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Members of the New Plymouth community may notice an increased presence of Police on Coronation Avenue on Thursday 3 July.
During this time, people may see Police in tactical uniforms carrying training firearms, and there may also be some noise.
Police would like to reassure the public that … View moreMembers of the New Plymouth community may notice an increased presence of Police on Coronation Avenue on Thursday 3 July.
During this time, people may see Police in tactical uniforms carrying training firearms, and there may also be some noise.
Police would like to reassure the public that there is no cause for concern and that exercises like this are a vital component of policing that enables staff to be best placed to keep our communities safe.
These types of exercises could not happen without the support of our local community, and we want to thank the public for their support and cooperation.
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!
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!
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.
It's so easy to stay at home on winter evenings, when it's dark outside, and feels like it's mostly been raining! Keeping your body moving though, and giving yourself some time to move, breathe and stretch, is just as important now as at any other time of year.
At Yoga for … View moreIt's so easy to stay at home on winter evenings, when it's dark outside, and feels like it's mostly been raining! Keeping your body moving though, and giving yourself some time to move, breathe and stretch, is just as important now as at any other time of year.
At Yoga for Stiff People we move at a nice, slow pace. I'll guide you through detailed instruction on how to move and what you may feel in each pose, helping you find more ease and comfort in your body. The vibe is good-humoured and supportive, and you don't need to know anything about yoga, or even be able to bend very much at all!
Join me at-
- the Ōakura Hall Supper Room, 9am Sundays
- Waimanu Studio, McGiven Drive, New Plymouth, on Tuesdays at 6pm
Book your spot at www.shineyoga.co.nz... or get in touch if you have any questions at hello@shineyoga.co.nz. I'd love to hear from you!
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.
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?
The regional finalists are in - and we have an incredible bunch of businesses vying for the title of this year's Local Business Hero. But we need your help to decide the winner! It'll only take a moment to vote - but it could change a small business's future.
Your vote puts them … View moreThe regional finalists are in - and we have an incredible bunch of businesses vying for the title of this year's Local Business Hero. But we need your help to decide the winner! It'll only take a moment to vote - but it could change a small business's future.
Your vote puts them in the running to win a prize package worth over $30,000. Be a good neighbour and make your vote today.
Do you ever feel like you’re just not flexible enough for yoga? Or that you would like to do yoga, or feel it would be good for you, but that you don't feel like you would 'fit in' to a regular class? If so, this is the class for you!
We'll move at a slower pace, and … View moreDo you ever feel like you’re just not flexible enough for yoga? Or that you would like to do yoga, or feel it would be good for you, but that you don't feel like you would 'fit in' to a regular class? If so, this is the class for you!
We'll move at a slower pace, and guide you through detailed instruction on how to move and feel in each pose, helping you find more ease and comfort in your body. We can adapt poses, so that the class is accessible for all bodies wanting to move a little more freely.
This class is also a lovely choice if you are returning to yoga, or simply looking for a slower-paced class.
You are welcome to bring your own mat, or let me know if you would like me to bring one for you. All other equipment is provided. The class is at McGiven Drive, Frankley Park, at 6pm on Tuesdays.
If you're not sure if this class is for you, just get in contact with me, Jo, and I can help you to decide.
Book your spot at www.shineyoga.co.nz...
Neighbourly members have spoken! We’re excited to announce the finalists for the National Prospa Local Business Hero competition, celebrating the most-loved local businesses across the country.
Have a read (click on their blue title to read the nomination) and vote for which business you think… View moreNeighbourly members have spoken! We’re excited to announce the finalists for the National Prospa Local Business Hero competition, celebrating the most-loved local businesses across the country.
Have a read (click on their blue title to read the nomination) and vote for which business you think should take the crown (and impressive prize pack!).
1) Robin Davis - Newcreation (Auckland)
Newcreation came to fruition to support their son’s leukaemia recovery, creating and selling beautiful artwork made from recycled materials. They also transform donated offcuts from local builders and businesses into meaningful creations and give them to the community for free, such as Mother’s Day decorations and stars for Matariki.
2) BFT Blockhouse Bay - Jess & Andy Hart (Auckland)
BFT Blockhouse Bay is a gym but has been described as a true community hub. The owners, Jess and Andy Hart, started as members themselves, so they understand what makes a great gym: a welcoming, supportive environment where mental and physical health are equally valued.
3) Settlers Way Country Store - Jackie Poole & Annie Blackmore (Northland)
Settlers Way Country Store is all about supporting local - selling locally made items, and locally-grown fresh produce that suit a wide range of tastes.
The owners, Jackie Poole & Annie Blackmore, get involved in community projects and run several of the local facebook pages helping keep the community connected.
4) Coronation Grill & Burger - Gaurav Kumar Arora (Waikato)
Coronation Grill and Burger Morrinsville is more than a local eatery, it’s a warm, welcoming hub known for both their hearty meals with fresh ingredients, and their warm hospitality. They love to support local events and their nomination reads ‘They’re a true hometown hero, and we’re lucky to have them.’
5) Robyn's Cottage - Robyn Parker (Bay of Plenty)
Robyn’s Cottage in Greerton, Tauranga is a vibrant haven for craft lovers, filled with threads, wool, patterns, and expert advice from the ever-helpful Robyn. Despite a tough year health-wise, she continues to brighten the community with her knowledge, embroidery services, and creative classes.
6) The Egg Project - Pip Chrystall (Manawatu - Wanganui Region)
Pip and the team from The Egg Project in Bainesse work tirelessly to collaborate with other farms and businesses to provide fresh farm to table eggs, milk, yoghurt, vegetables & other products with free delivery to your door. They help out with community-minded projects and their nomination says they are always cheerful and ready to help.
7) Sparkydaz Electrical & Security - Darren Evans (Hawkes Bay - Gisborne Region)
Sparky Daz Electrical and Security in Onekawa, Napier, stands out for their prompt, professional service and top-quality workmanship, no job too small. Darren and apprentice Kerrie go the extra mile every time.
8) Hire Smart / Smart Aggregates Quarry - Gareth Boyd, Grant Cudby & Grant McEwen (Taranaki)
Hire Smart / Smart Aggregates Quarry is a hardworking team with heart, going above and beyond for their community - from sponsoring local sports to quietly donating materials where needed. Their nominator wrote ‘Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. That's how I feel about the amazing team’
9) Trade School Kitchen - Hannah Drew-Crawshaw & the Team (Wellington region)
Trade School Kitchen in Naenae serves incredible food and drinks, but their true impact lies in their belief that everyone has something to offer - regardless of their past or present challenges. They provide training, employment, and a strong sense of community to help open doors and create new opportunities.
10) Toastie Lords - Taylor Hamilton (Nelson-Marlborough region)
Taylor Hamilton and the Toastie Lords team in Picton have built a beloved toasted sandwich spot from the ground up. With mouth-watering toasties and warm service, they are now famous with locals and cruise ship visitors alike.
11) Catnap Cafe - Nate & Alyssa (Canterbury region)
Catnap Cafe is run by Nate and Alyssa serving drinks and sweet treats with the opportunity to hang out with some feline friends. Working alongside Cat Rescue Christchurch they have rescued and rehomed nearly 200 cats, including special needs felines giving them second chances at a loving home.
12) Rangiora Wool Shop - Katherine McLeod (Canterbury)
Rangiora Wool Shop, led by Katherine McLeod and her team, is a warm, welcoming haven where creativity and community come together. With deep knowledge (and the finest merino!) they bring people together with the joy of creating.
13) Otago Vacuum Tank Services Ltd - Tim and Courtney Giddens (Otago-Southland region)
Otago Vacuum Tank Services (OVTS), led by Tim and Courtney Giddens, provide exceptional service but they also go above and beyond with a smile. From providing fresh water during landslides to organizing fun community events and helping local clubs, they are always ready to support the West Harbour community.
14) Blacks Road Grocer - Christopher Wilson (Otago region)
Blacks Road Grocer in Dunedin is a beloved local gem blending historic charm with a welcoming atmosphere. They offer house-made café treats, fresh local produce, and quality groceries, all served with friendly, attentive service.
The answer is yes, it is illegal. And yet in New Zealand it's fairly common to see drivers hitting the road with their fog lights on when it's simply dark.
Those who have sat their written drivers test recently will be in the know, but be honest, did you know it was illegal?
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