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1649 days ago

Celebrating Robbie Burns

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

Marian Horsburg piped in the Haggis, Jim Tulloch addressed it, and whisky, donated by Philip Whearty, was passed around. It was all executed magnificently. Dinner, with accompanying haggis, over, Graham Wallace spoke eloquently about some of Robbie Burns' history and proposed a toast to his memory, Graeme Blick proposed a toast to the lassies, and Kay Phillips to the laddies. Bryan Waddle added his voice to the celebrations and Philip Whearty proposed the thanks. The speakers were magnificent and very entertaining and their offerings will appear in a future Update, as will the many photos that were taken on the night.
But wait, there's more ... Speeches over, Marion took up her bagpipes again and played some Scottish tunes while members danced the Waltz and the Gay Gordons. The evening finished with a rousing rendering of Auld Lang Syne. For those who need a translation - and there were very many occasions during the evening when many members did! - the phrase translates literally to 'old long since' in English and means something akin to 'times gone by'.

More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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4 days ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.8% Yes
    41.8% Complete
  • 33.5% Maybe?
    33.5% Complete
  • 24.7% No
    24.7% Complete
591 votes
25 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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