February conjures up Waitangi Weekend, Valentines and this year, 28 days. In addition to these events, the Lunar calendar bought the Chinese New Year into February, on the 16th to be precise.

2018 is The Year of the Dog. Born in the Year of the Dog are the characteristics of loyalty and fidelity, and the predictions for this year of the dog are for change. Interestingly, we all witnessed change on Waitangi Day, a historic occasion with Jacinda Ardern being the first female Prime Minister to speak during the dawn powhiri held on the grounds of the Treaty Settlement site and spending five days touring the Northland district.

Valentine’s Day truly has become a shopper event. The Mastercard Love Index survey has revealed men as the true romantics with the average spend $157 in comparison to women at $103. Valentine’s Day is not the day for Diamonds and proposals in New Zealand but it certainly is in China, Vietnam, and Taiwan where it has become the day for proposals. Data revealed most purchases happened during the last-minute dash on February 13 with cards, flowers and dining out being the traditional customs for the day of Love.

Lou xx