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Police is still taking a firm approach to unsafe driving behaviour from travellers going anywhere on our roads this Easter holiday weekend.
Over Easter weekend in 2025, four lives were lost on roads – down from seven deaths recorded for the same period the year before.
Superintendent Steve … View morePolice is still taking a firm approach to unsafe driving behaviour from travellers going anywhere on our roads this Easter holiday weekend.
Over Easter weekend in 2025, four lives were lost on roads – down from seven deaths recorded for the same period the year before.
Superintendent Steve Greally, Director of Road Policing, says we can all do much better.
We still need drivers and road users to make smart decisions to keep themselves and others safe or they can expect to be ticketed, he says.
“Our staff will be out patrolling roads at any time and any where over Easter weekend and we will use the appropriate enforcement action if motorists are thought to be risking the safety of themselves and others on the roads.
“We are taking a serious stance to ensure we don’t see more lives lost on our roads."
Police will maintain a high level of visibility on our roads in order to prevent unsafe behaviours and enforce the law with a clear focus on reducing road trauma.
Superintendent Greally urges drivers to consider the safety of others and their own when getting behind the wheel and consider how your actions, can change the lives of people in an instant.
“Decisions when driving can put a life in the balance that’s why it’s important not to overlook them whenever or wherever you’re travelling.
“Make good choices. Put that seatbelt on – both your own and your kids. You don’t need to drink and drive - get a taxi or a ride-share like Uber or Didi or have a sober driver get you home.
Never use your phone while driving, that distraction could cost a life, and slow down, plan your holiday journey so you don’t have to hurry anywhere.
"Any of these will improve the chances of you arriving at your destination safely.”
Join us for a quick video tour of our lovely Open Plan living. Our comfy and secure units come with modern kitchens and bathrooms and plenty of space for family and visitors. The versatile open plan design makes retirement living easy. If you or a family member are considering a retirement village,… View moreJoin us for a quick video tour of our lovely Open Plan living. Our comfy and secure units come with modern kitchens and bathrooms and plenty of space for family and visitors. The versatile open plan design makes retirement living easy. If you or a family member are considering a retirement village, let us show you around in person.
Our focus is on finding the best solution without the sales pitch, so call Vincent on 027 297 4057 today for a no obligation, personal tour.
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First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
… View moreFirst introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their … View moreDr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
As thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information … View moreAs thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information campaign reminding hunters everywhere of Rule #4 of the Firearms Safety Code: to identify their target beyond all doubt.
Director Communities and Corporate, Mike McIlraith, says there is an estimated 50,000-60,000 New Zealanders involved in big game animal hunting each year, and the Roar is the key event for many hunters each year.
“The Roar is a fantastic time of year for hunters to get out into the hills after a trophy animal but hunting safely and making sure everyone gets home in one piece, still must be the most important goal of every trip,” says Mike McIlraith.
“The consequences of not fully identifying your target beyond all doubt can be catastrophic. Our message to hunters is a really simple one: If you are not sure, then don’t shoot.”
Mike McIlraith says while hunting fatalities are thankfully rare, research has shown that misidentification of the target is the largest firearms related risk to New Zealand deer hunters, and 80% of the time this involves members of the same hunting group.
The Authority says hunters should not feel pressured to take a shot: “Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? Identifying your target means never firing at sound, shape, colour or movement alone.”
Mike McIlraith says good hunters will slow down, and run through some simple mental checks:
- Can I see the whole animal, or could this be another hunter?
- Where are my hunting companions – could this be them or someone else?
- How much of the animal can you see, if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how - many points does its antlers have?
“Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting. No meat or no trophy is better than no mate,” he says.
Whether it’s a courgette takeover or a feijoa frenzy, don’t let those garden gems go to waste!
Our suggestion to you: Did you know you can grate and freeze excess courgettes to use in chocolate cake later? It sounds a bit dodgy, but it makes the cake incredibly moist ... and hey, it counts … View moreWhether it’s a courgette takeover or a feijoa frenzy, don’t let those garden gems go to waste!
Our suggestion to you: Did you know you can grate and freeze excess courgettes to use in chocolate cake later? It sounds a bit dodgy, but it makes the cake incredibly moist ... and hey, it counts as a serving of veg, right? 🍫
What’s your go-to move for a bumper harvest? Drop your best "glut" recipes or preservation hacks in the comments below! 👇
20% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers & sealers and 20% off wallpaper and 20% off decorating accessories.
See your Resene Colorshop and bring out the best in your home.
Locals are invited to the Bay of Plenty Seniors & Travel Expo, a friendly day out focused on planning what’s next. Explore 50+ exhibitors covering travel, retirement living, motorhomes, health services, finance, and local clubs. Enjoy live performances from Autangi Ensemble, café seating, a… View moreLocals are invited to the Bay of Plenty Seniors & Travel Expo, a friendly day out focused on planning what’s next. Explore 50+ exhibitors covering travel, retirement living, motorhomes, health services, finance, and local clubs. Enjoy live performances from Autangi Ensemble, café seating, a free show bag with every ticket, great door prizes, and the chance to win a Luxury Beachfront Escape for Two to Rarotonga.
Mercury Baypark Stadium
28 & 29 March
10:00am – 3:00pm
$6 solo / $10 couple
We still have some pretty warm days and you can also stock up for next summer at these crazy prices…. Starts Tuesday. Only for 5 days so get in.😁
St Luke’s Opportunity Shop on Amohia Street, Rotorua next to St Luke’s Church.
This Sunday is up for a splash of Blue with the Blues Club Band at 1pm followed by a cruise down memory lane with one of our favourite Aunties - Krissie Knap. We've had them all this season!
Koha:
Your koha is much appreciated to help pay the bills and if you don't have any cash, just… View moreThis Sunday is up for a splash of Blue with the Blues Club Band at 1pm followed by a cruise down memory lane with one of our favourite Aunties - Krissie Knap. We've had them all this season!
Koha:
Your koha is much appreciated to help pay the bills and if you don't have any cash, just pop along to Humanitix for a donation to Music at the Rotunda or scan the QR code.
events.humanitix.com...
Our ice cream vendor Stone Soup is on another mission this Sunday but hopefully Donna will be there with the Little Yellow Coffee Cart.
Thanks again to our sponsors: Music Rotorua and The Rotorua Trust and to Rotorua Lakes Council for providing the band rotunda. We are going through to include Easter Sunday 5 April this year. Details of upcoming performers is below:
Sunday 22 March
1:00pm The Blues Club Band
2:00pm Krissie Knapp
Sunday 29 March
1:00pm Sweet As
2:00pm Mason Birch
Sunday 5 April
1:00pm Rotorua Musical Theatre
2:00pm Tumanako with Bobby Howard
See you there, thanks to Music Rotorua, the Rotorua Trust and Rotorua Lakes Council for the Band Rotunda
From student nurse to Village Manager, Ruben Kumar’s journey at Ryman reflects years of dedication, growth, and a passion for caring for others.
Today, as Village Manager, Ruben leads the community with the experience gained from progressing through multiple roles across the organisation.
… View moreFrom student nurse to Village Manager, Ruben Kumar’s journey at Ryman reflects years of dedication, growth, and a passion for caring for others.
Today, as Village Manager, Ruben leads the community with the experience gained from progressing through multiple roles across the organisation.
Click read more to learn more about Ruben's journey at Ryman.
Hi neighbours – it’s the healthcare team from The Doctors!
Can’t get a GP consult for you or your family? We offer walk-in care at The Doctors Bayfair (enrolled and casual patients) and The Doctors Tauranga (enrolled patients
only).
We have 8 practices in the Bay of Plenty (Tauranga, … View moreHi neighbours – it’s the healthcare team from The Doctors!
Can’t get a GP consult for you or your family? We offer walk-in care at The Doctors Bayfair (enrolled and casual patients) and The Doctors Tauranga (enrolled patients
only).
We have 8 practices in the Bay of Plenty (Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa & Whakatane), and they’re all accepting new patients. Find a GP team to suit you today.
Easily enrol online– in just 2 minutes, no app download or paperwork required!
Come and meet your healthcare team at The Doctors, and experience high quality, accessible healthcare.
Hey Neighbours,
Have you ever thought about renting out your holiday home, or wondered if you could be earning more from your current short-term rental?
As part of the Neighbourly community, Bachcare is offering a FREE short-term rental appraisal to help you understand your property’s … View moreHey Neighbours,
Have you ever thought about renting out your holiday home, or wondered if you could be earning more from your current short-term rental?
As part of the Neighbourly community, Bachcare is offering a FREE short-term rental appraisal to help you understand your property’s earning potential.
With more than 20 years of experience, we support over 1,500 homeowners across New Zealand with 24/7 guest support, local teams on the ground, and professional cleaning services. Our goal is to make hosting simple while helping you maximise your income.
If you would like to learn more, feel free to get in touch.
The Bachcare Team
Locals are invited to the Bay of Plenty Seniors & Travel Expo, a friendly day out focused on planning what’s next. Explore 50+ exhibitors covering travel, retirement living, motorhomes, health services, finance, and local clubs. Enjoy live performances from Autangi Ensemble, café seating, a… View moreLocals are invited to the Bay of Plenty Seniors & Travel Expo, a friendly day out focused on planning what’s next. Explore 50+ exhibitors covering travel, retirement living, motorhomes, health services, finance, and local clubs. Enjoy live performances from Autangi Ensemble, café seating, a free show bag with every ticket, great door prizes, and the chance to win a Luxury Beachfront Escape for Two to Rarotonga.
Mercury Baypark Stadium
28 & 29 March
10:00am – 3:00pm
$6 solo / $10 couple
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