Hanmer Forest, Hanmer Springs

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Do you have any festive tips your community needs to know about? Post them here!

38 days ago

⚠️ Fraud Awareness Week: Shop Smart and Stay Scam-Safe

The Team from Netsafe

Scams can happen to anyone, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday when online shopping increases. Scammers use trust, hope and fear to get money or personal information:
TRUST: Pretending to be a courier, retailer, or bank.
HOPE: Offering fake “too good to miss” deals or miracle … View more
Scams can happen to anyone, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday when online shopping increases. Scammers use trust, hope and fear to get money or personal information:
TRUST: Pretending to be a courier, retailer, or bank.
HOPE: Offering fake “too good to miss” deals or miracle products.
FEAR: ‘Limited time deals’ messaging, fake ‘missed delivery’ updates

✋ Remember the SCAMS red flags:
Surprise contact
Control or pressure
Access to your device
Money request
Stop and seek support

If you think you’ve been scammed, stop contact, call your bank, and change your passwords.

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34 days ago

Sprucing up our urban areas: good idea or not?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In central Palmerston North, landlords are being offered incentives to give their properties a tidy-up. Key to this: dedicated funding.

We want to know: Should city-wide refresh projects be rolled out across all Kiwi urban areas? Or would this be a waste of funds that could be allocated … View more
In central Palmerston North, landlords are being offered incentives to give their properties a tidy-up. Key to this: dedicated funding.

We want to know: Should city-wide refresh projects be rolled out across all Kiwi urban areas? Or would this be a waste of funds that could be allocated elsewhere?

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35 days ago

Riccarton landlord’s lucky catch!

Enviroflo

A local landlord in Riccarton booked what was meant to be a simple, routine CCTV drain check, just a bit of peace of mind for a tidy, well-kept rental. But under that neat garden and solid paths, our camera told a different story…

We found several cracks and offsets in the old ceramic drain … View more
A local landlord in Riccarton booked what was meant to be a simple, routine CCTV drain check, just a bit of peace of mind for a tidy, well-kept rental. But under that neat garden and solid paths, our camera told a different story…

We found several cracks and offsets in the old ceramic drain lines, likely hidden damage from the 2010–2011 quakes. Nothing too dramatic yet, but it was only a matter of time before things got messy.

Luckily, the property still had an EQC (now Natural Hazards Commission) claim on record. Our team stepped in to help the owner with the process, and before long, the repairs were fully approved and sorted at no extra cost to them.

We replaced the damaged sections, tidied everything up, and left both the tenant and landlord relieved they’d caught the problem early.

Moral of the story: sometimes a “routine check” can save you a lot of stress (and cash) down the line!

Have you claimed your free drain check with Enviroflo yet?
Learn more

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37 days ago

Get $20,000 back* with your new home!

Charles Upham Retirement Village

At Ryman, we are making your move even more rewarding.

Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating village by 30 November 2025, and you’ll get $20,000 back*.

Use it to make your new home your own, take a dream trip, or simply enjoy life’s little luxuries – the … View more
At Ryman, we are making your move even more rewarding.

Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating village by 30 November 2025, and you’ll get $20,000 back*.

Use it to make your new home your own, take a dream trip, or simply enjoy life’s little luxuries – the choice is yours!

*Terms and conditions apply.

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42 days ago

New website

CJ's Drive Thru Plant Farm

Hello Neighbours - we have launched our new website so no more wondering we have the plant you are after - you can simply look for it on here! Happy planting!

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42 days ago

Hidden Earthquake Damage in a Riccarton Rental

Enviroflo

A landlord in Riccarton booked a routine CCTV drain inspection for a well-maintained rental property, expecting nothing more than peace of mind. But beneath the neat garden and solid pathways, our inspection revealed a different story — multiple cracks and offsets in the ceramic drain lines, … View moreA landlord in Riccarton booked a routine CCTV drain inspection for a well-maintained rental property, expecting nothing more than peace of mind. But beneath the neat garden and solid pathways, our inspection revealed a different story — multiple cracks and offsets in the ceramic drain lines, likely caused by the 2010–2011 earthquakes.

The damage wasn’t causing major symptoms yet, but it was only a matter of time. Thankfully, the property had an EQC (now Natural Hazards Commission) claim on record, and our team was able to guide the owner through the process of submitting a repair claim.

Once approved, we replaced the damaged sections, reinstated the site to its original condition, and left both tenant and owner relieved to have caught the problem early — and grateful it didn’t come out of their pocket.

Have you claimed your free drain check with Enviroflo yet?"
Find out more

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43 days ago

SILVER WINNER QUALITY SERVICE AWARD

Charles Upham Retirement Village

We’re delighted to have been awarded silver in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards.

This is the eighth time we’ve been honoured in these awards since they began in 2015.

Each year, Reader’s Digest conducts the Quality Service Awards survey to discover New Zealanders’ … View more
We’re delighted to have been awarded silver in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards.

This is the eighth time we’ve been honoured in these awards since they began in 2015.

Each year, Reader’s Digest conducts the Quality Service Awards survey to discover New Zealanders’ attitudes towards services from business across various industries.

Companies are assessed based on five pillars: personalisation, understanding, simplicity, satisfaction and consistency.

This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and excellence that our teams strive for every day in our villages to deliver exceptional service standards.

Thank you to our amazing teams and to all those who took the time to complete the surveys!

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49 days ago

Bright Spots winners!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A big congratulations to the 2025 Resene Bright Spots winners! We are proud to announce our ten winners who have all won a $250 Prezzy card and a $250 Resene Gift card!

Deepa Keenawinna - Lower Hutt (home crafts)
Slava Voronin - Kerikeri (blossoming tree)
Sam Holliday - Paraparaumu (hot pink … View more
A big congratulations to the 2025 Resene Bright Spots winners! We are proud to announce our ten winners who have all won a $250 Prezzy card and a $250 Resene Gift card!

Deepa Keenawinna - Lower Hutt (home crafts)
Slava Voronin - Kerikeri (blossoming tree)
Sam Holliday - Paraparaumu (hot pink outdoor chair)
Chris Carlyon - Waikanae (French Bulldog painting)
Joel Bradley - Auckland (Kea painting)
Jayne Walton - Rangiora (rainbow gate
Charmaine Macpherson - Cheviot (colourful bathtab)
Adele Whittaker - Auckland (school mural)
Karan Robson - Foxton Beach (blue backdoor)
Dave Bang - Levin (native bird mural)

Take a look at their wonderful colourful entries below. A huge thank you to everyone who shared a Bright Spot in their community this year; we have loved seeing the places in your neighbourhood that bring you joy.

51 days ago

Ryman Village Open Days

Charles Upham Retirement Village

Join us any Wednesday in November and explore our lifestyle, show homes and amenities.

More than just a place to live, Ryman villages are places where friendships grow, hobbies flourish and a genuine sense of community thrives.

The best way is to experience it for yourself. No appointment … View more
Join us any Wednesday in November and explore our lifestyle, show homes and amenities.

More than just a place to live, Ryman villages are places where friendships grow, hobbies flourish and a genuine sense of community thrives.

The best way is to experience it for yourself. No appointment necessary!

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80 days ago

Share your favourite raspberry recipe and win a copy of our mag!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love raspberries? We will give away free copies of the December 2025 issue to readers whose raspberry recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way enjoy raspberry (dessert, salad, jam main?!): mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by October 24, … View moreLove raspberries? We will give away free copies of the December 2025 issue to readers whose raspberry recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way enjoy raspberry (dessert, salad, jam main?!): mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by October 24, 2025.

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59 days ago

Have you seen Rowena?

The Team from Canterbury Police

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

Rowena was reported missing to Police on 22 October, however was last heard from on 15 July 2025.

Police are now appealing for any sightings of Rowena or any information that may assist in locating her. If … View more
Police are appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.

Rowena was reported missing to Police on 22 October, however was last heard from on 15 July 2025.

Police are now appealing for any sightings of Rowena or any information that may assist in locating her. If you see Rowena, or have information that could assist in our enquiries, please contact us.

You can contact us at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking "Update Report" or by calling 105, referencing file 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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63 days ago

Win a Yates Gardening Hamper!

Charles Upham Retirement Village

We’re celebrating National Gardening Week with a blooming great giveaway! Two lucky winners will each receive a Yates hamper valued at $225, packed with everything you need to help your garden flourish.

To enter, simply tell us what you’re planting this spring and share your best gardening … View more
We’re celebrating National Gardening Week with a blooming great giveaway! Two lucky winners will each receive a Yates hamper valued at $225, packed with everything you need to help your garden flourish.

To enter, simply tell us what you’re planting this spring and share your best gardening tip.

Winners announced Wednesday, October 29 - good luck and happy gardening!

T&Cs apply.

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65 days ago

Proud to be New Zealand's Best!

Charles Upham Retirement Village

Big news! Ryman has won Best Provider Nationwide at the 2025 Seniors New Zealand Awards - for the 6th time!
Leading the way in retirement living and aged care, again and again.

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78 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

A trailblazing Māori scholar has finally received the recognition she deserves — nearly 100 years after her passing.

Mākereti Papakura, believed to be the first Indigenous woman to study at the University of Oxford, has been awarded a posthumous degree certificate.

Papakura sadly passed … View more
A trailblazing Māori scholar has finally received the recognition she deserves — nearly 100 years after her passing.

Mākereti Papakura, believed to be the first Indigenous woman to study at the University of Oxford, has been awarded a posthumous degree certificate.

Papakura sadly passed away in 1930, just weeks before she was due to present her thesis. Her research was later published as The Old-Time Māori — the first ethnographic study written by a Māori author.

We hope this brings a smile!

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93 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Bird of the Year ... voting is open!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

For two decades, Aotearoa’s favourite feathery showdown has crowned our top bird ... and the competition has never been fiercer.

Behind the fun is a serious mission. Many of New Zealand’s native species are in serious trouble. Bird of the Year raises awareness of their habitats, the threats … View more
For two decades, Aotearoa’s favourite feathery showdown has crowned our top bird ... and the competition has never been fiercer.

Behind the fun is a serious mission. Many of New Zealand’s native species are in serious trouble. Bird of the Year raises awareness of their habitats, the threats they face, and how we can protect our feathered taonga. Important work that we love seeing!

Who was last year’s champ? 🏆 The Yellow-eyed penguin, one of the world’s rarest penguins. But this year, Neighbourly is keeping a close eye on another ocean wanderer: the Tītī (Cook’s petrel).

Who is getting your vote this year? 🐦💛

🗳 Voting closes: Sunday 28 September
🏅 Winner announced: Monday 29 September

We hope this brings a smile!

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