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The kākāpō, our famously lovable but critically endangered land-parrot, are forecast to have a massive breeding season in 2026 - perhaps the biggest on record!
How do we know? Kākāpō only 'get busy' during rimu mast events (where rimu grow heaps of fruit), every 2-4 years. … View moreThe kākāpō, our famously lovable but critically endangered land-parrot, are forecast to have a massive breeding season in 2026 - perhaps the biggest on record!
How do we know? Kākāpō only 'get busy' during rimu mast events (where rimu grow heaps of fruit), every 2-4 years. Because we can anticipate rimu mast events, and kākāpō love rimu fruit, we can predict kākāpō breeding activity.
Since there are only 242 kākāpō today, this bumper season is important.
This positive outlook on population numbers is especially exciting since, due to the mahi of conservationists, the kākāpō have completed their first season on the North island (at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari). The booming of the kākāpō has not been heard on the North Island of Aotearoa for over a century!
Read more about Aotearoa's flightless parrot and their nesting plans.
We hope this news brings a smile!
Moving into William Sanders Village provided Graham and Karrin Byrnes with the perfect chance to give back to a community that was right on their doorstep, with beloved pet Maggie being the key to their success.
The couple heard about the St John therapy pets programme not long after moving into… View moreMoving into William Sanders Village provided Graham and Karrin Byrnes with the perfect chance to give back to a community that was right on their doorstep, with beloved pet Maggie being the key to their success.
The couple heard about the St John therapy pets programme not long after moving into Ryman Healthcare’s Devonport village in 2021, and now take Maggie to visit residents in the village care centre three times a week.
Click read more to read about Maggie's pawsome work.
Good news for fans of creative expression and kiwi excellence ... poet Selina Tusitala Marsh has been announced as the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate!
Marsh says, "When we honour the artistry within our communities, whether it flows from Sāmoa, my mother's island, or New … View moreGood news for fans of creative expression and kiwi excellence ... poet Selina Tusitala Marsh has been announced as the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate!
Marsh says, "When we honour the artistry within our communities, whether it flows from Sāmoa, my mother's island, or New Zealand, where I was born and grew up, we recognise the inherent dignity and worth of every person whose story deserves to be told."
Congratulations Selina, ka pai.
We hope this news brings a smile!
Last year, the Commerce Commission announced it had agreed to increase revenue limits to facilitate the maintenance and improvement of the electricity network.
Consumer NZ have revealed their latest annual energy survey, and found that 11% of consumers have had to cut back on their heating, and … View moreLast year, the Commerce Commission announced it had agreed to increase revenue limits to facilitate the maintenance and improvement of the electricity network.
Consumer NZ have revealed their latest annual energy survey, and found that 11% of consumers have had to cut back on their heating, and 20% of people have been struggling to pay their power bill in the past year.
How does your region compare? You can view and compare how the average monthly household use, charges, and bills vary regionally here.
We want to know: Is your household paying more for electricity this year?
Do you have any advice for your community on what changes you have found most effective in keeping costs down in your home or office? Share below!
Artificial intelligence programs such as ChatGPT are here to stay - the question now is, how will they shape the future? Will the use of AI to complete daily tasks, particularly school work, impact cognitive abilities and creativity?
Recent work out of a MIT Media Lab suggests that people who … View moreArtificial intelligence programs such as ChatGPT are here to stay - the question now is, how will they shape the future? Will the use of AI to complete daily tasks, particularly school work, impact cognitive abilities and creativity?
Recent work out of a MIT Media Lab suggests that people who used ChatGPT have lower brain engagement than those who did not when writing their essays. While the MIT Media Lab work has driven headlines recently, others have been quick to remind us that the fear of technology is nothing new.
We want to know: Is AI an addition to the technological toolbox, or should we be having bigger conversations about the impact of AI technology?
Mark your calendars!
We will be there to chat about all things Policing, and to share everything you need to know about joining.
🕔 5pm - 7:30pm
📍 ITM Stadium Southland
Kia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for watercress recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: … View moreKia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for watercress recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by July 20, 2025.
Jaffas, iconic orange-coated chocolate lollies that have been around since 1931, will soon be leaving our shelves.
We want to know: Will you miss them?
Also, in the spirit of Throwback Thursday, what other iconic brands are still lodged in your memory?
(We can confirm that a number of the … View moreJaffas, iconic orange-coated chocolate lollies that have been around since 1931, will soon be leaving our shelves.
We want to know: Will you miss them?
Also, in the spirit of Throwback Thursday, what other iconic brands are still lodged in your memory?
(We can confirm that a number of the Neighbourly team will be heading out to stock up our lolly jars before Jaffas disappear!)
Kiwis are bracing for policy changes taking effect in July - these include, changes to rental housing rules, rising GP fees, rising transport fares, and halving Kiwisaver government contribution.
We want to know: What is your take on these changes? Will they impact you and your whanau, or will… View moreKiwis are bracing for policy changes taking effect in July - these include, changes to rental housing rules, rising GP fees, rising transport fares, and halving Kiwisaver government contribution.
We want to know: What is your take on these changes? Will they impact you and your whanau, or will it be business as usual?
Discuss your thoughts below
Kia ora neighbours! We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for brussels sprouts recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: … View moreKia ora neighbours! We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for brussels sprouts recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by June 12, 2025.
Ryman resident Robyn swears by her ratatouille recipe from her much-loved copy of the Joy of Cooking, given to her by her next door neighbour in 1964.
Moving to New Zealand in 1976 and with four children to cook for, Robyn said the ratatouille recipe was a firm family favourite which she would … View moreRyman resident Robyn swears by her ratatouille recipe from her much-loved copy of the Joy of Cooking, given to her by her next door neighbour in 1964.
Moving to New Zealand in 1976 and with four children to cook for, Robyn said the ratatouille recipe was a firm family favourite which she would cook up every couple of weeks when the veggies were in season.
Click read more for the recipe.
SPCA animals aren’t just cute (though they totally are) — they’ve got Personality Plus! From quiet introverts to constant companions, busy socialites to mellow love bugs, we’ve got over 1000 furry singles waiting to meet the One.
Let our matchmakers (aka expert staff) help you find your … View moreSPCA animals aren’t just cute (though they totally are) — they’ve got Personality Plus! From quiet introverts to constant companions, busy socialites to mellow love bugs, we’ve got over 1000 furry singles waiting to meet the One.
Let our matchmakers (aka expert staff) help you find your perfect match — no awkward dates, just pure connection.
Seen someone online who steals your heart? Apply now at www.spca.nz... or give us a call to chat about your ideal match.
#SPCAmatchmaker #BetterThanRealityTV #FindTheOne
Cost of living has been on our minds lately, and one cost often lamented in our office is parking.
We all know that New Zealanders pay high parking fees! But research shows that the cost is driven by factors such as location, quality, and convenience.
The average daily parking fee being paid … View moreCost of living has been on our minds lately, and one cost often lamented in our office is parking.
We all know that New Zealanders pay high parking fees! But research shows that the cost is driven by factors such as location, quality, and convenience.
The average daily parking fee being paid in CBDs:
$39.53 in Auckland,
$37.83 in Wellington,
and $32.60 in Christchurch.
But again, the range is wild! Aucklanders could be paying anything from $12 to $80, Wellingtonians from $15 to $50, and if you are in Christchurch, you are looking at $10 to $98.
Neighbours, we want to know: How much are you paying for daily parking fees?
Do you have any tips on how to find cheaper parks?
The shortest day of the year was on Saturday, but we still have a fair bit of winter to get through! Do you experience winter blues?
Prominent specialists and personalities share their tips.
For example, comedian and author Sam Smith suggests that you "Stock up on supplies to get that DIY… View moreThe shortest day of the year was on Saturday, but we still have a fair bit of winter to get through! Do you experience winter blues?
Prominent specialists and personalities share their tips.
For example, comedian and author Sam Smith suggests that you "Stock up on supplies to get that DIY project underway. Call up the old bandmates to practice some songs for a jam session. Lay the groundwork for future fun."
Do you experience winter blues?
More importantly, do you have any tips for dealing with the gloomiest part of the year?
Share your thoughts with your neighbours!
We’re still buzzing about being your choice for Most Trusted Brand.
For Bev and John, trust means packing up the motorhome without a second thought. Ryman’s lock and leave lifestyle means they can hit the road without worrying about maintenance or security, just freedom and adventure.
… View moreWe’re still buzzing about being your choice for Most Trusted Brand.
For Bev and John, trust means packing up the motorhome without a second thought. Ryman’s lock and leave lifestyle means they can hit the road without worrying about maintenance or security, just freedom and adventure.
Click read more to hear their story.
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