1540 days ago

Priest's house gutted by early morning fire

The Team Reporter from The Press

He escaped the Westport floods but Father David Gruschow’s luck ran out when faulty wiring gutted his home and destroyed all his possessions.

Luckily the St Canice’s parish priest was not at home when the fire broke out on Saturday morning.

“The inside is completely munted.”

All his possessions were damaged, but Gruschow felt fortunate to have his dogs with him when the fire happened, and was relieved they were safe.

He now hoped to move into a housekeeper’s flat adjoining the presbytery until his house was repaired.

Fire investigator Craig Piner said the cause was still under investigation, but he believed it was caused by an electrical fault in the switchboard or in the ceiling above.

More messages from your neighbours
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?
  • 10.1% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.1% Complete
  • 20% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    20% Complete
  • 69.9% Nah - not for me
    69.9% Complete
715 votes
12 hours 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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15 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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