Editorial: Beware of pranksters before noon

In Italy, France, Belgium, and French-speaking areas of Switzerland and Canada, the tradition is sometimes knows as "April Fish". The aim is to attach a paper fish to someone's back without being noticed.

The Napier/Gisborne rail line is to reopen next week, at the same time as Hawke's Bay amalgamates with Auckland, the airport name changes to Hawkeye and the entire province agrees on an outcome for the Ruataniwha Dam.

Sound too good to be true, or utterly ridiculous? Well maybe it is but today is the only day of the year people can tell porkies and play pranks on one another and get away with it, simply by exclaiming "April Fools!"

Today you can make up the most extravagant stories, twist the truth, hide behind doors and leap out, or play elaborate hoaxes which will hopefully make people laugh.

Out of all the "traditional days" of the year, April Fools is my favourite, simply because it's light-hearted and all about fun.

The intention is to make people laugh.

It's not one bit commercial. No need to go out and buy costumes, chocolates or flowers. It's all about keeping a straight face while you tell the story or set up pranks to fool your family and friends.

April Fools Day has been a tradition for thousands of years all over the world.

In Italy, France, Belgium, and French-speaking areas of Switzerland and Canada, the tradition is sometimes knows as "April Fish". The aim is to attach a paper fish to someone's back without being noticed.

Of course you have to make sure you get all the pranks and jokes over and done with before noon, or you become the April fool.

If you are not planning on being the joker today, watch your back and don't believe everything you hear, at least until lunchtime.