose. “I do feel kind of naked.”

“So why did you take it off?”

“Didn’t need it. Need the suit for safety, but didn’t want to clink every time I moved.” He pulled the medscanner out of it protective sleeve on the bulkhead.

John held up a hand. “Sorry about before. I-“

Virgil put a hand on his arm. “Nothing. Been there, it’s not fun. Understandable.” And that was the end of that.

Virgil gently pushed John’s arm down to his side and began waving the scanner over John’s body.

Ten seconds later he turned off the scanner. “You’re good. Could do with some food, drink and sleep, but everything else is fine. You don’t even have any bruises.” A gentle smile. “You’re good, John.”

“Thank you.” There was a double meaning there, good in health and a compliment on a good job done. “And thank you for coming all the way up here. I could have saved you the trip.” He did know how to use the medscanner, after all.

“There is more to your health than what that scanner can tell me.” Virgil eyed him as he put the device away. “Besides, I like to see my all my brothers from time to time.”

“The time, Virgil. You should be in bed.”

Then as if to throw John completely out of whatever universe he was currently in, Alan bounded through the door. “Virg, it’s working. All ready to go.” His littlest brother looked up. “Oh, hey, John.” And he darted out as fast as he had entered.

“What?” The word burst out of his mouth. “How-?” He glared at Virgil. “What’s going on?”

But Virgil just straightened and smiled. “J Protocol.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope.” Virgil strode past him and pushed open the door. “Come with.”

John found his mouth open and had to shut it. “Virgil-“

“Nope.” His brother waved an arm towards the door. “C’mon.”

Instinctively, John knew that if he didn’t move, Virgil would start on more drastic transport options. After all, John had seen his heavy lifting brother throw Scott over his shoulder in exasperation.

Virgil always got his way eventually.

John let his shoulders drop and walked through the door.

This time he felt like stomping instead of slamming, but the same emotion was behind both.

“Virgil, I’m fine.”

His brother nudged him forward as he shut the door behind them. “Good. Keep it that way.”

“But-“

A strong arm wrapped around his shoulders. “John, you need this.”

“I-“

But his brother herded him through the airlock into the central hub of Thunderbird Five.

The sphere was full of brothers.

And pizza boxes.

Scott was sitting cross-legged like some kind of suspended Buddha, poking at his phone. Gordon was upside down chattering non-stop to Alan who was the right way up - there was no ‘up’ in space, but there definitely was an ‘up’ on Thunderbird Five, despite the lack of gravity in her central hub - and conversing with an ease that spoke of extensive space experience.

An irrational sense of pride of his littlest brother swelled John’s heart.

All at once the three brothers realised John was in the room.

“Johnny! Welcome to the party!”

Alan flipped midair in an obvious over-the-top move to land right next to John. “Hey, John, way until you see what we’ve done.”

John frowned. “What have you done?” They better not have messed with his ‘bird.

But Scott had unfolded and was narrowing in on John with a frown. He didn’t say anything, just glanced a question at Virgil who gave him a nod.

His two eldest brothers were irritating when they did that, especially when the non-verbal conversation was obviously about him.

Scott reached out and gently clasped John’s arm. “Good job out there today.”

Yesterday, technically. “What are you all doing up here?”

“Pizza party!” Gordon’s eyes were glowing with glee.

“At 2.30 in the morning?”

Scott shrugged. “Sometimes pizza is just needed.” And there was something in his big brother’s eyes.

Goddamnit, he was fine.

But then Scott gently pulled him into a hug. It wasn’t tight, just a wrap of his arms around John, his head resting, just touching John’s shoulder.

The room was oddly silent.

And John found himself leaning into the hug. His brother’s caring touch etching into his skin, drawing him in deeper, feeding a need he hadn’t realised he had.

His head fell quietly onto Scott’s shoulder. The moment it touched, his brother’s grip tightened just a fraction before loosening again…so, so gentle.

Oh god.

But then Scott was equally as gently pulling away, blue eyes eyeing him as if unsure how he would react. Perhaps gauging his next move.

A big hand landed on his back and its partner wrapped around Scott’s shoulder. “I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.” Virgil nudged himself between them, aiming for the huge pile of floating boxes.

The moment snapped and the world started moving again. Gordon and Alan joined Virgil with the boxes, happily discussing toppings…which ultimately led to the ongoing war between yes-pineapple and no-pineapple on pizza.

Gordon was never going to win that one, outvoted four to one, but he was a determined fish and kept up the battle at every chance.

It was a familiar sound of home.

Blue eyes were still staring at him. Saying so much unsaid.

“Hey, Johnny, me and Virg set up something cool for you.” Alan was bouncing as much as he could in a zero-g environment.

It forced John to look away from Scott. “What have you done?”

“Virgil said he wanted to set you free, but keep you safe, so we did this.” Alan poked at his wrist control.

And the hub walls disappeared.

What?

All his brothers, the stack of pizza, the random slice of pepperoni that chose that moment to drift through his eyeline - all of it, and them, was floating above the night side of Earth with nothing around them.

Thunderbird Five was gone.

His breath caught in his throat. “How?”

Virgil was smiling as he gazed at the view, pizza slice in hand. “A few more sensors on her hull, improved communication with the holoprojectors, and a little bit of programming by Alan, and you have your own space-themed holodeck.”

He stared at the lights of Auckland and Sydney. “You built me a holodeck?”

“Isn’t it cool?!” Alan was definitely bouncing.

John nodded. “Yeah, it’s cool.”

“This is the default view. It draws directly from Five’s exterior sensors. What you see here is what you’d see if we were outside. But I did add a few of my favourites for you and tweaked the input from your telescopes.”

Alan poked at his wrist control and Earth vanished.

It was replaced with a view of the Andromeda Galaxy. They were staring down at a sea of swirling stars surrounded by the deepest darkness.

“It’s not interactive, though. The processing power required for this resolution is huge and Five does have a much larger program it needs to keep safe.” He looked up for a moment, but when there was no response, Alan warily turned his attention back to John. “If you want to add more views, we’ll need to up Five’s storage. We should probably do that anyway. Never hurts to have more storage.”

“Says the video game addict.” Gordon snorted.

“Hey, your holos of fish take up more room than my games.”

“Are you kidding? Zombie death 16 pushed me onto external storage.”

“That was an accident.”

“How?”

“I may have put it on the house servers twice.”

“What? Did you delete it?”

“Of course I did.”

“Guys?” Virgil’s voice was ever so tolerant.

Gordon and Alan glanced at John. “Sorry.” It was a chorus of the both of them.

No, this was fine. It really was.

Andromeda glowed beneath them.

His family was…being his family.

And there was pizza.

He let himself float and closed his eyes.

The smell of toasted cheese and tomato sauce, peppers, that unique pizza smell.

His brothers talking quietly - Gordon and Alan still at it, but desperately trying to be quiet about it. John would look at digital storage options both for Tracy Island and Thunderbird Five tomorrow.

At the moment…

A soft touch to his shoulder and Virgil was offering him a slice of cheeseburger pizza, his favourite.

Scott had gone back to being aTracy Industries Buddha…until Virgil coasted past, snatched his phone out of his hand, and smoothly replaced it with a slice of pepperoni and cheese.

Scott’s protest was muffled by Virgil’s glare.

John bit into his pizza slice surrounded by his family and an amazing projection of his second favourite galaxy.

Yes, he liked to be alone.

But he also loved his family.

And they loved him enough to follow him.

-o-o-o-