Motuopuhi Island (Rat Island), Tauranga

Spread the Joy!

Spread the Joy!

Do you have any festive tips your community needs to know about? Post them here!

2559 days ago

Know a Nice Neighbour?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We’re looking for the nicest neighbours in town. Spread a little happiness in your ‘hood by nominating someone lovely for a Nice Neighbour Award. It could be someone who has helped make a difference in your life - or the lives of others. Someone who has been there in a time of need, has helped … View moreWe’re looking for the nicest neighbours in town. Spread a little happiness in your ‘hood by nominating someone lovely for a Nice Neighbour Award. It could be someone who has helped make a difference in your life - or the lives of others. Someone who has been there in a time of need, has helped your family, surprises and delights the kids, or who regularly volunteers their time to a local charity or sports team.

If your neighbour is picked as this week's Nice Neighbour, you’ll both receive a $25 Prezzy® card plus your special neighbour will feature in community newspapers around New Zealand as an inspiration to us all.

Let us know why your neighbour is so nice by nominating now.
Make a nomination

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2560 days ago

Tauranga's notorious bar Bahama Hut shuts down

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Bahama Hut has been shut down. The bar failed to have an application to renew their liquor licence upheld, with it expiring on December 10.

The bar has featured for several years as being the country's second most notorious bar when it comes drinking related offences. To read… View more
Hi neighbours,

Bahama Hut has been shut down. The bar failed to have an application to renew their liquor licence upheld, with it expiring on December 10.

The bar has featured for several years as being the country's second most notorious bar when it comes drinking related offences. To read more, click here.

Bahama Hut announced its closure via their Facebook page on December 12 with the words, "The Bahama Hut is now closed. We could sit here and explain how, why and who but at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter. We would like to thank you all for your business over the past 18 years."

Will you miss Bahama Hut? What do you think about its closure? Share your thoughts in the replies below!
(Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff)

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2563 days ago

Taco Bell is coming to New Zealand

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Forget Santa, Taco Bell is coming to town!

The Mexican fast food chain, which makes made-to-order tacos and burritos, is planning on opening more than 60 new Taco Bell restaurants across New Zealand and Australia. To read more, click here.

The restaurants will be built between … View more
Hi neighbours,

Forget Santa, Taco Bell is coming to town!

The Mexican fast food chain, which makes made-to-order tacos and burritos, is planning on opening more than 60 new Taco Bell restaurants across New Zealand and Australia. To read more, click here.

The restaurants will be built between January 1 and June 2024.

Are you a fan of Taco Bell? Would you like a restaurant to open up in your town? Or are there too many fast food chains as is? Share your thoughts in the replies below!
(Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff)

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2560 days ago

Severe thunderstorm watch - valid until 9pm Friday

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The combination of another warm humid day and light winds are expected to produce thunderstorms about many parts of the North Island this afternoon and evening.

Between about 1pm and 9pm today, a few of the thunderstorms could be severe about inland North Island areas from Northland to … View more
The combination of another warm humid day and light winds are expected to produce thunderstorms about many parts of the North Island this afternoon and evening.

Between about 1pm and 9pm today, a few of the thunderstorms could be severe about inland North Island areas from Northland to Whanganui, Taihape and Hawkes Bay (including Auckland), and also affecting coastal parts of Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.

These thunderstorms are expected to produce localised downpours of 25-40 mm/hr (or more), hail 20mm diameter (or larger), and maybe wind gusts of 60-80km/hr.

Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.

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2560 days ago

HELP US MAKE WASPS BUZZ OFF FOR GOOD.

The Team from Wasp Wipeout

They ruin our outdoor activities, attack newly hatched birds, feed on native invertebrates, eat honeydew (a food source for our native birds and insects) and cause $130m of environmental damage a year!

Every little bit counts and by contributing, you can make wasp-free regions a real … View more
They ruin our outdoor activities, attack newly hatched birds, feed on native invertebrates, eat honeydew (a food source for our native birds and insects) and cause $130m of environmental damage a year!

Every little bit counts and by contributing, you can make wasp-free regions a real possibility. Head online now to contribute

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2561 days ago

Grace Millane will 'forever be a Kiwi', her father says

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

David Millane has released a heartfelt tribute, thanking New Zealand for taking Grace "into your hearts" following her death.

Vigils for Grace were held around the country, with thousands of people lighting candles, observing a moment of silence, leaving flowers and … View more
Hi neighbours,

David Millane has released a heartfelt tribute, thanking New Zealand for taking Grace "into your hearts" following her death.

Vigils for Grace were held around the country, with thousands of people lighting candles, observing a moment of silence, leaving flowers and some evening singing Amazing Grace.

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2564 days ago

New bus network introduced across Tauranga

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A fleet of newly painted yellow buses have hit the streets of two-bus-lane-Tauranga today as part of the biggest shake-up of the city's underused public transport network in a decade.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has promised New Zealand's most car-dependent city an … View more
A fleet of newly painted yellow buses have hit the streets of two-bus-lane-Tauranga today as part of the biggest shake-up of the city's underused public transport network in a decade.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has promised New Zealand's most car-dependent city an "enhanced" $14.8 million a year bus service: More seats, more buses, more flexible routes, new routes, more frequent services, better technology, and a new contractor - NZ Bus. Read more

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2562 days ago

Severe thunderstorm watch for central North Island and upper South Island

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for the following areas: Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Taihape, Manawatu, Tararua, Marlborough, Nelson, Buller, Westland, and Canterbury High Country.

Take care when driving as heavy rain … View more
A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for the following areas: Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupo, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Taihape, Manawatu, Tararua, Marlborough, Nelson, Buller, Westland, and Canterbury High Country.

Take care when driving as heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding, and may lead to slips and hazardous driving conditions. Keep up to date here

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2562 days ago

Ho ho no: More AirNZ Christmas strikes on the table

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

More strike notices have been issued for the days before Christmas. The unions representing Air New Zealand Engineering and Logistics have extended their strike action for December 21, 22, and 23.

Negotiations between officials and union delegates are ongoing. To read more about … View more
Hi neighbours,

More strike notices have been issued for the days before Christmas. The unions representing Air New Zealand Engineering and Logistics have extended their strike action for December 21, 22, and 23.

Negotiations between officials and union delegates are ongoing. To read more about this, click here. Have you got travel insurance for your flights? If a strike happens, you might not be covered. Read more about the Insurance Council of NZ's travel cover warning here.

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2581 days ago

*WIN* a hamper for a special elder in your life

Te Wananga o Aotearoa

Share the aroha! To celebrate the success of our Te Kumanu Raeroa (elderly care) course, we're giving away four amazing Christmas hampers to a special kuia or koroua in your life. It could be your elderly family member, friend or neighbour.

Simply post a reply telling us why your kuia or … View more
Share the aroha! To celebrate the success of our Te Kumanu Raeroa (elderly care) course, we're giving away four amazing Christmas hampers to a special kuia or koroua in your life. It could be your elderly family member, friend or neighbour.

Simply post a reply telling us why your kuia or koroua should win. Entries close 3 December 9am.

So what's in the Xmas hamper? A range of delicious Christmas treats, plus a tea-set, tea & kiwiana tea-towel - all delivered in a harakeke (flax) basket, handwoven by our resident weaver. Value: $300.
Ts & Cs apply

Best of luck from your local Te Wānanga o Aotearoa whānau
Course info here

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2565 days ago

Free Kids' Christmas Event / Film Festival

Charlotte from Mount Maunganui

Drop your kids off and go have a coffee!* Kids will be treated to crafts, snacks, and games, followed by two hours of Christmas cartoon specials! The event will conclude with a Santa chase in the field.

A free kids’ holiday event hosted by St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in the Mount (8 Dee … View more
Drop your kids off and go have a coffee!* Kids will be treated to crafts, snacks, and games, followed by two hours of Christmas cartoon specials! The event will conclude with a Santa chase in the field.

A free kids’ holiday event hosted by St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in the Mount (8 Dee Street) from 1:00-4:30.

Registration at the door with the donation of a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank.

Contact Charlotte at 021 028 34395 for more information.

*Under fives may attend with an accompanying adult.

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2565 days ago

Summer safety checklist: Fall-proofing your home

The Team from ACC New Zealand

With warmer weather heading our way, gardening is a great way to stay fit and get regular doses of Vitamin D to help strengthen our bones.

The Home Safety checklist will give you practical tips on how to avoid falls, sprains and strains while pulling those stubborn weeds. For example, when … View more
With warmer weather heading our way, gardening is a great way to stay fit and get regular doses of Vitamin D to help strengthen our bones.

The Home Safety checklist will give you practical tips on how to avoid falls, sprains and strains while pulling those stubborn weeds. For example, when you’re gardening avoid heavy lifting and use long-handled tools so you’re not bending over for long periods. Steady yourself when bending and standing, no pesky weed is worth falling for!

A new movement called Live Stronger for Longer is helping to reduce the risk of falls by providing practical information and free resources. We want to help you stay on your feet, and living the life you want to live.

Take the home safety checklist with your friends and family and join the movement today.

Proudly brought to you by ACC, HQ&SC, MOH and your local community health providers.

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2565 days ago

Give a gift for good this festive season

Jason Cowlam from New Zealand Red Cross

It’s not just the festive season. It’s also cyclone season. Cyclones are happening more often, they‘re getting more severe, destructive and deadly – and they’re even reaching us here in New Zealand. What would you do if you lost everything?

During this time of giving, … View more
It’s not just the festive season. It’s also cyclone season. Cyclones are happening more often, they‘re getting more severe, destructive and deadly – and they’re even reaching us here in New Zealand. What would you do if you lost everything?

During this time of giving, give a gift for good to help those who need it most. You can easily help them with warmth, water, meals, shelter, community outreach and welfare centre support.
Click here to help

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2566 days ago

Givealittle’s Celebration with the Nation

Givealittle

We’re so grateful to all the generous sorts who’ve chipped in to get us here. So, let’s lose the gifts… and turn our big day into a celebration with the nation.

For every $10 donated from you, Spark Foundation will give $10 too – up to a grand total of $10,000 across all 10 charities.
Give here

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2567 days ago

Needle found in strawberry bought from Tauranga supermarket

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A needle has been found in a strawberry bought from a Tauranga supermarket.

Foodstuffs NZ spokeswoman Antoinette Laird said the company was aware of an issue with a pin or needle being found in a punnet of strawberries bought at one of its Pak'nSave Tauranga stores.

"The remaining … View more
A needle has been found in a strawberry bought from a Tauranga supermarket.

Foodstuffs NZ spokeswoman Antoinette Laird said the company was aware of an issue with a pin or needle being found in a punnet of strawberries bought at one of its Pak'nSave Tauranga stores.

"The remaining product has since been removed from the store's shelves," Laird said. Read more

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