If you think moving to the other side of the world stops you rolling your eyes and gnashing your teeth at politics and news in general. Think again.

Reading the average New Zealand newspaper is no less depressing than reading the average British one. But for Brits the big news this week is there’s a national Marmite shortage in New Zealand – ‘Marmageddon’, as some internet sources have been referring to it. Supermarket shelves are being stripped bare of Marmite as panicked buyers stock up.

The problem is that the Christchurch based plant where Marmite is made has suffered earthquake damage and is out of action. A tower on the plant has to be deconstructed as it’s considered a safety hazard and during that time production cannot continue.

The news has been full of it here. Whilst the general manager of Sanitarium, the company that makes Marmite in NZ has advised people to ration their Marmite consumption. Even suggesting it be eaten on toast rather than bread, as it spreads further.

This Marmite catastrophe has seen ‘Marmite’ as the top trending phrase on Twitter for New Zealand. But this could be the perfect time for people to try an alternative. I’ve been eating Vegemite since I got here and have got completely used to the taste. It’s really not that different, it’s just a bit more spreadable and less sticky than Marmite. But for real Marmite aficionados, I’m not sure it’ll do.

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