Iwitahi, Taupo

99 days ago

Only 4 days left to adopt one of our gorgeous SPCA long-stay animals for a donation

The Team from SPCA Taupo - Centre & Op Shops

We still have 135 long-stay animals in our care, waiting to find their forever homes! ? If you can provide the right home for them, you can adopt for just a donation/koha when you start the process by this Sunday, September 21st.

These wonderful animals have been waiting patiently for their … View more
We still have 135 long-stay animals in our care, waiting to find their forever homes! ? If you can provide the right home for them, you can adopt for just a donation/koha when you start the process by this Sunday, September 21st.

These wonderful animals have been waiting patiently for their special someone – could that be you? ? You might need to travel a bit further than your nearest SPCA Center, but we promise they're worth the journey.

Even though we’re waiving our standard adoption fees for our long-stays, every animal is desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, treated for fleas and worms – all ready to head home with you. Meet all of our long-stays on our site now!

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102 days ago

Scam Alert: Phone calls from Tel Companys advising you of a prize

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

2degrees are alerting the public about a new scam involving phone calls. Scammers are targeting personal details while using prizes (smartwatches, phones, and discounts) as bait.

❌ Never give out personal info to callers
🔔 Feeling unsure? End the call and contact the company on their … View more
2degrees are alerting the public about a new scam involving phone calls. Scammers are targeting personal details while using prizes (smartwatches, phones, and discounts) as bait.

❌ Never give out personal info to callers
🔔 Feeling unsure? End the call and contact the company on their official number

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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100 days ago

Do you know how to give way in an emergency? 🚨

The Team from Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

We’re here to remind you about what to do when you see, or hear, an emergency services vehicle responding under lights and sirens.
When seconds count, it can save lives.

We’ve had recent examples where drivers completely ignore the Police vehicle behind them. Other drivers slow right down … View more
We’re here to remind you about what to do when you see, or hear, an emergency services vehicle responding under lights and sirens.
When seconds count, it can save lives.

We’ve had recent examples where drivers completely ignore the Police vehicle behind them. Other drivers slow right down without safely pulling over, and delay Police from responding to emergency situations.
Please help us by allowing our team to get to those in need, so we can save lives.
Top tips when an emergency services vehicle approaches with lights and sirens:
🚑 You are required by law to pull to the side of the road and stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
🚔 If the lights and siren of the Police vehicle continue past you, you can resume your journey.
🚒 Make sure you check the road is clear before moving on.

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101 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Rare shark spotted again in Papua New Guinea 🦈

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

After 50 years without a sighting, the rare and quirky sailback houndshark has finally been spotted again in Papua New Guinea!

Because it’s been seen so rarely, scientists still know very little about it. But its striking features are already sparking debate about whether it should be given … View more
After 50 years without a sighting, the rare and quirky sailback houndshark has finally been spotted again in Papua New Guinea!

Because it’s been seen so rarely, scientists still know very little about it. But its striking features are already sparking debate about whether it should be given special protection, and some have even argued it could become an icon species for Papua New Guinea.

At a time when we so often hear about species disappearing, the return of this little shark is a reminder that nature can surprise us ... and that there’s always reason to hope.

You can read more about the sailback shark here

We hope this brings a smile!

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108 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Music will keep you sharp

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Thought you were past your prime to become a rockstar? Don't sell yourself - or your health - short.

Research published this year has demonstrated that playing music helps keep dementia at bay - no matter how late in life the skill is picked up.

The basic idea behind this research is not… View more
Thought you were past your prime to become a rockstar? Don't sell yourself - or your health - short.

Research published this year has demonstrated that playing music helps keep dementia at bay - no matter how late in life the skill is picked up.

The basic idea behind this research is not new - we know that 'cognitive reserve' (learning new things) plays a big role in delaying mental slowdown. But the reminder that "it is never too late" is welcome ...

We hope this news brings a smile!

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105 days ago

Make a Garden Bench with Resene Woodsman Skywater

The Team from Resene ColorShop Taupo

Make a stylish garden bench using inexpensive fencing timber finished in Resene Waterborne Woodsman Skywater. Find out how to make and stain your own bench seat with these easy step by step instructions.

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116 days ago

Show us your Snaps: Conservation Week

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It is Conservation Week! Do you have any big plans for Conservation Week?

So many native fauna and flora make New Zealand special - show us a picture of your backyard native species in the comments below 💚 Perhaps we can inspire others to find the beauty in our local species.

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115 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Spring is in full swing, and the birds are getting busy 🐣

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Spring’s here, and with it comes warmer weather and lots of activity from our birds. It’s a great time to get outside—many birds are easier to spot as they build nests, raise their chicks, or return from their Arctic adventures 👀

Keen to do some backyard birdwatching? The Department of … View more
Spring’s here, and with it comes warmer weather and lots of activity from our birds. It’s a great time to get outside—many birds are easier to spot as they build nests, raise their chicks, or return from their Arctic adventures 👀

Keen to do some backyard birdwatching? The Department of Conservation have put together a nifty guide on how to plan and plant a garden that attracts native birds.

We hope this brings a smile!

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107 days ago

Ryman Village Open Days

The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

Friday 12 & Saturday 13 September, 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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112 days ago

Are you the Special Someone our SPCA animals have been waiting for?

The Team from SPCA Taupo - Centre & Op Shops

From Sat 6 – Sun 21 September, all long-stay animals at SPCA will be available for adoption by donation/koha - for the right home.*

They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a loving home. And they have been … View more
From Sat 6 – Sun 21 September, all long-stay animals at SPCA will be available for adoption by donation/koha - for the right home.*

They might be older, shy, have only three legs or just need that extra bit of attention and care – but they all deserve a loving home. And they have been waiting for a long time for that Special Love!

Look for the ‘Long-stay resident’ tag on our adoption profiles, check you can provide what they need to flourish & apply online at www.spca.nz...

*animals looking for their forever family for more than 42 days; our usual adoption criteria and processes apply.

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112 days ago

Lulu's Village Life

The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

Many of our villages are lucky to have four-legged friends like Lulu the poodle!

Lulu is a loved companion with a big personality and an even bigger routine. She’s up at 6am sharp and she never misses an outing - whether it’s a trip to the caravan, a ride in the Bunnings trolley, or even a … View more
Many of our villages are lucky to have four-legged friends like Lulu the poodle!

Lulu is a loved companion with a big personality and an even bigger routine. She’s up at 6am sharp and she never misses an outing - whether it’s a trip to the caravan, a ride in the Bunnings trolley, or even a spin on the jetski with her own life jacket!

Click read more to learn about Lulu's village life.

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112 days ago

Make It Yours: Create a Custom House Number Plaque with Resene Paints

The Team from Resene ColorShop Taupo

Create a stylish house number plaque from a terracotta plant saucer and some Resene testpots – we show you how. Find out how to make and finish your own plaque with these easy step by step instructions.

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123 days ago

Lemon Season: Got any ideas?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It is lemon season - our trees are bursting and our gardens are covered in citrus peels ... what do you do with your excess lemons?

Share with your community your tips on:
🍋 Harvesting and storage
🍋 Creative uses: recipes, cleaning solutions, health benefits
🍋 Tree care and … View more
It is lemon season - our trees are bursting and our gardens are covered in citrus peels ... what do you do with your excess lemons?

Share with your community your tips on:
🍋 Harvesting and storage
🍋 Creative uses: recipes, cleaning solutions, health benefits
🍋 Tree care and maintenance

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120 days ago

🏋️‍♀️ Help us exercise our brains!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We’ve worked our way through our usual batch of The Press puzzles … so now the Neighbourly Team are on the lookout for fresh challenges to keep our brains buzzing 🧠✨

We want to know: When you have a spare moment, what brain-boosting games, puzzles or activities do you reach for?
View more
We’ve worked our way through our usual batch of The Press puzzles … so now the Neighbourly Team are on the lookout for fresh challenges to keep our brains buzzing 🧠✨

We want to know: When you have a spare moment, what brain-boosting games, puzzles or activities do you reach for?
Inspire us in the comments below ...

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114 days ago

Share your strawberry recipe and win a copy of our mag!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We will give away free copies of the November 2025 issue to readers whose strawberry recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way enjoy strawberry (dessert, salad, main?!): mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by September 15, 2025.

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