Papamoa Beach, Papamoa

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Want to know your neighbours?

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3 days ago

Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts … View moreFunerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Would you want an unconventional funeral?
  • 84.3% Yes
    84.3% Complete
  • 13.8% No
    13.8% Complete
  • 1.9% Other - I'll share below!
    1.9% Complete
1639 votes
21 hours ago

CHEMIST WAREHOUSE BOTANY TOWN CENTRE NOW OPEN!

Chemist Warehouse

Find the new Chemist Warehouse at Botany Town Centre, next to New World.

With the biggest range of all your health and beauty essentials at the lowest prices and Free prescriptions* - the team are ready to help 7 days a week!

Don't worry if you can't make it in-store, you can shop … View more
Find the new Chemist Warehouse at Botany Town Centre, next to New World.

With the biggest range of all your health and beauty essentials at the lowest prices and Free prescriptions* - the team are ready to help 7 days a week!

Don't worry if you can't make it in-store, you can shop online 24/7 or use our convenient Click & Collect Service!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Chemist Warehouse - Great Savings, Every Day!
Find out more

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21 hours ago

Bookfest: Giant Charity Book Sale

Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust

Bookfest is back for the first weekend in May!

Come on down to Whirinaki Whare Taonga (formerly Expressions) for a huge selection of books in over 40 categories, as well as magazines, games, jigsaw puzzles, CD’s, DVD’s and vinyl records (no
audio or video tapes).

Come along and … View more
Bookfest is back for the first weekend in May!

Come on down to Whirinaki Whare Taonga (formerly Expressions) for a huge selection of books in over 40 categories, as well as magazines, games, jigsaw puzzles, CD’s, DVD’s and vinyl records (no
audio or video tapes).

Come along and make your pre-winter selections at this major event, there’s plenty to choose from!

Proceeds are for the benefit of the community in various ways.
Whirinaki Whare Taonga (formerly Expressions)
Sat 4th May 9am-5pm
Sun 5th May 9am-3pm
Find out more

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21 hours ago

Bookfest: Giant Charity Book Sale

Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust

Bookfest is back for the first weekend in May!

Come on down to Whirinaki Whare Taonga (formerly Expressions) for a huge selection of books in over 40 categories, as well as magazines, games, jigsaw puzzles, CD’s, DVD’s and vinyl records (no
audio or video tapes).

Come along and … View more
Bookfest is back for the first weekend in May!

Come on down to Whirinaki Whare Taonga (formerly Expressions) for a huge selection of books in over 40 categories, as well as magazines, games, jigsaw puzzles, CD’s, DVD’s and vinyl records (no
audio or video tapes).

Come along and make your pre-winter selections at this major event, there’s plenty to choose from!

Proceeds are for the benefit of the community in various ways.
Whirinaki Whare Taonga (formerly Expressions)
Sat 4th May 9am-5pm
Sun 5th May 9am-3pm
Find out more

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3 hours ago

Seal of approval for bike skills park concept

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Road, off-road, and even a rail crossing - a new bike park in the Ashburton Domain wants to have it all.

The concept plans for the learn-to-ride cycling facility were approved by the Ashburton District Council on Wednesday.

The construction of … View more
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Road, off-road, and even a rail crossing - a new bike park in the Ashburton Domain wants to have it all.

The concept plans for the learn-to-ride cycling facility were approved by the Ashburton District Council on Wednesday.

The construction of the bike skills park will be paid for by the local service clubs and community organisations driving the project.

The Bike Skills Park Working Group, a combination of the clubs, organisations, and council representatives, produced the concept design that has three separate but interconnected areas.

Group spokesperson Walter van der Kley said it will be a great asset for the community.

“We have good community support for the project.”

The council approved the domain as the location, incorporating the existing pump track, in July last year.

The pump track will be reformed in roughly the same location but slightly larger and will include an elevated lookout and seating area.

A flat street circuit, a 3m wide asphalt ‘road’ with line marking to enable two-way traffic, will feature a range of road signs and crossings reflecting common Ashburton traffic features – including a rail crossing.

A train track will lead to a train station shelter, with the plan to incorporate a handcar or jigger that can move out from the shelter and across the street.

"Half the children in Ashburton cross the rail line to go to school," van der Kley said.

There will also be an off-road woodland trail circuit, located around the existing trees, connecting to the street circuit over a cattlestop – “a lesson that needs to be taught”, van der Kley said.

A footpath will link to a central picnic and viewing area.

There is some room to scale some things back and construction won’t start until the project is fully funded, van der Kley said.

The report to the council stated the design is estimated to cost around $454,000 to build and the working group is optimistic about raising that amount, van der Kley said.

Now the concept design has council approval, the group will begin working on obtaining resource consent, consulting the public on the plans, and then the detailed design – which will include a second cost estimate.

The construction of the park will be covered by the local organisations and groups but once it is built and vested to the council.

Open spaces manager Ian Soper said the estimated maintenance costs, based on the worst-case scenario, will be in the vicinity of $650,000 over 30 years, or about $21,744 a year.

The maintenance includes keeping the paths and tracks free of weeds and debris, repainting the line markings every five years, and maintaining the structures, and keeping other items such as signs, level crossing lights and traffic lights in working order.

An annual vandalism cost of $5000 was also factored into the figures, Soper said.

*LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

10 hours ago

What did you make of Finau's tackle in Friday's game?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Samipeni Finau admits he heard all the outrage over his latest massive hit, but the Chiefs enforcer could not care less, and is backing his technique to continue to smash pesky No 10s.

Debate swirled over the weekend in the wake of Finau’s crunching tackle on Waratahs first-five Tane Edmed in … View more
Samipeni Finau admits he heard all the outrage over his latest massive hit, but the Chiefs enforcer could not care less, and is backing his technique to continue to smash pesky No 10s.

Debate swirled over the weekend in the wake of Finau’s crunching tackle on Waratahs first-five Tane Edmed in the third minute of the Chiefs’ Super Rugby Pacific win in Sydney last Friday.

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13 days ago

Unelected commissioners recommend they stay in power

Pat from Welcome Bay

That's the Stuff headline. I have watched on as these commissioners proselytize about how they respect democracy-and now this. I acknowledge Simeon Brown has rejected their proposal but all I see is these commissioners trying to cling on to power and their sinecure at all costs. It is … View moreThat's the Stuff headline. I have watched on as these commissioners proselytize about how they respect democracy-and now this. I acknowledge Simeon Brown has rejected their proposal but all I see is these commissioners trying to cling on to power and their sinecure at all costs. It is unbelievable-they should be ashamed. Ms Tolley (who does not live here), Mr Selwood who gets flown up from god knows where, and the other two-spare me the platitudes about how they are only here for the benefit of Tauranga. No you are not. You are paid to impose what you think we want. What is that? An oligarchy? Democracy is not perfect but far better than what you propose. To completely misquote Bertrand Russell-let the people think. By the way Mr Rutherford (my absent aka missing in action BoP MP) if you can deign to read this-show some mettle.

10 hours ago

🏡✨ Selling your home?

Matt from Matt Wineera - Thats Real Estate with Matt Wineera

Don't underestimate the power of atmosphere! 🌺🍞 When potential buyers step into your home, consider their senses. A clean-smelling home is key, so say goodbye to cooking smells, cigarette smoke, and pet odours! 🚫

Sensitive noses out there? No worries! After banishing those odours, … View more
Don't underestimate the power of atmosphere! 🌺🍞 When potential buyers step into your home, consider their senses. A clean-smelling home is key, so say goodbye to cooking smells, cigarette smoke, and pet odours! 🚫

Sensitive noses out there? No worries! After banishing those odours, add a delightful touch – think fresh-baked bread for an emotional vibe, a bouquet of flowers for a burst of freshness, or try cinnamon magic! 🍞🌸✨

Boil cinnamon sticks for 2 minutes, let the aroma dance through your home, and turn off the heat once that cosy cinnamon scent wraps around every corner. 🍂🏠✨

Why cinnamon? It's linked to warmth, making your home even more irresistible.

Ready to charm those potential buyers? Let the scents do the talking! 💕

Have a chat about all things real estate

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10 hours ago

Have you checked out the tiger cubs?

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

They’re furry, stripy and, now they’re growing at the rate of 1kg a week, won’t be babies for much longer.

Twin tiger cubs have become the core of attraction at Hamilton Zoo as visitors cannot get enough of the fluffy spurt of energy.

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10 hours ago

Which option do you think is best for Cathedral Cove's future?

Libby Totton Reporter from Hauraki Herald

The Department of Conservation has unveiled three options that could see visitors returning to Cathedral Cove - but also admitted continued land movement has made it “challenging” to identify “a simple walking solution at a level of risk acceptable”.

The popular walking track to the … View more
The Department of Conservation has unveiled three options that could see visitors returning to Cathedral Cove - but also admitted continued land movement has made it “challenging” to identify “a simple walking solution at a level of risk acceptable”.

The popular walking track to the picturesque beach has been closed since February 2023, due to damage caused by extreme weather events

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1 day ago

Poll: Who is the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero?

Prospa

It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who… View more
It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who deserves the title of 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero.

So have a read of the nominations below and cast your vote...

Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
Hawkes Bay
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'

Ian Harvey (& Des Banks) - Flower Bazaar
Christchurch
'I'd like to nominate my local florist, Ian and Des at Flower Bazaar on Innes Rd, Chirstchurch. The friendliest guys you could meet, always supporting their fellow retailers in the area and going above and beyond for their customers. They know my family well, and when my mother sadly passed away last July they even went out of their way to close the shop and come to her memorial service. With cost of living issues for a lot of us nowadays, it can't be easy for small businesses, especially those not selling everyday essentials. It's important we support each other and keep these little guys afloat. I can't sing their praises enough. I hope they win something, they really do deserve it.'

Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
Whangārei
'The proprietor of this business is so kind. She will come to your home or business to discuss your need for repairs alterations or bespoke requirement. As it is often impossible to give a quote for work to do with tailoring she will give a guesstimate, if her time exceed this figure, she will charge that figure no more. But if the work takes less time, this will be the figure. Also, a client who eventually came to Vivienne had taken, a dress she very much liked, to another repair and alteration business who messed it up. Vivienne adjusted to fit well, straightened the one to straight back seam as well as other adjustments. She spent hours on it but charged well less than this time, due to empathy for the disappointment created by the bad job. Vivienne Shepherd is truly focused on doing the best by her clients. She definitely pursues excellence.'

Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
Palmerston North
'He consistently turns out a wide range of biscuits on the shelves in both standard AND gluten free versions - he's our go-to when we need a treat to take to dinner at a longtime friend's place who requires gluten free food. His specialty is gingerbread of course and he sells Gingerbread House kitsets to people all over NZ!
The shop is small but inviting and he keeps loyalty cards for regular customers, bonus treats! I only found out recently that he struggled with dyslexia and left school early, but is a born baker and has gone from strength to strength. Long may he practice his craft!'

Alicia Sinclair & the Team - Atawhai Industries
New Plymouth
'Definitely Atawhai Industries New Plymouth. Great crew and management. Prompt service, experienced skilled workers who are cheerful and polite. I was very impressed with the dangerous job they had to do for me and will definitely be calling them for future work. They do so much for the community and help get work for people who would otherwise have difficulties.'

Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
Wellington
'I'd like to nominate Jitesh & Hine at Creswick Foodmarket, Northland. Their tidy shop has everything one might need. And if what I am looking for is not there, they consider bringing it in for me. This avoids a lot of travelling across town for me. They also are very community-minded, contributing quietly to events and kids club. I'm glad they are in my community.'

Nicola Read & Team - Read Bros - Hardware
Thames
'I'd like to nominate Read Bros in Thames. The staff are so knowledgeable and helpful. If it's not in stock they will order it in for you. There you get treated as a person, rather than a number.'

Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
Dunedin
'I'd like to nominate Ayers Shoe Repairs in Hillside Road of Dunedin. They repair many things, not just shoes. Paul does a great job at a very reasonable price. They rang me as soon as my job was ready to collect. They are friendly and helpful.'

Vote for your pick in the poll below...

Who is the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero?
  • 42.1% Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
    42.1% Complete
  • 10.3% Ian Harvey - Flower Bazaar
    10.3% Complete
  • 4.2% Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
    4.2% Complete
  • 14.8% Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
    14.8% Complete
  • 5.5% The Team - Atawhai Industries
    5.5% Complete
  • 9.6% Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
    9.6% Complete
  • 2.9% Nicola Read & Team - Read Bros Hardware
    2.9% Complete
  • 10.6% Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
    10.6% Complete
311 votes
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7 days ago

Unelected commissioners recommend they stay in power

Pat from Welcome Bay

Interesting responses to my post. Two in particular piqued my interest. Suzanne Williams and her comments about whinging about everything-Suzanne it is not about whinging. It is more about raising concerns about an undemocratic regime forced on us and then seeing the commissioners wanting to keep… View moreInteresting responses to my post. Two in particular piqued my interest. Suzanne Williams and her comments about whinging about everything-Suzanne it is not about whinging. It is more about raising concerns about an undemocratic regime forced on us and then seeing the commissioners wanting to keep their sinecure. Greg Reardon "I vote to keep the commissioners"-Greg the point is that you do not have a vote. Look I get it-democracy is imperfect. Some of our previously elected councillors were rubbish-ego driven and feeding from the trough (not unlike our commissioners). But it is what we have got. It is better to have an imperfect democracy than an unelected and unaccountable cartel of commissioners who say "we know what is good for you".

1 day ago

Thinking of going duck hunting this year?

Te Tari Pūreke

Hi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.

Make this duck season a great one by … View more
Hi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.

Make this duck season a great one by following the seven rules of firearms safety. We urge duck hunters to treat every shotgun in the maimai as loaded, and to save the drinks until after firearms have been safely locked away for the day. Remember, it takes more than luck to bag a duck.

Mike McIlraith – Director of Partnerships
Find out more

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1 day ago

Poll: Which mattress would you rather....?

Beds 4 U Tauranga

Time to settle the mattress match-up: Firm or Plush? Which side of the bed beckons you for a cozy night's sleep? Cast your vote and let's find out which mattress reigns supreme! #beds #mattress

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Which mattress would you rather....?
  • 73% Firm
    73% Complete
  • 27% Plush
    27% Complete
63 votes
3 days ago

Do good in the dark times

Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support

In the darkest of times, no one should have to cope alone. Victim Support seeks volunteers like you to step up and step in, to offer vital assistance when it’s needed most. Whether it's providing crucial information or just being there to listen, your support can change lives.

Share your … View more
In the darkest of times, no one should have to cope alone. Victim Support seeks volunteers like you to step up and step in, to offer vital assistance when it’s needed most. Whether it's providing crucial information or just being there to listen, your support can change lives.

Share your skills, time and compassion to directly help victims of crime, suicide and traumatic events.

Volunteer with us and do good in the dark times!

With heartfelt thanks,
The Victim Support Team
Find out more

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2 days ago

Bob Owens Village Celebrates Double Digits!

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Our Bob Owens Village celebrated a significant milestone on 18 April - a decade in business!

The Ryman village, located in Tauranga, was packed with over 200 eager residents waiting to celebrate. The festivities had been delayed due to COVID-19, making it closer to a 12-year birthday than a … View more
Our Bob Owens Village celebrated a significant milestone on 18 April - a decade in business!

The Ryman village, located in Tauranga, was packed with over 200 eager residents waiting to celebrate. The festivities had been delayed due to COVID-19, making it closer to a 12-year birthday than a tenth but as the saying goes, better late than never!

Cheyne Chalmers, Chief Executive Officer - NZ, opened the speeches by commenting on the strong sense of community at the village.

Click read more for the full story.

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3 days ago

Smart, luxury homes for first-home Turnkey buyers!

Kevler Homes

The unique Kevler approach: The innovative Kevler method accelerates the journey from ground-breaking to key handover, cutting wait times significantly.

This means you step into your new home sooner than ever. Our dedication to excellence and efficiency means we provide enhanced features at no … View more
The unique Kevler approach: The innovative Kevler method accelerates the journey from ground-breaking to key handover, cutting wait times significantly.

This means you step into your new home sooner than ever. Our dedication to excellence and efficiency means we provide enhanced features at no extra cost, turning your dream home into reality with high-end finishes and special touches included as standard.
Find out more

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7 days ago

Lest we forget...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love … View more
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.

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5 days ago
10 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your … View more
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.2% Yes
    91.2% Complete
  • 8.1% No
    8.1% Complete
  • 0.7% Other - I'll share below!
    0.7% Complete
1766 votes
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