Thank you for using Neighbourly
Hi Neighbours, If the Defence Force planned to hold an exercise near you, during Covid-19 lockdown, what would you want to know? NZDF is giving little away about one starting tomorrow in south Auckland. Good enough? Read the story below:
Lifewise has helped me a lot. My life before this place, was a bit of a mess. I could never find stability, and a family to love me. Family to me means people who love and actually care for you. We just need more places like Lifewise so other people can get inside, too. With your support, Lifewise … View moreLifewise has helped me a lot. My life before this place, was a bit of a mess. I could never find stability, and a family to love me. Family to me means people who love and actually care for you. We just need more places like Lifewise so other people can get inside, too. With your support, Lifewise can ensure more young people like me, who have had a rough start in life, find new opportunities. Please donate today.
-- Starr, 19, Lifewise rangatahi
It had just gone sunrise. Nestled along the steaming banks of the wide canal, six of us crouched in the camouflaged hut known as a 'Mai mai'. Some had already been drinking Port, I could still smell dope and perhaps unbelievably, I was the only one there not dressed up as some kind of … View moreIt had just gone sunrise. Nestled along the steaming banks of the wide canal, six of us crouched in the camouflaged hut known as a 'Mai mai'. Some had already been drinking Port, I could still smell dope and perhaps unbelievably, I was the only one there not dressed up as some kind of paramilitary reject. All of us had shotguns; double barrels, semiautomatic and pump action.
This was to be my first taste of opening season. Decoy mallards bobbed in the canal in front of our position and sporadically, we could hear the honk of phony duck calls carrying to us from neighbouring properties and further down the body of water.
Then they came. A frantic exodus of feathered bodies, desperately seeking sanctuary. We could hear their panic. Harried mercilessly from lake to creek, they banked towards the lures we had placed. Only to be greeted by the barrage of fire we opened upon them. A veritable hail of lead shot poured into them from our little bunker as we fired again and again. Some were struck dead in flight while others were shredded, disintegrated or just blown limb from limb.
The Labrador pups at our feet whined and cowered under the concussion of the rapid shotgun fire. Then it was over, the survivors flying desperately onwards in futile retreat.
The guys whooped and cheered while I think I managed a sickly grin. High five.
Sliding back the corrugated iron hatch to our hut, the Lab's scrambled free and plunged into the water, pushing through the carnage to seek any ducks unlucky enough to have survived our gunfire.
So ended day one of Duck Season, my first and last experience with it.
I was working as a farmer at the time and the life and death of animals was often in my hands. Some of those creatures I loved, some I hated. They had personalities. I had taken those lives before and more than once I experienced a living creature's life blood pour onto my hands, which is something I still find hard to justify. I'm not a vegan or a peacenik and I strive not to be a hypocrite. I've slaughtered, euthanized and hunted. In short, I'm not an innocent.
To me, Duck "hunting" is no such thing. It is a bloodthirsty massacre of terrified creatures. It is inane butchery on a wide scale ...and it's as Kiwi as Lion Red.
This is Lulu from Mount Eden in Auckland, who has gone from having almost no-one home at the same time to having seven flatmates home almost all the time and this is how she feels about it...
Who are your bubble pets? Share your photos of your pets in the comments below - whether it’s helping … View moreThis is Lulu from Mount Eden in Auckland, who has gone from having almost no-one home at the same time to having seven flatmates home almost all the time and this is how she feels about it...
Who are your bubble pets? Share your photos of your pets in the comments below - whether it’s helping you work from home, on a local neighbourhood walk getting some exercise, or any cute, fun, and funny photos!
Kia ora neighbours, an evacuation flight for Fijians stuck in New Zealand left Auckland on Friday, but prices associated with quarantine meant at least one would-be passenger could not get home.
Do you have any family members unable to return home?
Good evening all.
Hope you are managing all ok and keeping busy and out of trouble :)
TyreCity Botany is taking appointments for your tyre related emergencies & for essential workers vehicles. It is strictly by appointment only through Level 4, this is to reduce the amount of people in store … View moreGood evening all.
Hope you are managing all ok and keeping busy and out of trouble :)
TyreCity Botany is taking appointments for your tyre related emergencies & for essential workers vehicles. It is strictly by appointment only through Level 4, this is to reduce the amount of people in store at one time & keep everyone safe while attending to the vehicles.
Regards
TyreCity Botany
In hospitality, the biggest change is the drive for professionalism which includes better business knowledge and respect for these career pathways. While our sector has taken a big knock now, we know from the earthquake experience, that people will soon want to eat out again. Celia Hay, founder of … View moreIn hospitality, the biggest change is the drive for professionalism which includes better business knowledge and respect for these career pathways. While our sector has taken a big knock now, we know from the earthquake experience, that people will soon want to eat out again. Celia Hay, founder of the New Zealand School of Food and Wine, reflects on her hospitality career journey and ways to cope with curious times.
Hi Neighbours!
The Office for Seniors is working hard to keep you informed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our most recent COVID-19 special edition Newsletter includes phone numbers for all regional civil defence teams, they can help you if you are struggling to access your supermarket … View moreHi Neighbours!
The Office for Seniors is working hard to keep you informed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our most recent COVID-19 special edition Newsletter includes phone numbers for all regional civil defence teams, they can help you if you are struggling to access your supermarket essentials.
It also includes details on COVID-19 related scams and what to look out for to stay safe.
Read the newsletter here: bit.ly...
In this week's issue we say Asian greens are quick and easy for impatient gardeners. Plus check out shrubs to grow from hardwood cuttings, go on an autumn pest patrol, tidy up the vege patch, save nuts from rats and get ready for bad weather.
Read about growing herbs from cuttings and seeds. … View moreIn this week's issue we say Asian greens are quick and easy for impatient gardeners. Plus check out shrubs to grow from hardwood cuttings, go on an autumn pest patrol, tidy up the vege patch, save nuts from rats and get ready for bad weather.
Read about growing herbs from cuttings and seeds. We also have some great prizes up for grabs, including Thrive Citrus Plant Food from Yates and Green Feed seed packs from Burnet’s.
Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:
Refresh an old fashioned mail tray with a modern new look using the Resene Whites and Neutrals range.
Reinvent it as a magazine holder, spice rack or use it to hold your favourite cookbooks. Paint the front panel in Resene FX Blackboard Paint and use it as a handy writing space.
Make the most … View moreRefresh an old fashioned mail tray with a modern new look using the Resene Whites and Neutrals range.
Reinvent it as a magazine holder, spice rack or use it to hold your favourite cookbooks. Paint the front panel in Resene FX Blackboard Paint and use it as a handy writing space.
Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.
Find out how to create your own Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.
We understand that things are uncertain right now. If you would like to move into a safe and supportive environment that you can make your own, we are still taking admissions for our Care Suites at Meadowbank.
Situated down a quiet street and overlooking the beautiful Orakei Basin, our Care … View moreWe understand that things are uncertain right now. If you would like to move into a safe and supportive environment that you can make your own, we are still taking admissions for our Care Suites at Meadowbank.
Situated down a quiet street and overlooking the beautiful Orakei Basin, our Care Suites offer the ultimate combination of Rest Home and Hospital care with the creature comforts of home, including a cosy living area, stylish kitchenette and modern ensuite.
Give us a call to see how we can help.
Meadowbank Care is located at 148 Meadowbank Road, Meadowbank, Auckland.
You might be using more wet wipes to keep your home clean, but it’s very important not to flush them afterwards.
They block up the pipes, which then need fixing immediately. When workers have to leave home to fix blocked pipes, they’re at risk of COVID-19. That puts everyone else in their … View moreYou might be using more wet wipes to keep your home clean, but it’s very important not to flush them afterwards.
They block up the pipes, which then need fixing immediately. When workers have to leave home to fix blocked pipes, they’re at risk of COVID-19. That puts everyone else in their bubble at risk as well.
Do your bit for workers and their whānau, and put your wet wipes in the bin.
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…