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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.
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?
Hawke’s Bay Police are appealing to the public to report any suspicious activity around railway crossings and bridges in their community, after hundreds of metres of copper was stolen in just a week.
In the week beginning 23 June, more than 750 metres of copper cable was stolen from the … View moreHawke’s Bay Police are appealing to the public to report any suspicious activity around railway crossings and bridges in their community, after hundreds of metres of copper was stolen in just a week.
In the week beginning 23 June, more than 750 metres of copper cable was stolen from the railway bridge north of Clive, along with four level crossing bells being stolen from railway crossings between 12 April and 12 May.
"It is extremely concerning and a huge public safety risk. Railway core cables are responsible for transmitting power and signals to trains, which is crucial to keeping the rail systems operating safely and efficiently.
Crossing bells are an essential part of public safety and play a huge role in warning people that a train is approaching. The removal of these bells has the potential to cause fatal accidents,” says Senior Constable Potaka.
Police take public safety very seriously and would like to remind offenders that not only are you putting your community at risk when stealing these essential railway safety tools, but cutting any electrical wires comes with risk – including to yourself.
Police are also reminding scrap metal yards that we will be taking a hard line with anyone found to be receiving the bells or other stolen copper or metal.
If anyone sees someone acting suspiciously around railways, they are asked to ring 111 immediately if it is happening now, or 105 if it is after the fact.
We also encourage anyone who sees anything at railway crossings and bridges that they are concerned about, such as wires that have been noticeably cut or bells missing, to contact Police immediately.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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.
Picking up an incredible 27% of Neighbourly member votes, we are thrilled to announce Catnap Cafe as this year's Prospa Local Business Hero! Catnap is an incredible small business based in Christchurch - both a traditional cafe where cat lovers and cats can spend time together - as well as a … View morePicking up an incredible 27% of Neighbourly member votes, we are thrilled to announce Catnap Cafe as this year's Prospa Local Business Hero! Catnap is an incredible small business based in Christchurch - both a traditional cafe where cat lovers and cats can spend time together - as well as a home for rescues, helping them find forever homes.
Here's a few words from Alyssa and Nate, the founders of Catap Cafe: "We’re stoked to have won the Prospa Local Business Hero Awards! We’re so grateful to our community for the nominations, votes and ongoing support and we’re super proud of what Catnap means to people. Having this recognition means a lot to us."
A huge congratulations to the Catnap team - and a big thank you to every Neighbourly member who made a nomination and voted in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero campaign!
Happy Matariki, neighbours!
An important aspect of Matariki is whakapapa - family, community, and our connections to living things. Communities across the country have put together events to celebrate.
The Māori New Year is also a great time to pause, reflect on the past year, and think … View moreHappy Matariki, neighbours!
An important aspect of Matariki is whakapapa - family, community, and our connections to living things. Communities across the country have put together events to celebrate.
The Māori New Year is also a great time to pause, reflect on the past year, and think about what’s ahead.
Got any goals or hopes for the coming year? Share them in the comments and inspire your neighbours.
As shared in an interview today, alongside other sick leave changes, Christopher Luxon said he is open to reducing sick leave from ten days to five days a year. This would reverse the change made by the last government which allows workers to have ten days off for sickness each year.
Would you be … View moreAs shared in an interview today, alongside other sick leave changes, Christopher Luxon said he is open to reducing sick leave from ten days to five days a year. This would reverse the change made by the last government which allows workers to have ten days off for sickness each year.
Would you be happy with this change?
Dear neighbours, after reading about our search for New Zealand's most impressive and artistic wood piles in the May 2025 issue, Auckland's Anne Stephens Whitcombe sent us this photo that she had snapped while on holiday in Norway. Have you put together a wood pile that's just as … View moreDear neighbours, after reading about our search for New Zealand's most impressive and artistic wood piles in the May 2025 issue, Auckland's Anne Stephens Whitcombe sent us this photo that she had snapped while on holiday in Norway. Have you put together a wood pile that's just as impressive, or even more so? Send us a photo! Email: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. You could be in to win a Fiskars X36 splitting axe L blade and a Fiskars X14 universal axe. We're looking for wood piles of impressive size or of particular space efficiency or even an artistic vision!
At Ryman you'll find a perfect blend of independence and community. Click read more to access our guides which will introduce you to life at Ryman, showcase our independent and assisted living options, and give clarity around the costs.
Stats NZ said food prices have been rising at their fastest rate in more than a year.
Drinking chocolate is now 27% more expensive, coffee is up 17% and 1kg of mince was $2 more expensive this March than it was the same time last year.
Dairy products have also increased astronomically in … View moreStats NZ said food prices have been rising at their fastest rate in more than a year.
Drinking chocolate is now 27% more expensive, coffee is up 17% and 1kg of mince was $2 more expensive this March than it was the same time last year.
Dairy products have also increased astronomically in price. Milk prices are up by 15.1% in the last year, cheese by 24% and butter has risen up by a shocking 63.6%.
Are you feeling the pinch lately? Share what you've noticed in the comments below and whether it makes you change your shopping habits.
Whakatāne District Council plans to crack down on residents recycling mistakes with a "three-strikes" rule - contaminate your bin three times and you could lose it for three months.
The goal? Less landfill, more proper recycling.
As the cooler months settle in and we spend more time at home, a burst of greenery can brighten up your space and lift your mood.
But if you think you need a big backyard to nurture your green thumb, think again.
Just ask Kate, a Ryman resident, who has transformed her apartment into a lush … View moreAs the cooler months settle in and we spend more time at home, a burst of greenery can brighten up your space and lift your mood.
But if you think you need a big backyard to nurture your green thumb, think again.
Just ask Kate, a Ryman resident, who has transformed her apartment into a lush retreat filled with thriving plants and year-round colour.
Click read more for the full story.
The 2025 Local Elections are coming up this September - make sure you're enrolled to vote.
Before this time, locals can be nominated to be in the running for roles such as mayor, councillor, community & local board members. Could you see yourself stepping into a role like this?
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