Posts by Western Leader
1220 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
2 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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3 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”? 🥝
  • 41.5% Yes
    41.5% Complete
  • 33.6% Maybe?
    33.6% Complete
  • 24.9% No
    24.9% Complete
586 votes
24 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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