Westown, New Plymouth

Got some bits to give away?

Got some bits to give away?

Clear out that garage and pop it on Neighbourly Market for free.

151 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Kākāpō will be getting busy in 2026!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

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 more
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. 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!

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141 days ago

Village pooch Maggie provides pet therapy for fellow residents

Jean Sandel Retirement Village

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 more
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 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.

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141 days ago

Furniture needed

Jeni Kaerns from Red Cross Shop New Plymouth

Hi there if anyone has any quality furniture they no longer require, the Red Cross shop 18 Gover street would love to take it off your hands. We can pick it up. Ring 067572610 to arrange or drop it off. We have a loading zone right outside.

We are open 7 days

Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00pm
View more
Hi there if anyone has any quality furniture they no longer require, the Red Cross shop 18 Gover street would love to take it off your hands. We can pick it up. Ring 067572610 to arrange or drop it off. We have a loading zone right outside.

We are open 7 days

Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00pm
Saturday 9.00 to 4.00pm
Sunday 10.00 to 4.00pm

Many thanks

144 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: New Zealander named first Commonwealth Poet Laureate

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

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 more
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 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!

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141 days ago

Create a Kid-Approved Swing in Your Favourite Wood Stain

The Team from Resene ColorShop New Plymouth

This quick and customisable project is ideal for those without a sturdy tree to hang a swing from, and it’s sure to bring joy to your little ones. Find out how to make and stain your own in your favourite Resene Woodsman wood stain finish with these easy step by step instructions.

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141 days ago

Paint it red with Resene for Red Nose Day!

Resene

Buy any red testpot 60 mL from your local Resene owned ColorShop between 17 -31 July 2025 and Resene will donate $1 to Cure Kids.

The more red testpots you buy, the more will be donated!
Find out more

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149 days ago

Poll: Have you felt the impact of electricity price increases?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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 more
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 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!

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Have you felt the impact of electricity price increases?
  • 80.9% Yes! The increase has hit hard
    80.9% Complete
  • 14.8% I am managing - we have found some solutions
    14.8% Complete
  • 4.3% No - have not noticed much change
    4.3% Complete
2142 votes
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142 days ago

NP Guitar Quartet lunchtime concert, Wednesday July 23rd.

Chris from Lynmouth - Moturoa

The "NP Guitar Quartet": well known musicians Dominique Blatti and Julian Raphael are joined by Catherine Deeley and Helen Woodhead, to present music from the South American continent. Music arranged for 4 guitars will take you on a journey from Brazil to Argentina. Expect a few … View moreThe "NP Guitar Quartet": well known musicians Dominique Blatti and Julian Raphael are joined by Catherine Deeley and Helen Woodhead, to present music from the South American continent. Music arranged for 4 guitars will take you on a journey from Brazil to Argentina. Expect a few surprises!" Next Wednesday 23rd July 12.15pm at the Methodist Centre.
Bring along your lunch and relax to some beautiful music. Koha for local charities appreciated.

144 days ago

A problem with something you purchased?

The team from Citizens Advice Bureau New Plymouth

When you buy something, it should be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose and last for a reasonable time. Sometimes, things don't work out that way. If you purchased from a retail store, you may have rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act or the Fair Trading Act.
If the thing you bought … View more
When you buy something, it should be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose and last for a reasonable time. Sometimes, things don't work out that way. If you purchased from a retail store, you may have rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act or the Fair Trading Act.
If the thing you bought is faulty, we can help you to clarify what rights you have.

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144 days ago

2 weeks left to enter the Winter Puzzle Comp!

The Post

Don’t miss your chance to WIN one of five iPads, valued at $699 each!
Simply grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper, solve the puzzle, find the prize word, and enter it online at thepost.co.nz/puzzletime.

The more puzzles you complete, the higher your chance to WIN! The competition ends … View more
Don’t miss your chance to WIN one of five iPads, valued at $699 each!
Simply grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper, solve the puzzle, find the prize word, and enter it online at thepost.co.nz/puzzletime.

The more puzzles you complete, the higher your chance to WIN! The competition ends on 28 July. To find out more about participating newspapers,click here.

The Team at The Post
Find out more

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145 days ago

ISO Wheelchair

Helen from Welbourn

Hi, I'm looking for clean, tidy wheelchair in good condition to purchase. Please message me if you have one available. Thank you

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145 days ago

** STONEWARE JARS **

Paul from Frankleigh Park

Hi.Im Wanting To Buy Antique and Vintage STONEWARE JARS + CROCKS for my private collection.Especially Stoneware " Cordial " Crocks/Jars with NZ Company names embossed on them.Top prices paid.Please Phone/Text/ or Message Paul 021 1418029

152 days ago

Poll: Is AI rewiring our minds?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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 more
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 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?

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Is AI rewiring our minds?
  • 19.8% AI is making us lazy
    19.8% Complete
  • 51.5% Ai is great, BUT only if used as a tool and not a substitute for thinking
    51.5% Complete
  • 5.2% AI is great! People have a history of fearing new technology
    5.2% Complete
  • 21.7% Too early to tell
    21.7% Complete
  • 1.8% Have a different perspective? Share it below!
    1.8% Complete
1242 votes
148 days ago

Volunteer Recognition Awards 2025

Wendy Richards from Volunteering New Plymouth

Each year Volunteering New Plymouth honours and recognises special volunteers with a Volunteer Recognition Awards Celebration. This year this was again held at New Plymouth District Council Chambers on Saturday 14th June,2025. Which is the day before National Volunteer Week.

This year there … View more
Each year Volunteering New Plymouth honours and recognises special volunteers with a Volunteer Recognition Awards Celebration. This year this was again held at New Plymouth District Council Chambers on Saturday 14th June,2025. Which is the day before National Volunteer Week.

This year there were 37 people who came across the stage to receive their award. This included just two people representing each team. However, there were a total of 98 people recognised as there were 59 people among the 5 teams recognised and 18 also in the Family / Whanau category.

We are delighted to share this year’s winners and the categories they were awarded under

Background for these awards recognise and honour people who have made an outstanding contribution in our community. Nominees were be judged on their voluntary work within the nominating organisation and the wider community. These services must be provided voluntarily to help others without expecting any personal or financial gain.

Individual
Katy Quest Flourish
Marie Rutten Sustainable Taranaki
Robin Bublitz Take Them A Meal

Couple
For Couples who volunteer together for an organisation or have both volunteered for a long period of time (5 years or more) (not necessarily for the same Organisation)
Tom & Linda Cloke Take them A Meal
Colin & Theresa Gibbon Inglewood Athletic Club

Long Service
This special award recognises and honours people who have been volunteering for 15 years or more in their community.
Barbara Hammonds Nga Motu Marine Reserve Society
Elizabeth (Lee) Ross St Vincent de Paul
Patricia (Tricia) Gillbanks NP Riding for Disabled
Raewyn Bocock Taranaki Cancer Society
Rowan Williams Swimming Taranaki
Val Huffam Waitara Swimming Club

Youth Individual
Youth Volunteers up to the age of 25 at close of nominations may be nominated in the Youth category.
Arielle Healy NP Riding for Disabled
Gabriella (Gabby) Brady Take Them A Meal
Grayson Armstrong-Wilson Rotokare Scenic Reserve

Youth Team
City of NP Cadet Unit Taranaki Cancer Society
2LT Stephen Bovett & CDT WO2 Ryan Jameson


Team
While the awards have traditionally marked the efforts of individual volunteers. The focus of this award is on either projects undertaken by organisations or effective and efficient service operations, and programmes run by organisations which involve a team of volunteers that make a positive community contribution.

Buggy Drivers Friends of Pukekura Park
Roz Miller & John Konijn

Cemetery Project Team NP Genealogy Society
Pat George & Noreen Potts

Taranaki Maori Wardens Taranaki Maori Wardens
Peter Johns & Shaun Gedye

Volunteer Chaplains Assistants (VCA’s)
Barbara Hooper & Heather Butler


Tuku Iho
This category is for Family / Whanau that have 3 or more generations who volunteer. The volunteering does not need to be for the same Organisation. Information about each nominee is to completed on their contribution to the Organisation and the community.
Marian & Nikki Valintine Family Inglewood Welfare Society
Kevin & Noah Nielsen Family Conductive Education Taranaki
Ray, Angela & Zach Willy/ Wright Family Rotokare Scenic Reserve

Weaving Together
This category, (chosen by the Manager) has criteria that the volunteer contribution of these people is significant across multiple groups or organisations
Chris Herlihy Long Service Art Taranaki
Graham Dodunski Individual NP Riding for Disabled
Jo Parsons Individual Waitara Foodbank Pataka Kai
Yvonne Muskee Individual WISE Charitable Trust

This is an awesome celebration of some of our amazing volunteers within the community. And it is only because of the nominators who take the time to put together the story of these great people. The nominations are always open so if you know someone or a great team of volunteers who you think should be recognised – don’t leave it till next year – put pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard and start that nomination NOW . you can find the form on our website www.volunteeringnewplymouth.org.nz... under news and events the nomination forms are there – as well as all the previous winners

152 days ago

Got a tricky neighbour situation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Join us live this Wednesday from 9:30am with Sacha Green from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ). Sacha will be answering your questions about common neighbourhood issues – from shared fences and driveways to noise complaints and more.
Sacha is CABNZ’s national legal and strategic … View more
Join us live this Wednesday from 9:30am with Sacha Green from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand (CABNZ). Sacha will be answering your questions about common neighbourhood issues – from shared fences and driveways to noise complaints and more.
Sacha is CABNZ’s national legal and strategic advisor. With over 10 years at CAB and a background in community law, she’s passionate about making the law simple and accessible. She also supports over 2,000 CAB volunteers across 80 locations in Aotearoa.
She and the CAB team are here to help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and how to resolve neighbour disputes through good communication.
✅ Free advice
✅ Plain language answers
✅ Real solutions

Got a question? Pop it below in replies to this message, and CAB will be around today to answer you!
Find out more

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