Cheryl Brown
@cherylbrown.bsky.social
Ally 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️. Academic, Ōtautahi, Interested in all things Digital & Education. Esp digital equity & inclusion, youth, well-being and digital life.
Hubby and I love an old school jigsaw or wasgij. I get so immersed I forget what time is. Kind of a holiday activity so perfect for EOY. Prefer crazy character puzzles or the challenge of imagining what the picture might be #SecretSantaAoNZ. Often trawl markets and op shops for 2nd hand!
Kind of linking up to yesterday's question for #SecretSantaAoNZ are you a puzzles, or activity book kind of relaxer?
November 25, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Hubby and I love an old school jigsaw or wasgij. I get so immersed I forget what time is. Kind of a holiday activity so perfect for EOY. Prefer crazy character puzzles or the challenge of imagining what the picture might be #SecretSantaAoNZ. Often trawl markets and op shops for 2nd hand!
Spreading far and wide!
November 22, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Spreading far and wide!
I read every night before I go to sleep! Nothing intellectual (that’s for work me) but must be well written. Love a bit of intrigue, a crime novel/ family drama. Never buy new. Just get random stuff from fundraising book sales and second hand shops. #SecretSantaAoNZ
A new question for today #SecretSantaAoNZ
This one might require a few replies to answer, at least for me.
This one might require a few replies to answer, at least for me.
November 22, 2025 at 8:30 AM
I read every night before I go to sleep! Nothing intellectual (that’s for work me) but must be well written. Love a bit of intrigue, a crime novel/ family drama. Never buy new. Just get random stuff from fundraising book sales and second hand shops. #SecretSantaAoNZ
Reposted by Cheryl Brown
Doctors and parents should make decisions about what is best for their kids health - not politicians. The Government has said doctors cannot give new prescriptions of puberty blockers to children who are suffering from gender dysphoria. That is putting kids at risk.
November 22, 2025 at 5:07 AM
Doctors and parents should make decisions about what is best for their kids health - not politicians. The Government has said doctors cannot give new prescriptions of puberty blockers to children who are suffering from gender dysphoria. That is putting kids at risk.
Reposted by Cheryl Brown
November 22, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Reposted by Cheryl Brown
People and orgs are showing up for trans kids and it warms my cynical little heart.
NZ Human Rights Commission: “It is a clear breach of their human rights and will cause unnecessary harm and distress to vulnerable young people”
Ban on puberty blockers serious human rights infringement
tikatangata.org.nz
November 21, 2025 at 7:38 AM
People and orgs are showing up for trans kids and it warms my cynical little heart.
Resharing not for the 🤮but the experts “WTF” commentary.
There are excellent #expert comments here on the #NZ government's #pubertyblocker ban. #nzpol #Science
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/11/21/g...
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/2025/11/21/g...
Government halts new puberty blocker prescriptions - Expert Reaction
The government is halting new puberty blocker prescriptions for youth with gender dysphoria.
From 19 December, new regulations under the Medicines Act will prevent new prescriptions for this purpose, ...
www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz
November 21, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Resharing not for the 🤮but the experts “WTF” commentary.
Love that my #SecretSantaSoNZ Giftee and I are so same same but different. Whilst our day to day lives look very different we are grounded in the same values. It’s lovely to think about a surprise gift for someone who cares about the same things :-)
November 21, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Love that my #SecretSantaSoNZ Giftee and I are so same same but different. Whilst our day to day lives look very different we are grounded in the same values. It’s lovely to think about a surprise gift for someone who cares about the same things :-)
I don’t really think of it as a hobby but I bake to destress. I enjoy pottering in the kitchen trying a new cookie or bread, making jams and preserves with seasonal fruit. #SecretSantaAoNZ
New question #SecretSantaAoNZ
Remember, sign-ups close today.
Remember, sign-ups close today.
November 19, 2025 at 9:07 AM
I don’t really think of it as a hobby but I bake to destress. I enjoy pottering in the kitchen trying a new cookie or bread, making jams and preserves with seasonal fruit. #SecretSantaAoNZ
I’m also joining the ears pierced convo for #SecretSantaAoNZ. So many stunning local earring creators.
I also have my ears pierced.
I think my #SecretSantaAoNZ should know my ears are pierced
November 17, 2025 at 5:32 PM
I’m also joining the ears pierced convo for #SecretSantaAoNZ. So many stunning local earring creators.
More local home grown/ made options for #SecretSantaAoNZ
November 15, 2025 at 11:23 PM
More local home grown/ made options for #SecretSantaAoNZ
Colour makes me happy. Earthy orangy autumns, blue the colour of our rivers. Sometimes I mix everything together and nothing matches. Other-times I’ll just go all black with colourful accessories. #SecretSantaAoNZ
Today's question for #SecretSantaAoNZ
Especially great for all the crafting Santas we're blessed with when they're sleuthing.
Especially great for all the crafting Santas we're blessed with when they're sleuthing.
November 15, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Colour makes me happy. Earthy orangy autumns, blue the colour of our rivers. Sometimes I mix everything together and nothing matches. Other-times I’ll just go all black with colourful accessories. #SecretSantaAoNZ
Reposted by Cheryl Brown
We are supposed to honour our agreements, and that's what a treaty is! - please sign: our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/pr...
Protect Te Tiriti in Education
Aotearoa should be a place where everyone, regardless of their background, is respected and part of a vibrant connected community. Where everyone feels a sense of belonging and knows their children wi...
our.actionstation.org.nz
November 11, 2025 at 6:31 AM
We are supposed to honour our agreements, and that's what a treaty is! - please sign: our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/pr...
One of the things I like best about #SecretSantaAoNZ is the recs for homegrown, made here gifts. Of course I remember @thesewphist.bsky.social from MW but hit me with some more ideas. 💡
Hey Aotearoa, who likes sending presents to random strangers? You know there's an app for that, right?
Elisabeth takes part as @thesewphist.bsky.social, but we also love helping other Santas out - if you order from us, we're happy to gift wrap, write in the card, and send directly on your behalf. 🎅
Elisabeth takes part as @thesewphist.bsky.social, but we also love helping other Santas out - if you order from us, we're happy to gift wrap, write in the card, and send directly on your behalf. 🎅
It's beginning to look a bit like Christmas,
With sign up going live!🎶🎵
So here's the Bluesky Secret Santa AoNZ, with some friends from Mastodon along for the ride. We hope you are looking forward to some fun, and that we can bring it to you 🎄
Official hashtag: #SecretSantaAoNZ
App: secretsanta.nz
With sign up going live!🎶🎵
So here's the Bluesky Secret Santa AoNZ, with some friends from Mastodon along for the ride. We hope you are looking forward to some fun, and that we can bring it to you 🎄
Official hashtag: #SecretSantaAoNZ
App: secretsanta.nz
November 13, 2025 at 4:58 AM
One of the things I like best about #SecretSantaAoNZ is the recs for homegrown, made here gifts. Of course I remember @thesewphist.bsky.social from MW but hit me with some more ideas. 💡
Reflecting on an African context but still relatable “But what is becoming clear in this moment is that we are entering an era in which the contradictions between ordinary people and those who hold all forms of power are too sharp for the status quo to be tenable any more”. One can only hope.
From Kenya to Madagascar, the African countries struggling to escape old politics
From Kenya to Madagascar, the African countries struggling to escape old politics
Discontent is brewing on the continent as a younger generation seek to dismantle the status quo
www.theguardian.com
November 12, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Reflecting on an African context but still relatable “But what is becoming clear in this moment is that we are entering an era in which the contradictions between ordinary people and those who hold all forms of power are too sharp for the status quo to be tenable any more”. One can only hope.
I’m all signed up and ready to go! #secretsantaAoNZ. Got to be fast of the mark this year as heading away to colder pastures on 1 Dec so not a lot of shopping time! Happily my MW Santa’s scarf will get some wear again!!
Welcome to #secretsantaaonz
Sign ups are now open at https://secretsanta.nz/
Remember to follow @bsky.brid.gy to be able to connect and interact with Bluesky players!
Rules and more info to come soon!
Let the fun commence!
Sign ups are now open at https://secretsanta.nz/
Remember to follow @bsky.brid.gy to be able to connect and interact with Bluesky players!
Rules and more info to come soon!
Let the fun commence!
November 9, 2025 at 10:16 PM
I’m all signed up and ready to go! #secretsantaAoNZ. Got to be fast of the mark this year as heading away to colder pastures on 1 Dec so not a lot of shopping time! Happily my MW Santa’s scarf will get some wear again!!
Unsurprising but problematic. Esp given wikipedias inherent biases. All I can say is Contribute!! theconversation.com/wikipedia-ha...
November 8, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Unsurprising but problematic. Esp given wikipedias inherent biases. All I can say is Contribute!! theconversation.com/wikipedia-ha...
Reposted by Cheryl Brown
One of the reasons I’m excited to teach high school Social Sciences and History in Aotearoa New Zealand is the curriculum that integrates the value and lessons to be drawn from ALL of the country’s past. But this government ruins everything it touches and I’m too furious for words.
October 28, 2025 at 5:39 AM
One of the reasons I’m excited to teach high school Social Sciences and History in Aotearoa New Zealand is the curriculum that integrates the value and lessons to be drawn from ALL of the country’s past. But this government ruins everything it touches and I’m too furious for words.
I’m feeling a bit freaked out 😱 by the fact my youngest child is about to finish school in 4 days time 😬. No more “it’s a school night you have to by home by ⏱️convo’s. No more lunches 🥪 to make. No future plans for offspring as yet. So I’m just gonna have to chill. 😎. Eeek
October 23, 2025 at 6:19 AM
I’m feeling a bit freaked out 😱 by the fact my youngest child is about to finish school in 4 days time 😬. No more “it’s a school night you have to by home by ⏱️convo’s. No more lunches 🥪 to make. No future plans for offspring as yet. So I’m just gonna have to chill. 😎. Eeek
Reposted by Cheryl Brown
Just in case anyone wants to add Simeon or Luxons face to this for Thursdays strike
October 18, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Just in case anyone wants to add Simeon or Luxons face to this for Thursdays strike
As a parent of a soon to be jobless school leaver so much of this rings true. For us it’s not about the $$. It’s about the self esteem, independence and confidence of our young person who really is trying! :-(
October 9, 2025 at 7:39 PM
As a parent of a soon to be jobless school leaver so much of this rings true. For us it’s not about the $$. It’s about the self esteem, independence and confidence of our young person who really is trying! :-(
Reposted by Cheryl Brown
This mornings partial solar eclipse. TIL what a lens flare was. The little blue reflection on the right is the shadow sun. Cool hey?
September 22, 2025 at 9:09 AM
This mornings partial solar eclipse. TIL what a lens flare was. The little blue reflection on the right is the shadow sun. Cool hey?
Reposted by Cheryl Brown
Reposted by Cheryl Brown
We are currently waiting for a response from the two Chrises (lol) and other parties. Will probs be a while! If u agree with us, here's some things u can do (1) sign the letter (2) share it w someone you know who cares abt the impact of AI on their work or community (3) contact your local MP. #nzpol
We’ve published an Open Letter calling on NZ leaders to deliver risk-based AI regulation & a national oversight body. AI has huge potential, but harms (deepfakes, gendered abuse, bias) are real and rising. Read the Letter (and sign it if you agree!) #nzpol
regulateai.nz
regulateai.nz
Home
A call to the NZ Parliament to regulate AI
regulateai.nz
September 2, 2025 at 3:30 AM
We are currently waiting for a response from the two Chrises (lol) and other parties. Will probs be a while! If u agree with us, here's some things u can do (1) sign the letter (2) share it w someone you know who cares abt the impact of AI on their work or community (3) contact your local MP. #nzpol