Poll: Prince William made the buzzy bee world-famous. What toy will the next Royal Baby show off?
Many New Zealanders loved Kiwiana and it helped define us on the world stage – but Kiwiana was a creation of the last century. New Zealand's national paper, the Sunday Star-Times, is embarking on a project to find out what Kiwiana has evolved into and how it encapsulates the values of our diverse, innovative 21st century nation.
Join us as we explore what Kiwi culture looks like in neighbourhoods across the country. In the coming weeks, you'll notice a few posts about Kiwi innovations popping up across Neighbourly - we'd love for you engage and let us know what innovations and innovators you think need profiling!
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20.3% Bunch o Balloons, the water bombs that make every day a visit to the beach
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61.1% Pipi Mā, the award-winning range of Te Reo Māori speaking and singing plush doll
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18.6% Another nation or two to add to the Empire.
Bright Spots winners!
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.
Have you seen Rowena?
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.
Last chance to enter!
Don't forget to enter a Bright Spot in your home, workplace or community for a chance to win one of ten amazing prizes! Whether it's a colourful fence, a mural in your office or a place in the community that makes you smile - we'd love to see it.
Share a Bright Spot today for a chance to win one of ten prize packs worth $500.
And make sure you check out the entries so far too.
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