649 days ago

Turn your balcony or patio into a lush garden

Murray Halberg Retirement Village

If you have a green thumb, just imagine what you could do with a balcony with a fantastic view like this one at Murray Halberg Village. This elevated space offers the perfect blank canvas to create a lush outdoor space without lawn maintenance or heavy lifting.

Shane Fairbairn, Landscape Manager at Ryman Healthcare, shares some tips for creating the perfect outdoor space on your patio or balcony so you can enjoy the benefits of gardening without the hassles.

First, decide on a theme. Is it cosy and bohemian, sleek and minimalist, a lush urban jungle, or something else? Your vision will guide your plant and furniture choices.

For all his tips and advice click read more.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 73% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    73% Complete
  • 17.5% Hmm, maybe?
    17.5% Complete
  • 9.5% Yes!
    9.5% Complete
263 votes
2 hours ago

Fatal house fire, New Lynn

The Team from North Shore, Rodney & West Auckland Police

Police enquiries underway after a person was located deceased following a house fire in New Lynn.

Emergency services were called to a house on Kohekohe Street in New Lynn at 1.23pm on 8 December.

Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie, Waitematā CIB, says a scene guard was put in place at the property overnight.

“The cause of fire remains undetermined at this very early stage,” she says. “A post-mortem examination is due to get underway this morning and results of this will need to be considered alongside our other enquiries underway.”

Police will be carrying out a scene examination at the house today, including working with fire investigators.

Anyone who might have information to assist enquiries can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 251208/6378.

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2 hours ago

Have you seen Rowena?

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.

She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.

Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.

If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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