Iwitahi, Taupo

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Share it with your neighbours here.

19 days ago

Poll: Have you faced any barriers when trying to access primary health care?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Your location can affect how much you pay to see a GP. So, someone on the West Coast might pay around $33, while a person in Wellington might pay closer to $70.

❔ We want to know: Where do you live, and how much do your GP visits cost?

These prices are influenced by underfunding, subsidy … View more
Your location can affect how much you pay to see a GP. So, someone on the West Coast might pay around $33, while a person in Wellington might pay closer to $70.

❔ We want to know: Where do you live, and how much do your GP visits cost?

These prices are influenced by underfunding, subsidy caps, and the pressure they put on wages. Read more about how the GP lottery impacts you in Harriet Laughton's piece in The Post.

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Have you faced any barriers when trying to access primary health care?
  • 17.4% I have experienced financial barriers
    17.4% Complete
  • 47.5% I have had issues with availability
    47.5% Complete
  • 35.1% No - I haven’t been impacted
    35.1% Complete
1000 votes
31 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Did you know there’s a global shortage of sweet pea seeds?

In Aotearoa New Zealand, dedicated gardeners are working to revive authentic sweet pea varieties and keep their beauty blooming for generations to come 🌸🪻🌻

Read more about their efforts here.

We hope this brings a smile!

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19 days ago

⚠️ Fraud Awareness Week: Shop Smart and Stay Scam-Safe

The Team from Netsafe

Scams can happen to anyone, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday when online shopping increases. Scammers use trust, hope and fear to get money or personal information:
TRUST: Pretending to be a courier, retailer, or bank.
HOPE: Offering fake “too good to miss” deals or miracle … View more
Scams can happen to anyone, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday when online shopping increases. Scammers use trust, hope and fear to get money or personal information:
TRUST: Pretending to be a courier, retailer, or bank.
HOPE: Offering fake “too good to miss” deals or miracle products.
FEAR: ‘Limited time deals’ messaging, fake ‘missed delivery’ updates

✋ Remember the SCAMS red flags:
Surprise contact
Control or pressure
Access to your device
Money request
Stop and seek support

If you think you’ve been scammed, stop contact, call your bank, and change your passwords.

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15 days ago

Create timeless garden art with Faux Rust

The Team from Resene ColorShop Taupo

Create garden art that’s aged to perfection with Resene FX Faux Rust Effect. Find out how to make and paint your own garden sculpture with Resene FX Faux Rust Effect and these easy step by step instructions.

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15 days ago

Warrant to arrest: Kayci Tapine

The Team from Waikato Police

Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Kayci Tapine, 27, who has a warrant for her arrest.

Police believe someone may have information on her whereabouts.
Tapine is known to have connections in the Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, and Waikato regions.


View more
Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Kayci Tapine, 27, who has a warrant for her arrest.

Police believe someone may have information on her whereabouts.
Tapine is known to have connections in the Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, and Waikato regions.


Anyone with information is urged to call 111 immediately and quote file number 250208/8621.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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18 days ago

Get $20,000 back* with your new home!

The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

At Ryman, we are making your move even more rewarding.

Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating village by 30 November 2025, and you’ll get $20,000 back*.

Use it to make your new home your own, take a dream trip, or simply enjoy life’s little luxuries – the … View more
At Ryman, we are making your move even more rewarding.

Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating village by 30 November 2025, and you’ll get $20,000 back*.

Use it to make your new home your own, take a dream trip, or simply enjoy life’s little luxuries – the choice is yours!

*Terms and conditions apply.

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24 days ago

Poll: Can AI make flying more personal? ✈️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🌿 Air New Zealand reckons the future of air travel lies in AI. To them, AI means boosting efficiency without bumping up prices.

But what do you think? 🤔
Can AI really make flying more personal?

Keen to find out more? 👉 Check out Grant Bradley's piece on the Post

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Can AI make flying more personal? ✈️
  • 29.5% Personal? I just want lower prices
    29.5% Complete
  • 52% No way! Great service needs real people
    52% Complete
  • 18.5% I’ll wait and see what this actually looks like
    18.5% Complete
708 votes
22 days ago

Maximise small spaces with a colourful tiered planter!

The Team from Resene ColorShop Taupo

Short on garden space? No worries. A tiered planter is ideal for small spaces and can be used for strawberries, herbs or salad greens. We finished ours in Resene Forest Green, Resene Green House, Resene Caper and Resene Red Berry. Find out how to create your own tiered planter with these easy step … View moreShort on garden space? No worries. A tiered planter is ideal for small spaces and can be used for strawberries, herbs or salad greens. We finished ours in Resene Forest Green, Resene Green House, Resene Caper and Resene Red Berry. Find out how to create your own tiered planter with these easy step by step instructions.

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28 days ago

Poll: If you had a bit of spare cash, would you 'buy' into a pest-free island?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Kiwis have always had a soft spot for our animal friends. With so many unique and quirky birds and marine species calling Aotearoa home, it’s only natural that we feel a deep drive to protect them 🐧🦭

These days, we’re getting pretty creative about how we do it too. The latest idea? You… View more
Kiwis have always had a soft spot for our animal friends. With so many unique and quirky birds and marine species calling Aotearoa home, it’s only natural that we feel a deep drive to protect them 🐧🦭

These days, we’re getting pretty creative about how we do it too. The latest idea? You can actually buy a symbolic piece of one of New Zealand’s most remote islands as part of the Auckland Island Restoration Project.

If you had a bit of spare cash, would you 'buy' into the project?
And maybe the bigger question — should we be looking at doing the same kind of thing for wildlife refuges on our main islands too?

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If you had a bit of spare cash, would you 'buy' into a pest-free island?
  • 60% Yes - restoration needs creativity
    60% Complete
  • 40% No - Is this sensible?
    40% Complete
653 votes
29 days ago

Scam Alert: Cold calls from banks

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A number of banks are reporting scam calls where actors are impersonating bank staff and are soliciting information from business customers.

Be cautious of any unexpected contact and only use verified banking channels.

Important security reminder:
⚠️ Your bank will never ask for your … View more
A number of banks are reporting scam calls where actors are impersonating bank staff and are soliciting information from business customers.

Be cautious of any unexpected contact and only use verified banking channels.

Important security reminder:
⚠️ Your bank will never ask for your login details – including your username and passwords – by email or phone.
⚠️ Your bank will never send direct links to log in to online banking platforms via email or SMS.
⚠️ Your bank does not need to know your full credit card number and CVV number (they already know these details!)
⚠️ Your bank will never ask you to download software or remotely access your device.

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25 days ago

Police issue warning over electric dirt bikes

The Team from Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

Electric dirt bikes are creating serious concerns for Police, with the vehicles featuring in a growing number of crashes and cases of illegal riding.

In most instances, the bikes, which can exceed 80kmh, are required to be registered. That comes as a shock to many of the riders who Police speak … View more
Electric dirt bikes are creating serious concerns for Police, with the vehicles featuring in a growing number of crashes and cases of illegal riding.

In most instances, the bikes, which can exceed 80kmh, are required to be registered. That comes as a shock to many of the riders who Police speak to, says Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter, the Area Road Policing Manager for Western Bay of Plenty.
“We’ve seen people riding dangerously and crashes involving pedestrians and vehicles, and people need to realise that just because these dirt bikes are electric, it doesn’t mean they are allowed on the road.”

“Ignorance won’t protect you from fines or having your dirt bike confiscated, and Police are routinely stopping riders on electric dirt bikes to make sure both the bike and the rider are compliant with the law.”

It comes as the vehicles gain popularity.
“We’re now dealing with roughly four cases involving electric dirtbikes a week and people have been hurt. Currently one e bike has been impounded for dangerous riding and the cost to retrieve the e bike after the 28 days impound was $900.
"Two others have received injuries after colliding with cars and numerous riders have received infringements. If you have one of these bikes, you need to know where you can and can’t ride it, the same responsibilities as any motorist.”

You need a valid driver’s licence if:
🔹The electric motor exceeds 300 watts (not kilowatts)
🔹The bike is capable of speeds over 50kmh
🔹The bike does not have pedals (i.e., it cannot be classified as a power-assisted cycle).
The bike needs a Warrant of Fitness and registration if:
🔹If it can exceed 50kmh: It must be registered as a motorcycle
🔹If it cannot exceed 50kmh: It may be registered as a moped
🔹In both cases, the vehicle must be entry certified and meet roadworthy standards
🔹A Warrant of Fitness is required unless exempted (e.g., some mopeds).
Electric dirt bikes are not bicycles if:
🔹They lack pedals
🔹They have motors exceeding 300 watts
🔹They are capable of autonomous propulsion without rider input.

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24 days ago

SILVER WINNER QUALITY SERVICE AWARD

The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

We’re delighted to have been awarded silver in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards.

This is the eighth time we’ve been honoured in these awards since they began in 2015.

Each year, Reader’s Digest conducts the Quality Service Awards survey to discover New Zealanders’ … View more
We’re delighted to have been awarded silver in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards.

This is the eighth time we’ve been honoured in these awards since they began in 2015.

Each year, Reader’s Digest conducts the Quality Service Awards survey to discover New Zealanders’ attitudes towards services from business across various industries.

Companies are assessed based on five pillars: personalisation, understanding, simplicity, satisfaction and consistency.

This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and excellence that our teams strive for every day in our villages to deliver exceptional service standards.

Thank you to our amazing teams and to all those who took the time to complete the surveys!

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26 days ago

Living with advanced prostate cancer?

Prostate Cancer Foundation

Or maybe you’re caring for someone who is. Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ invites you to join them and local specialists for a patient information evening at The Verandah, Hamilton Lake, Wednesday 12 November. Learn how new therapies, technologies, and innovations are improving outcomes and … View moreOr maybe you’re caring for someone who is. Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ invites you to join them and local specialists for a patient information evening at The Verandah, Hamilton Lake, Wednesday 12 November. Learn how new therapies, technologies, and innovations are improving outcomes and quality of life for men living with advanced prostate cancer.

FREE Entry. Registration required.
For patients, families, whānau, carers, and health professionals.
Find out more

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29 days ago

Transform pallets into a colourful portable bench with Resene!

The Team from Resene ColorShop Taupo

Transform wooden pallets into a portable bench or kitchen island with Resene paints and wood stains. Find out how to make and paint your own portable bench with these easy step by step instructions.

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30 days ago

Bright Spots winners!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A big congratulations to the 2025 Resene Bright Spots winners! We are proud to announce our ten winners who have all won a $250 Prezzy card and a $250 Resene Gift card!

Deepa Keenawinna - Lower Hutt (home crafts)
Slava Voronin - Kerikeri (blossoming tree)
Sam Holliday - Paraparaumu (hot pink … View more
A big congratulations to the 2025 Resene Bright Spots winners! We are proud to announce our ten winners who have all won a $250 Prezzy card and a $250 Resene Gift card!

Deepa Keenawinna - Lower Hutt (home crafts)
Slava Voronin - Kerikeri (blossoming tree)
Sam Holliday - Paraparaumu (hot pink outdoor chair)
Chris Carlyon - Waikanae (French Bulldog painting)
Joel Bradley - Auckland (Kea painting)
Jayne Walton - Rangiora (rainbow gate
Charmaine Macpherson - Cheviot (colourful bathtab)
Adele Whittaker - Auckland (school mural)
Karan Robson - Foxton Beach (blue backdoor)
Dave Bang - Levin (native bird mural)

Take a look at their wonderful colourful entries below. A huge thank you to everyone who shared a Bright Spot in their community this year; we have loved seeing the places in your neighbourhood that bring you joy.

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