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It’s been a little full-on at the office lately, and the Neighbourly team found ourselves chatting about something we all experience: stress.
We got talking about the power of nature — green spaces like parks, bush walks, or even just sitting under a tree, and blue spaces like the ocean, … View moreIt’s been a little full-on at the office lately, and the Neighbourly team found ourselves chatting about something we all experience: stress.
We got talking about the power of nature — green spaces like parks, bush walks, or even just sitting under a tree, and blue spaces like the ocean, lakes, or rivers. Research agrees: being in nature really does help calm the mind. We’re lucky here in Aotearoa to have such beautiful spots right on our doorstep!
But sometimes, getting out for a walk or escaping to the beach isn’t an option. So we’re curious...
We want to know: What do you do to find a moment of calm when life gets a bit too much?
A hot cuppa? A good playlist? Staring out the window?
Let us know ... your go-to might help someone else breathe a little easier, too.
Brush up your painting skills and brighten your wash days. There’s no two ways about it, doing laundry is a chore so why not inject a sense of fun into it with a quick refresh? Paint a striped ceiling with Resene SpaceCote Flat, a blackboard with Resene FX Blackboard Paint, stencil words with … View moreBrush up your painting skills and brighten your wash days. There’s no two ways about it, doing laundry is a chore so why not inject a sense of fun into it with a quick refresh? Paint a striped ceiling with Resene SpaceCote Flat, a blackboard with Resene FX Blackboard Paint, stencil words with Resene SpaceCote Flat and Resene Enamacryl. Find out how to refresh your laundry with these easy step by step instructions.
Don’t miss the much loved, outrageously funny Aussie icon in KERIKERI and WHANGAREI on 29 & 30 August at the start of his new Aussie Icon Tour throughout NZ, performing again his funniest songs, hilarious stories and shooting down political correctness supported by Jenny Talia from Australia.… View moreDon’t miss the much loved, outrageously funny Aussie icon in KERIKERI and WHANGAREI on 29 & 30 August at the start of his new Aussie Icon Tour throughout NZ, performing again his funniest songs, hilarious stories and shooting down political correctness supported by Jenny Talia from Australia.
He’s fair-dinkum funny helping to prevent global boring!
His loyal fans should not miss this further opportunity to enjoy another big dose of Kev, and for those not yet acquainted you’re invited to enjoy a knee-slapping, hilarious night out. R18.
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 moreSome 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.
The only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world can be found at Dunedin's Taiaroa Head. The Albatross are largest (and arguably the prettiest) seabird and is a taonga species to Māori.
Keen to see a fluffy royal albatross live? Head to the Royal Cam - a 24-hour live stream … View moreThe only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world can be found at Dunedin's Taiaroa Head. The Albatross are largest (and arguably the prettiest) seabird and is a taonga species to Māori.
Keen to see a fluffy royal albatross live? Head to the Royal Cam - a 24-hour live stream of an albatross nest.
Why the live feed? Well, the royal albatross are slow-breeding birds, and lay only one egg every two years.
Currently the chick in the feed is in its post-guard period, and is left alone. The parents are only returning with food every few days. This little chick will be hitting a milestone really soon - it will finally take their first flight in September! Keep an eye on our little celebrity here.
We hope this link brings a smile!
Get $40 off Resene’s quality range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers with your Resene DIY card.
Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free! Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.
Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved… View moreGet $40 off Resene’s quality range of 10L paints, wood stains, primers and sealers with your Resene DIY card.
Plus buy 1 60-80 mL testpot get 1 free! Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.
Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints all made right here in New Zealand.
At Ryman you'll find a perfect blend of independence and community. To learn more, read our guides to introduce you to life at Ryman, showcase our independent and assisted living options, and give clarity around the costs.
Click below to access your free guides to retirement living.
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 moreRestructure.
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!
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 moreBe 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.
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 moreStay 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.
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.
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 moreButter, 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!
Friday 22 & Saturday 23 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.
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 moreDon'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.
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