184 days ago

Poll: Should fruit cake lose its Christmas reign?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This hardy dessert has stood the test of time but is it time for a new dessert to step into the (Christmas) light? Share your vote, and tell us what kiwi classic you'd put in its place.

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

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Should fruit cake lose its Christmas reign?
  • 14.4% Yes, goodbye fruit cake
    14.4% Complete
  • 32.8% No, it's tradition
    32.8% Complete
  • 52.8% No way, it's delicious
    52.8% Complete
2204 votes
More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Share your most delicious (but affordable!) go-to meal...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Winter is knocking at the door and the cost of living has already made itself at home. So let's help each other out by sharing your meal ideas that don't break the bank.

Comment below with your go-to meals that are delicious and affordable.

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

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13 days ago

And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...

Prospa

A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.

The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.

The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'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.'

Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!

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2 hours ago

Precautionary evacuation

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Rotorua Lakes Council emergency management is asking residents of Western Road (Ngongotaha) to self- evacuate.

What you need to know:
- The evacuation is a precautionary measure in case the river rises higher.
- This is not a declared state of emergency, but the situation is being monitored.
- Council is working with Bay of Plenty Regional Council to monitor stream levels and the incoming rain forecast.
- Council staff will be out in Ngongotahā, going from house to house on Western Road talking to residents and providing advice about self-evacuation but it will take some time for the team to reach everyone.

IF YOU ARE ASKED TO EVACUATE:
- Take something warm to wear and essentials (medication, baby food etc). Take your pets.
- If possible, go to friends and whanau. Otherwise, move away from the river to a dry, safe location.
This does not mean the river WILL flood, but Civil Defence don't want to be taking any chances with people's safety.

Council is encouraging any other residents living near waterways to keep an eye on what is happening around their properties. If you see issues or feel you need to evacuate please contact council on 07 348 4199.

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