1232 days ago

Aotearoa's oldest Olympic coach, Arch Jelley, celebrates 100th birthday

Melanie Earley Reporter from Western Leader

Kia ora neighbours, a former Olympic-level athletics coach, who retired in his mid 90s, credits his long life to quitting drinking in the 80s and always having “plenty to do”, as he celebrates turning 100.

Arch Jelley, who coached athletes for over six decades, celebrated turning 100 on Saturday with over 100 friends, family and members of the athletic community.

For the last 20 years Jelley has lived at Pinesong Retirement Village in West Auckland’s Green Bay with his second wife Jean, the pair spend their days playing bridge both online and at the local club, along with playing lawn bowls.

“Turning 100 doesn’t feel any different than how I’ve ever felt – I think it’s just a bit of a shock when you first look at that number,” Jelley said.

Read the full story at the link below.

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More messages from your neighbours
20 minutes ago

🎉The Riddler wants to hear from you 🫵

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

🧩 Got a riddle that can stump your Neighbourly community? Share your brain teasers with us and watch your neighbours scratch their heads 😕🤔❓

Send us your tricky puzzles!

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2 days ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

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Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 10.3% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.3% Complete
  • 20.1% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    20.1% Complete
  • 69.6% Nah - not for me
    69.6% Complete
671 votes
9 hours ago

Morning Aches Are Optional - Let’s Start the Year Sleeping Better

Beds4U - Henderson

Hey neighbours,

Waking up with sore shoulders and stiff mornings? Here’s the plot twist - it might actually be your mattress (and pillow) letting you down.

It’s the perfect time to upgrade. New Year, New Bed! Our Boxing Day Sale is still on, so why not treat yourself to a mattress that actually supports you and helps you wake up refreshed? Side sleeper? Back sleeper? Tossing and turning? We’ve got tips and solutions for every kind of snoozer.

Don’t settle for mornings that hurt, your bed should work with you, not against you. Curious about how your mattress could be affecting your shoulders? Check out our blog: beds4u.co.nz...

Find your nearest Beds4U store here: beds4u.co.nz/store-locator
Browse all Boxing Day deals: beds4u.co.nz/boxing-day

Here’s to starting 2026 waking up refreshed, because mornings should feel amazing!

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