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MEGA Issue #9 — November Out Now
Eastbourne’s most unfiltered local read returns — sharper, saltier, and straight to the point.
Inside this month’s issue:
Charities in Crisis: Too many hands, not enough help — where’s it all really going?
Ken Laban’s Balancing Act: Can the new … View moreMEGA Issue #9 — November Out Now
Eastbourne’s most unfiltered local read returns — sharper, saltier, and straight to the point.
Inside this month’s issue:
Charities in Crisis: Too many hands, not enough help — where’s it all really going?
Ken Laban’s Balancing Act: Can the new Hutt boss keep his footing on the slippery slope?
No Sheet to Float On: New Zealand’s hidden water safety crisis — and why it’s closer than you think.
The Boom That Guarded the Bay: A look back at Eastbourne’s forgotten wartime barrier.
MEGA’s Movie Mash-Up: Classic films collide in our parody power hour.
Finally — The Bay Gets the Bar It’s Been Waiting For: Raise a glass, responsibly or otherwise.
Chef Gordon Ramswine’s Monthly Recipe: The only swine who swears more than Gordon himself.
Experience it now at: www.mega.kiwi.nz...
And on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/579792501561333
MEGA — Making Eastbourne Entertaining Again Inc.
#MakeEastbourneGreatAgain #MEGAKiwi #EastbourneNews #SatireNZ #SupportLocal
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 moreA 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.
Staying Safe is a classroom-based refresher workshop for senior road users. Age Concern runs these workshops in partnership with Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
The workshop aims to maintain and improve safe driving practices and increase the knowledge of other transport options available to help senior road … View moreStaying Safe is a classroom-based refresher workshop for senior road users. Age Concern runs these workshops in partnership with Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
The workshop aims to maintain and improve safe driving practices and increase the knowledge of other transport options available to help senior road users remain safely mobile.
The free interactive workshop runs for around 4 hours, with refreshments provided.
Spaces at each workshop are limited so please register on our website: www.acwellington.org.nz... or call us 027 248 0335
Hi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, … View moreHi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, and cedar weatherboards. We’re tidy, punctual, and perfect for busy families, non-DIYers, and retirees.
Discounts available for SuperGold Card holders
Serving all of Wellington, Hutt Valley & up to Plimmerton.
Message us today for a free quote, we’d love to help bring your home to life!
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.
Hi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, … View moreHi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, and cedar weatherboards. We’re tidy, punctual, and perfect for busy families, non-DIYers, and retirees.
Discounts available for SuperGold Card holders
Serving all of Wellington, Hutt Valley & up to Plimmerton.
Message us today for a free quote, we’d love to help bring your home to life!
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 moreA 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!
Our next course is being held at Summerset Retirement Village Trentham. Register your space by calling us on 04 499 6646 or visit our website. This course is a fun refresher and a great way to connect and spend time with other seniors.
Vanessa looks forward to seeing you on the day.
Hi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, … View moreHi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, and cedar weatherboards. We’re tidy, punctual, and perfect for busy families, non-DIYers, and retirees.
Discounts available for SuperGold Card holders
Serving all of Wellington, Hutt Valley & up to Plimmerton.
Message us today for a free quote, we’d love to help bring your home to life!
At just Year 7 at Muritai, Finn’s original rap Fair Shot cut through with honesty, rhythm, and heart. It’s bold, real, and says what a lot of people feel but don’t always say — and that’s exactly what great songwriting does.
The judges were blown away by the creativity and passion across… View moreAt just Year 7 at Muritai, Finn’s original rap Fair Shot cut through with honesty, rhythm, and heart. It’s bold, real, and says what a lot of people feel but don’t always say — and that’s exactly what great songwriting does.
The judges were blown away by the creativity and passion across all entries this year. After collating thousands of likes, comments, and messages from the community, Fair Shot rose to the top — proving that age is no barrier when you’ve got something to say.
As part of his win, Finn has chosen to donate $200 to KidsCan, continuing the Eastbourne Unplugged tradition of giving back to the community. The remaining $300 goes directly to Finn as the winner — well deserved!
Well done, Finn — you’ve made Eastbourne proud!
MEGA Issue #8 – October
Finally, some movement on the political front — Tory, Barry, and Guppy are gone, replaced by Little, Laban, and Zee. The fossils are flushed, but the pipes still leak and the turnout’s still tragic. Fresh faces, same sludge — that’s Wellington local government for you.
Meanwhile, Live Nation keeps tightening its grip on NZ’s live music scene — one company booking the acts, owning the venues, selling the tickets, and milking the profits. It’s not live entertainment anymore; it’s corporate captivity.
In Eastbourne, The Herald changes hands — a reminder that local journalism only survives if locals back it. Advertise, contribute, or lose it.
And real estate? Four agencies fighting over a handful of listings in a village that barely needs one. The signs are everywhere — literally. Time to bury the billboards and sell some common sense.
Visit www.mega.kiwi.nz...
Choosing Harbour City Funeral Home means placing your trust in a team that genuinely cares. With over 30 years of experience serving Wellington, Hutt Valley, and Kāpiti, we offer professional, compassionate support tailored to your family's needs. Our commitment to dignity, respect, and … View moreChoosing Harbour City Funeral Home means placing your trust in a team that genuinely cares. With over 30 years of experience serving Wellington, Hutt Valley, and Kāpiti, we offer professional, compassionate support tailored to your family's needs. Our commitment to dignity, respect, and transparency ensures you feel supported every step of the way.
Harbour City provides modern, welcoming venues, and offers flexible, personalised services that reflect your loved one's life and wishes. We also help families plan ahead with thoughtful pre-planning options. In difficult times, you can rely on Harbour City Funeral Home for guidance, empathy, and peace of mind. Get in touch today to speak with a caring professional who’s ready to help.
Hi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, … View moreHi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, and cedar weatherboards. We’re tidy, punctual, and perfect for busy families, non-DIYers, and retirees.
Discounts available for SuperGold Card holders
Serving all of Wellington, Hutt Valley & up to Plimmerton.
Message us today for a free quote, we’d love to help bring your home to life!
If you haven’t voted yet, check out my Facebook page to see why I’m running for Greater Wellington Regional Council in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai / Lower Hutt General Constituency. TomMurphyforGreaterWellington
As your ‘Councillor with a Plan’, I will bring new ideas to Council from Day One … View moreIf you haven’t voted yet, check out my Facebook page to see why I’m running for Greater Wellington Regional Council in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai / Lower Hutt General Constituency. TomMurphyforGreaterWellington
As your ‘Councillor with a Plan’, I will bring new ideas to Council from Day One for integrated solutions that consider all aspects of GWRC’s essential infrastructure to get much better results & bring rates rises under control. We can do this by solving multiple problems with the same dollars. This means more benefits for lower cost.
Your #1 vote would be most appreciated!
Cheers,
Tom
It’s the final countdown – just one week left to get your lyrics in for Eastbourne Unplugged. Whether your words sing of Eastbourne, New Zealand or the wider world, now’s the time to enter.
Winner takes home $300 plus chooses a charity to receive $200. Entries close at midnight next Sunday… View moreIt’s the final countdown – just one week left to get your lyrics in for Eastbourne Unplugged. Whether your words sing of Eastbourne, New Zealand or the wider world, now’s the time to enter.
Winner takes home $300 plus chooses a charity to receive $200. Entries close at midnight next Sunday – don’t miss your chance to be part of this community music showcase.
All details, conditions and entry form on www.mega.kiwi.nz...
#EastbourneUnplugged #SongwritersWanted #LastCall #GetYourLyricsIn
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 moreFor 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!
© Neighbourly 2025
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