Tikitere - Mourea, Rotorua

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Share it with your neighbours here.

117 days ago

Poll: Is restructuring the right tool for change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Restructure.
A scary word that can make people uneasy—and for good reason. According to The Post, more than a third of New Zealand’s public services have recently faced it.

But why is restructuring the go-to strategy for driving change?

In The Post’s article '… View more
Restructure.
A scary word that can make people uneasy—and for good reason. According to The Post, more than a third of New Zealand’s public services have recently faced it.

But why is restructuring the go-to strategy for driving change?

In The Post’s article 'Reaching for change: Is our public service obsessed with restructuring?', doctoral candidate Annika Naschitzki from Victoria University is trying to understand repetitive restructuring.

New Zealand’s public service is often seen as risk-averse, slow-moving, and stuck. But interviewed staff indicate that they want change, that change is needed ... just not through restructuring.

Naschitzki doesn’t mince words: “We always have the same issues, but we keep trying to fix the same problem with the same hammer we've been using for decades.”

Are we leaning too heavily on structural change when real transformation might lie elsewhere? Perhaps through training, resourcing, tools, and practice, as Naschitzki suggests.

What do you think?
Is restructuring the right tool for meaningful change, or just a habit we can’t seem to break?
If you are wary of restructuring, how can we do better?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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Is restructuring the right tool for change?
  • 7.4% Restructuring is the only option in the current climate
    7.4% Complete
  • 25.5% Can be great if done in consultation with staff doing the work
    25.5% Complete
  • 15.1% Any change is good, as long as we know what we are trying to achieve
    15.1% Complete
  • 14.1% No, restructuring consumes too much resourcing
    14.1% Complete
  • 35.6% There is no one-size-fits-all answer ...
    35.6% Complete
  • 2.2% Other - I will share below
    2.2% Complete
714 votes
112 days ago

Scam Alert: Investment scam and remote access

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Be aware of an investment scam that is allowing access to people’s phones.

How it works: The scam encourages you to install an app from an unverified source. This requires that you change your phone settings.

❌ DO NOT allow your phone to install unknown apps.

Once the app is … View more
Be aware of an investment scam that is allowing access to people’s phones.

How it works: The scam encourages you to install an app from an unverified source. This requires that you change your phone settings.

❌ DO NOT allow your phone to install unknown apps.

Once the app is installed, the scammers can gain access to your phone’s info. This will impact you, but may also facilitate scams on people you know using information lifted from your phone and installed apps.

For more information, head to Own Your Online
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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112 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.
Learn more

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113 days ago

Crackerjack bargains you can't miss!

Cracker Jack

We’re the bargain hunter’s best friend!

At Crackerjack, we’re always on the hunt for unbeatable deals to keep your trolley full and your wallet happy! With fresh bargains landing weekly (and flying out fast), you’ll want to grab them before they’re gone. From everyday essentials to … View more
We’re the bargain hunter’s best friend!

At Crackerjack, we’re always on the hunt for unbeatable deals to keep your trolley full and your wallet happy! With fresh bargains landing weekly (and flying out fast), you’ll want to grab them before they’re gone. From everyday essentials to international treats, exclusive ranges and more, there’s always something new to discover.

Check out our latest specials today!
Find out more

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113 days ago

Create, Paint & Plant: A Fun Family DIY Project

The Team from Resene ColorShop Rotorua

Get creative with your child (or grandchild) with this simple-to-make two-in-one DIY project – that repurposes fence palings as handy shelving finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Whero and turns one plant into 12 new ones to display on it. Find out how to make and finish your shelving and pots… View moreGet creative with your child (or grandchild) with this simple-to-make two-in-one DIY project – that repurposes fence palings as handy shelving finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Whero and turns one plant into 12 new ones to display on it. Find out how to make and finish your shelving and pots with these easy step by step instructions.

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124 days ago

Poll: What are the living costs that are having the biggest (and perhaps surprising) impact on your wallet?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Butter, power bills, and those sneaky surcharges on your card ... it feels like everything’s creeping up in price lately. We’ve seen the headlines, but we want to hear it from you.

Overall, Most Kiwis say they’re ‘not prospering’. But, according to Retirement Commission data, some … View more
Butter, power bills, and those sneaky surcharges on your card ... it feels like everything’s creeping up in price lately. We’ve seen the headlines, but we want to hear it from you.

Overall, Most Kiwis say they’re ‘not prospering’. But, according to Retirement Commission data, some members of our community (women, Māori, and Pacific people) are experiencing worsening financial positions at elevated rates.

Stats NZ tells us that food prices have jumped 4.6% since this time last year, with meat and dairy doing most of the damage. This jump is hitting us all, but groceries are just one part of the picture.

When basic costs keep climbing, the old cost-saving tricks — like bulk-buying or stockpiling on sale — don’t always work. Who can afford to spend more upfront when every dollar already has a job?

We want to know: What costs have caught you off guard the most? What are the expenses that feel impossible to juggle right now?
Share your thoughts below!

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What are the living costs that are having the biggest (and perhaps surprising) impact on your wallet?
  • 43.5% Grocery bills
    43.5% Complete
  • 33% Utilities
    33% Complete
  • 1% Your treats (the ones that keep you human day to day, and are ESSENTIAL!)
    1% Complete
  • 0.1% Education
    0.1% Complete
  • 7.6% Healthcare
    7.6% Complete
  • 1.3% Travel (public transport/petrol)
    1.3% Complete
  • 7.9% Rent or mortgage
    7.9% Complete
  • 1.5% Social costs: birthday gifts and occasions
    1.5% Complete
  • 4.1% Other - share below!
    4.1% Complete
2582 votes
115 days ago

Last chance to enter!

Resene

Don't forget to enter a Bright Spot in your home, workplace or community for a chance to win one of ten amazing prizes! Whether it's a colourful fence, a mural in your office or a place in the community that makes you smile - we'd love to see it.

Share a Bright Spot today for a … View more
Don't forget to enter a Bright Spot in your home, workplace or community for a chance to win one of ten amazing prizes! Whether it's a colourful fence, a mural in your office or a place in the community that makes you smile - we'd love to see it.

Share a Bright Spot today for a chance to win one of ten prize packs worth $500.

And make sure you check out the entries so far too.
Enter now

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115 days ago

Why Choosing the Right Bed Matters – You’ll Be Surprised at the Reason

Beds4U - Rotorua

Hi Neighbours!

Before you settle for your next bed, read this:
www.stuff.co.nz...

Your bed isn’t just where you sleep — it’s where your health, comfort, and daily energy begin. The wrong choice can leave you waking up sore, tired, and frustrated.

The right one? It can completely … View more
Hi Neighbours!

Before you settle for your next bed, read this:
www.stuff.co.nz...

Your bed isn’t just where you sleep — it’s where your health, comfort, and daily energy begin. The wrong choice can leave you waking up sore, tired, and frustrated.

The right one? It can completely change how you feel every single day.

116 days ago

Ryman Village Open Days

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

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

Come and experience the warmth of our Ryman village communities. We'd love to show you around.

Discover our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and explore our premium amenities.
Find out more

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128 days ago

Poll: No more card payment surcharges – but who should be covering the cost? 💸

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Government says it's scrapping those annoying card surcharges – and it’s happening next year.

Consumer NZ is stoked, saying these sneaky surcharges cost Kiwis around $65 million a year and should’ve been gone ages ago.

But not everyone’s convinced it’s a win. Labour and … View more
The Government says it's scrapping those annoying card surcharges – and it’s happening next year.

Consumer NZ is stoked, saying these sneaky surcharges cost Kiwis around $65 million a year and should’ve been gone ages ago.

But not everyone’s convinced it’s a win. Labour and Hospitality NZ are worried the costs won’t just disappear. Labour MP Arena Williams put it simply: there should not be surcharges for customers at all. But she points out that the Government’s plan does not deal with banks and merchants “who still scoop a big fee”.

Many of our community are rocked by the recent announcement. Retailers warn card surcharge ban could lead to higher prices - the unfortunatel reality is that small businesses are feeling the squeeze along with their customers. In comparison, large retailers pay significantly lower banking fees and ultimately have more leverage at the negotiation table.

💸 So someone still pays – but who?

We want to know: Who should be covering this cost?
Share your thoughts in the comments!

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No more card payment surcharges – but who should be covering the cost? 💸
  • 5.7% Retailers need to absorb the cost
    5.7% Complete
  • 88.7% The banks are the problem - the cost should not sit with consumers or retailers
    88.7% Complete
  • 4.2% I do not mind paying a surcharge - I just want everything to be transparent
    4.2% Complete
  • 1.4% It is more complicated - I will share below
    1.4% Complete
2839 votes
119 days ago

FREE KING BED GIVEAWAY!

Beds4U - Rotorua

Hi Neighbours!

We’re celebrating 12 years, and one lucky local will WIN a Luxury Spine Supporter King Bed.
Sleep like royalty

Perfect spine support
100% FREE – just for entering!
Enter today – don’t miss your chance!

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120 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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127 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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