Need to know

Compiled by PHOEBE FALCONER

Pets and fireworks

Guy Fawkes Day is not till next Monday, but fireworks are already going off. Keep an eye on pets - and on children, of course - during the evenings and make sure they're safe.

Political party registers

The Electoral Commission has received an application for the formal registration of United Future New Zealand as a political party. The component parties are Future New Zealand and United New Zealand Party. Anyone who wishes to draw the commission's attention to any relevant matter should write to The Chief Executive, Electoral Commission, Box 3050, Wellington, before November 14.

Westies set in stone

The Waitakere City Council wants nominations for its Walkway of Fame, in Catherine Mall, Henderson. Successful nominees will have a handprint or footprint etched into a granite slab in the mall. Nominations, which close on November 12, should be posted to Walkway of Fame, Private Bag 93 109, Henderson, or entered on the Waitakere council website

'The Aspern Papers'

The Ellerslie Theatrical Society's presentation of The Aspern Papers runs until November 10 at Stables Theatre on the corner of Arthur St and Main Highway, Ellerslie. Performances start at 8 pm, with a matinee at 2 pm this Sunday. Phone 525-3336 for bookings.

All Saints Day

Today is All Saints Day, to honour all saints of the Christian Church, even those not known by name. It also provides an opportunity to supply any deficiencies in your observance of saints' days during the year.

Medium has the message

An evening of clairvoyance with visiting medium Ken Pretty will be held at the Spiritualist Alliance, 120 Carlton Gore Rd, Newmarket, at 7.30 pm. Admission is $10, as you probably know.

Health visits

Counties Manukau District Health Board, Tainui MaPO and the Ministry of Health want proposals for a home visiting service. Applications close on November 22. For information, call the district health board on (021) 272-8637 or fax (09) 262-9501.

Another day ...

Today in 1512, Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simini unveiled his 540 sq m masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. The painting was commissioned in 1508 by Pope Julius II to depict the story of the Bible. Michelangelo wasn't entirely happy with the commission. He was a sculptor and preferred to carve marble - but a job is a job. He signed only one work, the Pieta - he thought his action was conceited and never did it again.

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