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There's new ones every year, some become classics and some are not so good. What do you consider your favourite Christmas song.
And more importantly, what song would you ban? Share below!
At Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the holiday season and the moments that matter.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, every … View moreAt Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the holiday season and the moments that matter.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, every story, and every cheer like never before.
This festive season, don’t just be present - be at the heart of the fun.
Sonova proprietary research (2024), visit hearmore.co.nz to learn more.
The Story of Raukura and the Lamp of Detachment
In the serene valleys of Aotearoa, a young wahine named Raukura lived among her iwi. She was known for her tireless dedication to her kawa and tikanga—the sacred customs handed down by her tūpuna. She worked on the marae, tended the whenua, and … View moreThe Story of Raukura and the Lamp of Detachment
In the serene valleys of Aotearoa, a young wahine named Raukura lived among her iwi. She was known for her tireless dedication to her kawa and tikanga—the sacred customs handed down by her tūpuna. She worked on the marae, tended the whenua, and performed the karanga with a voice that resonated like the winds of Tawhirimātea. Yet, in her heart, Raukura felt a longing.
One night, under the light of a full moon, Raukura sought the guidance of her kaumātua, Matakite. He was a tohunga of deep wisdom, known for helping others navigate the wairua realm.
“E Koro,” Raukura said, “I fulfill all my responsibilities to the iwi, but I still feel bound by this world. How can I find peace and freedom in the embrace of Io Matua Kore when my journey ends?”
Matakite smiled knowingly. “Raukura, come to the whare tīpuna at dawn. Bring nothing but your open heart.”
The next morning, Raukura arrived. Inside the whare, a single lamp made of carved pounamu glowed softly. Its flame flickered, yet remained steady.
“This lamp,” said Matakite, “is your mahi, your duties, and your attachments. Your task is to keep it burning, no matter what happens. But remember, the flame is not yours to own.”
Raukura nodded and embraced her new role. Day by day, she cared for the lamp, ensuring it burned brightly while continuing her mahi—weaving cloaks, planting kumara, and guiding her younger whānau in karakia. As time passed, she began to take pride in how brightly the lamp shone, believing it reflected her worth.
One stormy night, a strong gust from the mountains of Tāwhirimātea blew through the whare. The flame flickered and went out. Distressed, Raukura tried everything to relight it, but the damp air and her trembling hands made it impossible.
Exhausted, she sat beside the extinguished lamp, her heart heavy with shame.
At dawn, Matakite entered the whare. Seeing Raukura’s sorrow, he asked gently, “E hine, why do you grieve so?”
“Koro,” Raukura replied, “I have failed. The flame is gone, and I could not keep it alive. I have dishonored my tikanga and my purpose.”
Matakite sat beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “E moko, the lamp was never yours to hold forever. Its flame, like all things in this world, is impermanent. You have misunderstood its purpose.”
Raukura looked at him with tearful eyes. “Then what was the lesson, Koro?”
“The flame represents your attachments,” Matakite explained. “Your mahi and tikanga are sacred, but if you become attached to the outcomes of your actions, you lose sight of the eternal. True peace, te rongo, comes when you serve with aroha, but without clinging to success or fearing failure. Your ultimate purpose is to let go of all attachments and keep your heart fixed on Io Matua Kore, the source of all life.”
Raukura listened deeply, and understanding dawned in her heart. She began to see that her role was not to control the flame but to nurture it while it lasted, and then release it when its time had passed.
From that day forward, Raukura lived differently. She continued her mahi with devotion, but she no longer tied her self-worth to the outcomes. Whether the lamp burned brightly or dimmed, her heart remained steadfast, her thoughts centered on Io Matua Kore.
Years later, when Raukura’s time came, she lay peacefully, surrounded by her whānau. As the final karakia was sung, her last breath carried the whisper of Io Matua Kore’s name. Her spirit soared, free from the bonds of the material world, reunited with the eternal light.
Moral of the Story:
In life, we must fulfill our tikanga and mahi with dedication and aroha, but without attachment to the results. Everything in this world is temporary, like the flickering flame of a lamp. True peace comes when we let go of our attachments and fix our hearts on Io Matua Kore, the eternal source of life. When we embrace detachment, we can find liberation in this life and beyond.
Special Children's Christmas Parties held their Waikato event at Mystery Creek recently inviting hundreds of special needs children and their caregivers to a fun day of free entertainment, food and also took home three quality toys to call their own.
Special Children's Christmas … View moreSpecial Children's Christmas Parties held their Waikato event at Mystery Creek recently inviting hundreds of special needs children and their caregivers to a fun day of free entertainment, food and also took home three quality toys to call their own.
Special Children's Christmas Parties have been organising these events for over 25 years across a number of main centres throughout New Zealand.
Now, every year in New Zealand, nearly 10,000 Kiwi children with special needs, challenging life or health circumstances are invited to a party like no other.
The annual event is made possible by many local businesses supporting this event including Neighbourly.co.nz.
To be a part of this special event next year, please contact Aidan Belsham - Aidan@scevents.co.nz
It's a message we share time and time again, and this year, we're calling on you to help us spread that message further.
Did you know that calls to SPCA about dogs left inside hot cars made up a whopping 11% of all welfare calls last summer? This is a completely preventable issue, and … View moreIt's a message we share time and time again, and this year, we're calling on you to help us spread that message further.
Did you know that calls to SPCA about dogs left inside hot cars made up a whopping 11% of all welfare calls last summer? This is a completely preventable issue, and one which is causing hundreds of dogs (often loved pets) to suffer.
Here are some quick facts to share with the dog owners in your life:
👉 The temperature inside a car can heat to over 50°C in less than 15 minutes.
👉 Parking in the shade and cracking windows does little to help on a warm day. Dogs rely on panting to keep cool, which they can't do in a hot car.
👉 This puts dogs at a high risk of heatstroke - a serious condition for dogs, with a mortality rate between 39%-50%.
👉 It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing signs of heat stress. You can be fined, and prosecuted.
SPCA has created downloadable resources to help you spread the message even further. Posters, a flyer, and a social media tile can be downloaded from our website here: www.spca.nz...
We encourage you to use these - and ask your local businesses to display the posters if they can. Flyers can be kept in your car and handed out as needed.
This is a community problem, and one we cannot solve alone. Help us to prevent more tragedies this summer by sharing this post.
On behalf of the animals - thank you ❤️
A Wellington man was wrongly issued a parking fine and spent over 40 hours going back and forward with Hutt City Council about it.
Have you ever been unfairly fined?
Te Oranga o te Wairua (The Well-being of the Spirit)
In a quiet village nestled between the lush mountains of Aotearoa, a young man named Rangi lived with his whānau. Rangi was admired for his sharp wit and industrious spirit. He dreamed of owning the finest taonga, treasures that would elevate… View moreTe Oranga o te Wairua (The Well-being of the Spirit)
In a quiet village nestled between the lush mountains of Aotearoa, a young man named Rangi lived with his whānau. Rangi was admired for his sharp wit and industrious spirit. He dreamed of owning the finest taonga, treasures that would elevate his mana and make him the most respected rangatira in his iwi. Every day, he toiled in the bush, carving pounamu and trading with merchants from afar. Soon, his whare was filled with beautiful adornments, rare cloaks, and gifts from distant lands.
Despite his success, a strange emptiness lingered in Rangi’s heart. The more he gained, the less joy he felt. One evening, he sought the wisdom of Kuia Marama, an elder known for her connection to the wairua realm. She sat by the embers of her fire, weaving harakeke.
“Kuia,” Rangi began, “I have everything I ever wanted, yet I feel nothing but restlessness. Why is my heart not content?”
Marama looked up, her eyes shimmering like the stars of Matariki. “My moko, you have gathered treasures for the body but forgotten the treasures of the spirit. True oranga comes not from what you hold but from what you give.”
Confused, Rangi asked, “What must I give?”
The kuia handed him a kete woven with care. “Take this into the ngahere. Inside, place not things, but acts of aroha.”
Rangi obeyed, though he did not fully understand. In the forest, he saw a tūī struggling with a broken wing. He cared for the bird until it flew freely again. He came across a stream clogged with fallen branches and cleared its path. At a nearby marae, he helped an elderly man plant kumara for the coming season.
Day by day, Rangi felt his spirit lighten. His heart sang like the tūī, and his sleep grew deep and restful. When he returned to Kuia Marama, his kete was empty, but his heart was full.
“Kuia,” he said, “I see now. Happiness is not a prize to win but a river to flow through.”
The elder smiled. “You have learned the secret of manaakitanga, Rangi. By uplifting others, we uplift ourselves. Never forget the power of wairua, the bond that ties us to each other and to Papatūānuku.”
From that day on, Rangi lived not for wealth but for the well-being of his iwi and the land. He became a kaitiaki, a guardian of balance. His life was not marked by treasures of gold or greenstone but by the deep love and respect of his people.
And in giving himself selflessly, Rangi found a joy greater than he had ever imagined — a joy that echoed through the mountains, the rivers, and the stars.
Ka ora te tangata i te aroha. (Through love, the people thrive.)
Moral of the Story:
True happiness and fulfilment come not from accumulating material wealth or seeking status but from cultivating a deep connection to others, to nature, and to our spiritual essence. By practicing manaakitanga — selfless care and generosity — we not only uplift those around us but also discover the richness and peace within ourselves. In giving to others and honoring the wairua of all things, we find our place in the greater harmony of life.
Kia ora neighbours. We give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine. We're still on the hunt for tomato recipes, so send your family's favourite way to use up your homegrown harvest, to: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free … View moreKia ora neighbours. We give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine. We're still on the hunt for tomato recipes, so send your family's favourite way to use up your homegrown harvest, to: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the mag
New Zealand’s first home-grown professional Tap Dance show, Tap Fusion, will be performing at Auckland’s TAPAC Theatre this weekend. The show is a collaboration of New Zealand’s top Tap dancers performing alongside artists of Street Dance, Contemporary Dance and Swing Dance.
Tap Fusion … View moreNew Zealand’s first home-grown professional Tap Dance show, Tap Fusion, will be performing at Auckland’s TAPAC Theatre this weekend. The show is a collaboration of New Zealand’s top Tap dancers performing alongside artists of Street Dance, Contemporary Dance and Swing Dance.
Tap Fusion is the work of former New Zealand Tap Champion Brandon Carter-Chan and is designed to expose the diversity of New Zealand artists through Tap Dance by inspiring, uplifting, and promoting the idea of creative collaboration, encouraging people to work with artists outside their social circle, and to increase opportunity and strengthen the arts community as a whole.
Tap Fusion is on at TAPAC Theatre, Motions Road Western Springs, 14th & 15th December. Buy tickets at: www.tapac.org.nz...
SAFER BUS - SAFER PUBLIC
WHEN: Tuesday 17th December / From 7:00pm
WHERE: Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland
All welcome, no RSVP required
Care, Community, And Connection
Acacia Cove, a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula has 31 weekly activities.
For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, … View moreCare, Community, And Connection
Acacia Cove, a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula has 31 weekly activities.
For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, bowling green and gym.
Whether you choose to live in a villa or one of our luxurious apartments, you’ll have the security of a 24 hour, fully monitored emergency call system built in.
If you’re aged 60 or over, value your independence but want greater security, come and have a look at the superb properties we have to offer.
Contact long time manager Bruce to book a visit today!
(09) 268 8522.
admin@ocaciacove.co.nz
Give your furry best friend a shaded and comfy outdoor nap spot finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman English Walnut.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Manukau: Heart of the South 'powered by Business Manukau' recently attended the unveiling of the new signage in Hayman Park. The Māori name Manu-kau Noa Iho is an ancestral name for the Manukau area. What does it translate to?
Click the Find out more button for the answer inside the … View moreManukau: Heart of the South 'powered by Business Manukau' recently attended the unveiling of the new signage in Hayman Park. The Māori name Manu-kau Noa Iho is an ancestral name for the Manukau area. What does it translate to?
Click the Find out more button for the answer inside the full story.
In the heart of Aotearoa, nestled between rolling hills and misty forests, there lived a young Māori warrior named Tahu. He was known for his deep respect for the land, the trees, the birds, and the rivers that nourished his people. Tahu was not only skilled in hunting and combat but was also … View moreIn the heart of Aotearoa, nestled between rolling hills and misty forests, there lived a young Māori warrior named Tahu. He was known for his deep respect for the land, the trees, the birds, and the rivers that nourished his people. Tahu was not only skilled in hunting and combat but was also revered for his unwavering dedication to the customs and values of his iwi (tribe).
One day, Tahu discovered that a group of outsiders had been illegally taking wood from the sacred forest, a place known as Te Ngahere o Te Wairua. This forest was not just a source of resources but was the living embodiment of the ancestors’ spirits and the protector of the land. The elders had always taught that the forest must be respected and that only what was necessary for survival could be taken, and only with the blessing of the land’s guardian spirits.
Angered by the violation, Tahu knew that he had to act. He approached the tribe’s council and spoke of the need to protect the forest and uphold the values that had kept his people strong for generations. The elders, impressed by his commitment, bestowed upon him the responsibility of guarding the forest and teaching others the importance of kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
Days turned into weeks, and Tahu continued to patrol the forest, reminding the people of the stories and teachings that had been passed down. Yet, he knew that protecting the forest wasn’t just about confronting those who came with axes and saws, it was about instilling a sense of respect and understanding in others. He spoke of the ancestral spirits that watched over them and how they would only protect those who treated the forest as sacred.
One day, an outsider came to Tahu, seeking permission to take wood. Tahu, with a calm but resolute voice, told him, “Ko te tikanga ka tiakina e te tangata e tiaki ana i te tikanga. The values we uphold protect us, but only if we guard them with our actions.” The man, who had come for profit, was taken aback by Tahu’s words and the solemnity in his eyes. He realised that he had come to the forest not as a guest but as an intruder.
With newfound understanding, the man left and vowed to spread word of the forest’s importance to others. Over time, the message reached more and more people, and they began to see the forest not as a resource to exploit, but as a living being to respect. Tahu’s actions inspired not just his own iwi but all the tribes around them to practice kaitiakitanga and live in harmony with the land.
Moral of the Story:
The story of Tahu teaches us that "Ko te tikanga ka tiakina e te tangata e tiaki ana i te tikanga” — those who protect and uphold their values will find that those values will protect them in return. By living with respect and honouring the traditions and sacredness of the world, we invite protection and guidance, fostering a community bound by trust and
harmony.
Get big summer savings at Resene ColorShops! Bring out the best in your home with kiwi made Resene paints, colours and wood stains. Plus choose from a huge range of wallpaper and accessories.
KiaOra Tatou Katoa i am looking for a drop off clothing place for the homeless people if you could let me know please most appreciated or if anyone can let me know where clothing bins are NgaMihi Kia Koutou
Higher qualifications can lead to better-paid and more stable jobs in a career you enjoy and give you greater job satisfaction. This helps you and your family by giving them access to more resources and less stress, long term.
NorthTec’s courses are designed to give you relevant, hands-on … View moreHigher qualifications can lead to better-paid and more stable jobs in a career you enjoy and give you greater job satisfaction. This helps you and your family by giving them access to more resources and less stress, long term.
NorthTec’s courses are designed to give you relevant, hands-on training so you have the skills to jump straight into an exciting new role.
So, if you’ve been thinking about studying then go for it!
Enrol now for 2025 with NorthTec
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Less than a week left to enter this merry competition.
With lots of spot prizes to win (as well as the title of NZ's Merriest Home), it's worth getting out your camera phone and taking a picture of your festive abode!
Check out the Christmassy homes here.
Te Atarangi o te Ngākau
In the serene hills of Aotearoa, arohaed beside a pristine lake, lived a young Māori girl named Aroha. She was known for her bright smilearoha deep inside, she often carried doubt about her abilities. She longed to master the art of wearoha korowai (traditional Māori … View moreTe Atarangi o te Ngākau
In the serene hills of Aotearoa, arohaed beside a pristine lake, lived a young Māori girl named Aroha. She was known for her bright smilearoha deep inside, she often carried doubt about her abilities. She longed to master the art of wearoha korowai (traditional Māori cloaks), a skill that symbolised both beauty and mana. However, every time she began, her fingers trembled, and she would stop, thinking she was not good enough.
One day, as Aroha sat by the lake, her kuia (elderly grandmother), Rangi, approached her with gentle eyes. “Aroha,” she said, “why do you look so troubled?”
Aroha sighed. “Kuia, I try to weave, but I always feel like I will fail. The korowai I imagine is beautiful, but what if my hands cannot make it so? Maybe I am not meant for this art.”
Kuia Rangi smiled knowingly and pointed to the lake. “Look at the water, moko (grandchild). What do you see?”
“I see my reflection,” Aroha replied.
“And how does it appear?” Rangi asked.
“It looks worried, unsure… just like how I feel inside,” Aroha admitted.
Rangi chuckled softly. “Exactly, moko. The lake reflects what is inside you. So does life. If you believe in doubt and failure, your weaving will reflect that. But if your heart holds faith, patience, and aroha for yourself, the korowai will carry that beauty too. Remember: “As is your feeling, so it becomes.”
Inspired, Aroha decided to shift her thoughts. She began to weave, not worrying about the outcome but focusing on the love and intention she put into every stitch. Her fingers stopped trembling as she worked with joy and confidence. Days turned into weeks, and finally, a stunning korowai emerged, full of intricate patterns and radiant colors. It reflected the aroha and belief she had nurtured within herself.
The village celebrated her work, and Aroha realized that her kuia was right: her world mirrored the emotions in her heart.
Moral of the Story
“Te ngākau te kaihanga o tō ao” – The heart shapes your world.
Your thoughts and feelings influence the outcome of your actions. Approach life with positivity and aroha, and the world will reflect that beauty back to you.
Prepare for delays at SH1 Spaghetti Junction and the Harbour Bridge from Boxing Day evening until early January. Our crew will be carrying out essential maintenance during this time.
Consider taking the SH16/SH18 Western Ring Route and SH20 if you’re travelling south. Our summer works will … View morePrepare for delays at SH1 Spaghetti Junction and the Harbour Bridge from Boxing Day evening until early January. Our crew will be carrying out essential maintenance during this time.
Consider taking the SH16/SH18 Western Ring Route and SH20 if you’re travelling south. Our summer works will continue on SH16 The Strand from January until March.
Neighbours, we are looking ahead to December 25th and it's always a busy time.
Each family does things a little different and we'd love to know where you stick to tradition and where you strongly differ. Perhaps there's a tradition that you think is just overrated! Share your … View moreNeighbours, we are looking ahead to December 25th and it's always a busy time.
Each family does things a little different and we'd love to know where you stick to tradition and where you strongly differ. Perhaps there's a tradition that you think is just overrated! Share your thoughts below.
Why not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa … View moreWhy not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa gift or something special to put under the tree, we’ve got you covered with a great selection for all interests.
Don’t miss out – shop now at Mags4Gifts.com and enjoy the savings!
Hundreds of Kiwi children will receive something special this Christmas thanks to Ryman Healthcare’s support of the Catalytic Foundation’s Christmas Shoebox Project.
Instead of giving individual gifts to residents, the idea was to redirect those funds to support struggling New Zealand … View moreHundreds of Kiwi children will receive something special this Christmas thanks to Ryman Healthcare’s support of the Catalytic Foundation’s Christmas Shoebox Project.
Instead of giving individual gifts to residents, the idea was to redirect those funds to support struggling New Zealand families having to cut back on essentials.
Ryman residents were overwhelmingly in support of the idea, with many volunteering to help choose the gifts to fill over 1000 shoeboxes with thoughtful items.
Click read more for the full story.
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