Lake Okataina, Rotorua

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Share it with your neighbours here.

119 days ago

Applications for our Love to Dance grants are now open!

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Whether it's pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet - if you're encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.

Click read more to nominate your … View more
Whether it's pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet - if you're encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.

Click read more to nominate your community dance group.

Applications close 31 August 2025.

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120 days ago

Elevate Your Windows with Stylish Grid Shelves for Plants

The Team from Resene ColorShop Rotorua

Transform regular casement windows into elegant grid-style options that double as pretty shelving – perfect for those small, sun-loving plants. Find out how to transform your windows with these easy step by step instructions.

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120 days ago

Get growing this spring – and get a FREE gift!

Mags4Gifts

Spring is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to get stuck into the garden.

Right now, when you subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years, you’ll receive a FREE Solo Hose End Sprayer, the perfect companion for spring prep.

The Solo 405-HE is a serious time-saver — just … View more
Spring is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to get stuck into the garden.

Right now, when you subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years, you’ll receive a FREE Solo Hose End Sprayer, the perfect companion for spring prep.

The Solo 405-HE is a serious time-saver — just connect, spray, and you’re done. No pumping, no premixing, no mess. It works with cost-saving concentrates like fertilisers, insecticides, herbicides and more, and covers large or small areas quickly with a smooth, sweeping spray. It fits most chemical bottles (with three thread options) or you can use the included canister.

Whether you’re nurturing veggies, taming weeds or boosting blooms, this sprayer makes the job quick, clean and easy.

Treat yourself to expert advice, seasonal inspiration – and a garden tool you’ll use all year long.

*T&Cs apply. Offer available to the first 300 people who subscribe for 1 or 2 years between August 4 – August 31, 2025.
Find out more

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126 days ago

Love broccoli? Share your recipe

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: … View moreKia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by August 15, 2025.

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121 days ago

The latest product recalls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!

Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.

Food and household item recalls:
Woolworths brand 18% Fat Beef Mince
View more
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!

Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.

Food and household item recalls:
Woolworths brand 18% Fat Beef Mince
Hydr8 brand Spring Water 600ml x 24
Snack Switch brand Plant Protein Bars
Ecostore Ultra Sensitive Multi Purpose Cleaner 500ml
Various sunscreens sold online at Harvey Norman

Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Annabel Trends - Banana Teether
Villeroy & Boch Children’s Tumblers- sold at Ballantynes Christchurch
Jupiter 2-in-1 Baby High Chair & Swing. Recall updated July 2025. Originally published January 2025.
Portable Soothing Baby Rocker Bouncer Chair with Toy Bar. Recall updated July 2025. Originally published January 2025.

Product Recalls: Clothing
Ocean & Earth Youth & kids Ponchos (Various)
IG Embroidered Sherpa Bomber Jacket- sold at Postie

Product Recalls: Electronics
OMNI Desktop power module with USB-A and USB-C
Yamaha PA300C Power Adaptor for Digital Piano Products
Gadali Gas Deep Fat Fryer OT-72A 12KW

Product Recalls: Other
Kelsey Mug- sold at nood
DT SWISS ARC, ERC, CRC & HEC Wheel
DT SWISS ERC/CRC/HEC Wheel
Momentum Vida E+ Low-Step E-Bicycle- sold at Giant and Momentum dealers
Honda Outboard BF115, 135, 150 and 350

See past months recalls here. Stay safe, neighbours!

121 days ago

There's still time...

Resene

Does your home have a bright pink front door? Know a secret rainbow-coloured park bench? Is there art in your office that makes you smile every time you walk past it? If it's bright - we need to see it!

Bright Spots is back for a third year - a celebration of the crazy colourful places in … View more
Does your home have a bright pink front door? Know a secret rainbow-coloured park bench? Is there art in your office that makes you smile every time you walk past it? If it's bright - we need to see it!

Bright Spots is back for a third year - a celebration of the crazy colourful places in our communities and homes. Share a pic today and you could win one of ten prize packages worth $500!

Need inspo? Check out the entries so far.
Share a Bright Spot now

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122 days ago

Savour the moments that matter with Ryman

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Some of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*

We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more … View more
Some of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*

We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more time enjoying who’s around the table.

And because life at Ryman means less home maintenance, you’ll have even more time for the things you love.

*Participating villages only, promotion terms and Clubcard terms and conditions apply.
Find out more

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123 days ago

Ryman Village Open Days

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Friday 15 & Saturday 16 August, 10am - 2pm.

Experience the award-winning lifestyle at a Ryman village.

Join us at our open days and explore our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and see the premium amenities on offer.

We look forward to seeing you.

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131 days ago

Poll: What do you do with your stuff when you get the urge to declutter?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Life gets busy—really busy. Between work, family, appointments, and a never-ending to-do list, it’s easy for things to pile up. Add fast fashion, online sales, and homewares aisles that whisper “just one more basket won’t hurt”, and suddenly we’re swimming in stuff and tat.

View more
Life gets busy—really busy. Between work, family, appointments, and a never-ending to-do list, it’s easy for things to pile up. Add fast fashion, online sales, and homewares aisles that whisper “just one more basket won’t hurt”, and suddenly we’re swimming in stuff and tat.

Sometimes, that stuff is cozy and familiar. But other times, after a long day, you walk through the door, look around, and think: “Okay. Something’s got to go.”

And when that urge to declutter hits, the question is—where does it all go? We're not talking about broken bits and pieces, but those perfectly good things that simply no longer fit your life or your space.

In her piece When decluttering can’t be avoided much longer, Joanna Davis shares the everyday items she's finally ready to part with—and it might just inspire your own clear-out mission.

We want to know:
🧹 How often do you get the urge to declutter?
🎯 Are there certain things you’ve got your eye on to donate or rehome?
💛 Do you have any favourite charities, op-shops, or community organisations you support with your preloved items?

Let’s swap stories, share ideas, and help great stuff find a second life—outside our closets and shelves.

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What do you do with your stuff when you get the urge to declutter?
  • 74.1% Op-shops!
    74.1% Complete
  • 10.3% I pop items on the local online Market.
    10.3% Complete
  • 4.9% Friends and family - I buy with care, and so I give with care.
    4.9% Complete
  • 4.4% The tip - if I don't want it, others won't either.
    4.4% Complete
  • 2.3% I love an old fashioned Garage Sale or a local car-boot market.
    2.3% Complete
  • 2.3% I repurpose - I craft, rework, and give things new life.
    2.3% Complete
  • 1.6% Other - share your secrets below.
    1.6% Complete
1600 votes
124 days ago

Keep yourself protected against Covid

Ministry of Health

It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.

The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you … View more
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.

The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.

To book your vaccination, or talk to your healthcare provider.
Find out more

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126 days ago

Savour the moments that matter with Ryman

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Some of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*

We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more … View more
Some of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*

We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more time enjoying who’s around the table.

And because life at Ryman means less home maintenance, you’ll have even more time for the things you love.

*Participating villages only, promotion terms and Clubcard terms and conditions apply.

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127 days ago

Brighten Your Backyard: Create a Colourful Outdoor Oasis with a DIY Mural

The Team from Resene ColorShop Rotorua

Create your own oasis by colouring up an outdoor area with a punchy mural using Resene Lustacryl or Resene testpots. Find out how to add a bright spot to your backyard with these easy step by step instructions.

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128 days ago

Live stronger for longer

ACC New Zealand

Stay active and keep doing the things you love.
Join a strength and balance class near you. With classes to suit every pace and ability, and trained instructors to guide you through, it’s a great way to keep healthy and make new friends. So you can live stronger for longer, and keep living the … View more
Stay active and keep doing the things you love.
Join a strength and balance class near you. With classes to suit every pace and ability, and trained instructors to guide you through, it’s a great way to keep healthy and make new friends. So you can live stronger for longer, and keep living the life you want. Find a class near you today.
Find out more

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128 days ago

National Advisory: Tsunami activity – expect strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

New Zealand may experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following a magnitude 8.7 earthquake off the East Coast of Russia at 2025-07-30 11:25 AM.

Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, … View more
New Zealand may experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following a magnitude 8.7 earthquake off the East Coast of Russia at 2025-07-30 11:25 AM.

Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore.

People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.

AREAS UNDER THREAT:
ALL COASTAL AREAS OF THE NORTH ISLAND, GREAT BARRIER ISLAND, THE SOUTH ISLAND, STEWART ISLAND, and the CHATHAM ISLANDS (updated: 3.02pm, 30/07/2025)

ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN AREAS UNDER THREAT:
STAY OFF THE BEACHES AND SHORE AREAS

People on boats, live-aboards and at marinas should leave their boats/vessels and move onto shore. Do not return to boats unless instructed by officials.

There is no need to evacuate other areas unless directly advised by local civil defence authorities. Coastal inundation (flooding of land areas near the shore) is not expected as a result of this event. We are advising people to:
- Move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.
- Do not go to the coast to watch the unusual wave activity as there may be dangerous and unpredictable surges.
- Listen to local civil defence authorities and follow any instructions.
- Share this information with family, neighbours and friends.
- Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until the Civil Defence states otherwise.

The situation may change as new information becomes available. Listen to the radio or TV for updates, or check www.civildefence.govt.nz...

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138 days ago

On July 22 1987, New Zealand's first Lotto went on sale 🎉🎉

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Imagine checking your ticket and realising that you have won big ...

Tell us your dreams - what is the very first thing you would do with the winnings?

Would you make that silly purchase you have always wanted, but could never justify?
Call the bank and immediately pay off your mortgage? … View more
Imagine checking your ticket and realising that you have won big ...

Tell us your dreams - what is the very first thing you would do with the winnings?

Would you make that silly purchase you have always wanted, but could never justify?
Call the bank and immediately pay off your mortgage?
Stop by the SPCA on the way home and make a donation?
Buy a captain's hat, open up Trade Me and browse "boats for sale"?

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