Iwitahi, Taupo

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134 days ago

Turn an Old Window into a Portable Cold Frame with Resene

The Team from Resene ColorShop Taupo

Transform an old window into a handy cold frame decorated in Resene Kwila Timber Stain and Resene Lustacryl that you can move around the garden to extend your growing season. Find out how to make and finish your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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142 days ago

Poll: Whether young or experienced, has age been a barrier to opportunity?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Neighbourly Team came across the third installment of 'Work, Interrupted', an article series looking at the job struggles different generations face, and we thought it would resonate with our Neighbourly community.

In this article, Amelia Wade reports on what it’s like to seek … View more
The Neighbourly Team came across the third installment of 'Work, Interrupted', an article series looking at the job struggles different generations face, and we thought it would resonate with our Neighbourly community.

In this article, Amelia Wade reports on what it’s like to seek employment when you’re 50+. Many factors - from financial to social pressures - are keeping people in the workforce longer. The reality is that times are tough, even for our most experienced workers: of those receiving Jobseeker benefit, a third are 50-64 years old.

We want to know: Have you felt overlooked in the job market?
Do you have advice for your community on how to stand out in an increasingly crowded job seeker market?
Share your experience below!

📖 Want to read more from the 'Work, Interrupted' series?
Work, Interrupted: The kids, the mortgage, but no job. What next?
Young and shut out: Gen Z face the harshest job market in years
Work, Interrupted: Is 50 the new 60? Older workers battling algorithms to get CVs seen

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Whether young or experienced, has age been a barrier to opportunity?
  • 67.2% Yes - In my experience, age has been a factor.
    67.2% Complete
  • 29.5% No - In my experience, age has had little to do with my employment opportunities
    29.5% Complete
  • 2.4% As an employer, age is not a factor.
    2.4% Complete
  • 1% Other - I will share below.
    1% Complete
808 votes
134 days ago

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Award – Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau!

The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

This is a great way to celebrate our seniors who are leaving an amazing legacy for future generations. Let’s give a shoutout to those who have made a positive contribution to Aotearoa later in life, and who are still actively making the world around them a better place, following their careers in… View moreThis is a great way to celebrate our seniors who are leaving an amazing legacy for future generations. Let’s give a shoutout to those who have made a positive contribution to Aotearoa later in life, and who are still actively making the world around them a better place, following their careers in any service, sector or field.

Take a moment to nominate the deserving individuals in your life who are making a difference every day, either in our villages or in the wider community.

Follow the link below, and let’s make their stories known!

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145 days ago

Poll: As an island nation, are we doing enough to protect our oceans?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The island nation of New Zealand claims guardianship over a vast ocean territory. In fact, our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spans 15 times our land area. Despite this, less than 1% of our ocean is highly protected.

Sheridan Waitai, member of One Oceania, argues that New Zealand is failing its … View more
The island nation of New Zealand claims guardianship over a vast ocean territory. In fact, our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spans 15 times our land area. Despite this, less than 1% of our ocean is highly protected.

Sheridan Waitai, member of One Oceania, argues that New Zealand is failing its obligations, and our failure is being noticed internationally.

Sheridan and others argue that the health of our oceans is declining as they face climate change, overfishing, and pollution. While other nations are championing ocean protection, New Zealand has been quiet on this topic.

We want to know: Are we meeting our responsibilities in the management of our blue territory?

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As an island nation, are we doing enough to protect our oceans?
  • 66.5% No - we can do more.
    66.5% Complete
  • 5% Yes - we are meeting our obligations.
    5% Complete
  • 25.6% It is a global problem, not just ours.
    25.6% Complete
  • 2.6% Maybe. I dont really have an opinion.
    2.6% Complete
  • 0.2% Other - share below!
    0.2% Complete
1254 votes
138 days ago

Bright Spots is back - and it's better!

Resene

We're looking for your most colourful photos! Resene ColorShops and Neighbourly have teamed up again this winter to bring you Bright Spots, a celebration of the colourful spaces and places in your life.

But this year it's a little different!

This year we're calling on … View more
We're looking for your most colourful photos! Resene ColorShops and Neighbourly have teamed up again this winter to bring you Bright Spots, a celebration of the colourful spaces and places in your life.

But this year it's a little different!

This year we're calling on Neighbourly members to share photos wherever there's a bright spot that brings you joy - whether it's in the office, at your home or when you're out and about in your neighbourhood. If it brings a smile to your face we'd love to see it.

Share a photo that brings a little colour to your day and you could win one of ten prize packages valued at $500 (including a $250 Prezzy® card and a $250 Resene gift card).
Share a pic now

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151 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Kākāpō will be getting busy in 2026!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

The kākāpō, our famously lovable but critically endangered land-parrot, are forecast to have a massive breeding season in 2026 - perhaps the biggest on record!

How do we know? Kākāpō only 'get busy' during rimu mast events (where rimu grow heaps of fruit), every 2-4 years. … View more
The kākāpō, our famously lovable but critically endangered land-parrot, are forecast to have a massive breeding season in 2026 - perhaps the biggest on record!

How do we know? Kākāpō only 'get busy' during rimu mast events (where rimu grow heaps of fruit), every 2-4 years. Because we can anticipate rimu mast events, and kākāpō love rimu fruit, we can predict kākāpō breeding activity.

Since there are only 242 kākāpō today, this bumper season is important.

This positive outlook on population numbers is especially exciting since, due to the mahi of conservationists, the kākāpō have completed their first season on the North island (at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari). The booming of the kākāpō has not been heard on the North Island of Aotearoa for over a century!

Read more about Aotearoa's flightless parrot and their nesting plans.

We hope this news brings a smile!

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140 days ago

Village pooch Maggie provides pet therapy for fellow residents

The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

Moving into William Sanders Village provided Graham and Karrin Byrnes with the perfect chance to give back to a community that was right on their doorstep, with beloved pet Maggie being the key to their success.

The couple heard about the St John therapy pets programme not long after moving into… View more
Moving into William Sanders Village provided Graham and Karrin Byrnes with the perfect chance to give back to a community that was right on their doorstep, with beloved pet Maggie being the key to their success.

The couple heard about the St John therapy pets programme not long after moving into Ryman Healthcare’s Devonport village in 2021, and now take Maggie to visit residents in the village care centre three times a week.

Click read more to read about Maggie's pawsome work.

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144 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: New Zealander named first Commonwealth Poet Laureate

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Good news for fans of creative expression and kiwi excellence ... poet Selina Tusitala Marsh has been announced as the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate!

Marsh says, "When we honour the artistry within our communities, whether it flows from Sāmoa, my mother's island, or New … View more
Good news for fans of creative expression and kiwi excellence ... poet Selina Tusitala Marsh has been announced as the inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate!

Marsh says, "When we honour the artistry within our communities, whether it flows from Sāmoa, my mother's island, or New Zealand, where I was born and grew up, we recognise the inherent dignity and worth of every person whose story deserves to be told."

Congratulations Selina, ka pai.

We hope this news brings a smile!

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141 days ago

Create a Kid-Approved Swing in Your Favourite Wood Stain

The Team from Resene ColorShop Taupo

This quick and customisable project is ideal for those without a sturdy tree to hang a swing from, and it’s sure to bring joy to your little ones. Find out how to make and stain your own in your favourite Resene Woodsman wood stain finish with these easy step by step instructions.

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149 days ago

Poll: Have you felt the impact of electricity price increases?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Last year, the Commerce Commission announced it had agreed to increase revenue limits to facilitate the maintenance and improvement of the electricity network.

Consumer NZ have revealed their latest annual energy survey, and found that 11% of consumers have had to cut back on their heating, and … View more
Last year, the Commerce Commission announced it had agreed to increase revenue limits to facilitate the maintenance and improvement of the electricity network.

Consumer NZ have revealed their latest annual energy survey, and found that 11% of consumers have had to cut back on their heating, and 20% of people have been struggling to pay their power bill in the past year.

How does your region compare? You can view and compare how the average monthly household use, charges, and bills vary regionally here.

We want to know: Is your household paying more for electricity this year?
Do you have any advice for your community on what changes you have found most effective in keeping costs down in your home or office? Share below!

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Have you felt the impact of electricity price increases?
  • 80.9% Yes! The increase has hit hard
    80.9% Complete
  • 14.8% I am managing - we have found some solutions
    14.8% Complete
  • 4.3% No - have not noticed much change
    4.3% Complete
2142 votes
144 days ago

'The best-prepared families discuss values, not just valuables'

The Team from Momentum Waikato

Here's some wisdom from financial advisor Katie Wesney, in a recent Stuff column...

"The antidote to inheritance drama isn’t complicated: start talking.

The best-prepared families discuss values, not just valuables. They talk about timing - could part of the inheritance be gifted… View more
Here's some wisdom from financial advisor Katie Wesney, in a recent Stuff column...

"The antidote to inheritance drama isn’t complicated: start talking.

The best-prepared families discuss values, not just valuables. They talk about timing - could part of the inheritance be gifted earlier when it might have more impact? They update wills regularly and include everyone in understanding the bigger picture.

They also acknowledge that financial literacy isn’t inherited along with the money. If you’re expecting to leave or receive a significant sum, everyone involved should understand how money actually works.

And here’s the crucial bit: they treat inheritance as a nice-to-have, not a financial strategy. You can’t control when it comes, how much it is, or who else might need support."

If your values include supporting charities that tackle the issues you care about, and or the community in which you've thrived, then after taking care of your family, including a bequest in your Will to create a philanthropic endowment that gives back forever is a wise and effective strategy. Contact us at Momentum Waikato to find out more - via momentumwaikato.nz....

You can read more of Katie's column at the link below.

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152 days ago

Poll: Is AI rewiring our minds?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Artificial intelligence programs such as ChatGPT are here to stay - the question now is, how will they shape the future? Will the use of AI to complete daily tasks, particularly school work, impact cognitive abilities and creativity?

Recent work out of a MIT Media Lab suggests that people who … View more
Artificial intelligence programs such as ChatGPT are here to stay - the question now is, how will they shape the future? Will the use of AI to complete daily tasks, particularly school work, impact cognitive abilities and creativity?

Recent work out of a MIT Media Lab suggests that people who used ChatGPT have lower brain engagement than those who did not when writing their essays. While the MIT Media Lab work has driven headlines recently, others have been quick to remind us that the fear of technology is nothing new.

We want to know: Is AI an addition to the technological toolbox, or should we be having bigger conversations about the impact of AI technology?

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Is AI rewiring our minds?
  • 19.8% AI is making us lazy
    19.8% Complete
  • 51.5% Ai is great, BUT only if used as a tool and not a substitute for thinking
    51.5% Complete
  • 5.2% AI is great! People have a history of fearing new technology
    5.2% Complete
  • 21.7% Too early to tell
    21.7% Complete
  • 1.8% Have a different perspective? Share it below!
    1.8% Complete
1242 votes
148 days ago

Transform Your Trolley: A Glam Mid-Century DIY Makeover

The Team from Resene ColorShop Taupo

Add some mid-century glamour to your home with this ingenious DIY drinks trolley finished in Resene Colorwood, Resene Aquaclear and Resene Gold Dust metallic paint. Find out how to refresh your old drinks trolley with these easy step by step instructions.

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158 days ago

Love watercress? Share your recipe and win a copy of our mag!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for watercress recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: … View moreKia ora neighbours. We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for watercress recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by July 20, 2025.

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156 days ago

Jaffas are leaving our shelves 🫠

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Jaffas, iconic orange-coated chocolate lollies that have been around since 1931, will soon be leaving our shelves.

We want to know: Will you miss them?
Also, in the spirit of Throwback Thursday, what other iconic brands are still lodged in your memory?

(We can confirm that a number of the … View more
Jaffas, iconic orange-coated chocolate lollies that have been around since 1931, will soon be leaving our shelves.

We want to know: Will you miss them?
Also, in the spirit of Throwback Thursday, what other iconic brands are still lodged in your memory?

(We can confirm that a number of the Neighbourly team will be heading out to stock up our lolly jars before Jaffas disappear!)

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