976 days ago

Cyndi Lauper brings more joy to Dunedin bar with late-night cameo

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Dunedin News

From reporter Jonny Mahon-Heap:

Cyndi Lauper enjoyed Dunedin’s Woof! bar so much, she made a repeat visit for a post-show party, to the delight of co-owner and lifelong Lauper fan, Josh Thomas.

Woof! shared photos of Lauper’s band and team enjoying the venue – even meeting the establishment’s dog, Rupert – in what Thomas told Stuff was “an incredible night.”

“They were all fizzing ‘cos she did a great set,” said Thomas, “having cocktails, laughing, having a great time. And I’m constantly pinching myself and going, ‘Is this really happening?’”

Thomas had brushed up on Lauper’s preferred cocktails of choice, having a range of non-alcoholic drinks for the pop icon ready at his bar.

She had an alcohol-free coconut water cocktail, with her team rocking out on fig and cognac negronis.

“She was totally relaxed,” Thomas gushed. “I couldn’t quite believe there she was sitting in my bar.”

Thomas and Lauper talked about Dunedin, as the singer expressed interests in the city’s roots as a working-class hub.

“She's a really sensitive but powerful woman as well,” said Thomas.

”I will just remember talking to her and looking at her and going she’s so beautiful – but she’s the Cyndi Lauper I’ve always known.”

Lauper is touring New Zealand with iconic rocker Rod Stewart, and performed at Forsyth Bar stadium on Wednesday night.

The 51-year-old told Stuff he had been an “original fan” of the Time After Time star since the 1980s.

Growing up as a young gay man in Auckland, Thomas said Lauper meant “a lot” to him throughout his life.

“She taught me valuable lessons about being true to yourself and that it’s OK to be different.”

And while they say you should never meet your heroes, Lauper was, “just the most down to earth, gentle, loving person you could ever meet”.

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More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.4% Yes
    53.4% Complete
  • 46.6% No
    46.6% Complete
1906 votes
4 days ago

A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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2 days ago

‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...

The Team from New Zealand Police

As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.

Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.

There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”

A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105

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