Takapu Valley, Wellington

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Share it with your neighbours here.

124 days ago

Poll: What are the living costs that are having the biggest (and perhaps surprising) impact on your wallet?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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 more
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 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!

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What are the living costs that are having the biggest (and perhaps surprising) impact on your wallet?
  • 43.5% Grocery bills
    43.5% Complete
  • 33% Utilities
    33% Complete
  • 1% Your treats (the ones that keep you human day to day, and are ESSENTIAL!)
    1% Complete
  • 0.1% Education
    0.1% Complete
  • 7.6% Healthcare
    7.6% Complete
  • 1.3% Travel (public transport/petrol)
    1.3% Complete
  • 7.9% Rent or mortgage
    7.9% Complete
  • 1.5% Social costs: birthday gifts and occasions
    1.5% Complete
  • 4.1% Other - share below!
    4.1% Complete
2582 votes
115 days ago

Last chance to enter!

Resene

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 more
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 chance to win one of ten prize packs worth $500.

And make sure you check out the entries so far too.
Enter now

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116 days ago

Ryman Village Open Days

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Friday 15 August, and Saturday, 16 August, 10 am - 2 pm.

Come and experience the warmth of our Ryman village communities. We'd love to show you around.

Discover our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and explore our premium amenities.
Find out more

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117 days ago

Bamboo Garden & Trellis Stakes

Kevin from Tawa

Stakes available in bundles of 10, various sizes from 60cm to 2m and $6.00 to $20.00 per bundle.
Call Kevin on 0274-423-859


Negotiable

Negotiable

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128 days ago

Poll: No more card payment surcharges – but who should be covering the cost? 💸

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Government says it's scrapping those annoying card surcharges – and it’s happening next year.

Consumer NZ is stoked, saying these sneaky surcharges cost Kiwis around $65 million a year and should’ve been gone ages ago.

But not everyone’s convinced it’s a win. Labour and … View more
The Government says it's scrapping those annoying card surcharges – and it’s happening next year.

Consumer NZ is stoked, saying these sneaky surcharges cost Kiwis around $65 million a year and should’ve been gone ages ago.

But not everyone’s convinced it’s a win. Labour and Hospitality NZ are worried the costs won’t just disappear. Labour MP Arena Williams put it simply: there should not be surcharges for customers at all. But she points out that the Government’s plan does not deal with banks and merchants “who still scoop a big fee”.

Many of our community are rocked by the recent announcement. Retailers warn card surcharge ban could lead to higher prices - the unfortunatel reality is that small businesses are feeling the squeeze along with their customers. In comparison, large retailers pay significantly lower banking fees and ultimately have more leverage at the negotiation table.

💸 So someone still pays – but who?

We want to know: Who should be covering this cost?
Share your thoughts in the comments!

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No more card payment surcharges – but who should be covering the cost? 💸
  • 5.7% Retailers need to absorb the cost
    5.7% Complete
  • 88.7% The banks are the problem - the cost should not sit with consumers or retailers
    88.7% Complete
  • 4.2% I do not mind paying a surcharge - I just want everything to be transparent
    4.2% Complete
  • 1.4% It is more complicated - I will share below
    1.4% Complete
2839 votes
118 days ago

3 piece leather lounge suite

Deb from Paremata

3 piece black genuine leather lounge suite. In really good condition, some minor wear but no cuts, tears or holes. No stains - the marks in the photos are from giving it a wash prior to taking photos. 3 seater + 2 seater + chair.
Slightly raised off ground with timber feet. Smoke free home. This … View more
3 piece black genuine leather lounge suite. In really good condition, some minor wear but no cuts, tears or holes. No stains - the marks in the photos are from giving it a wash prior to taking photos. 3 seater + 2 seater + chair.
Slightly raised off ground with timber feet. Smoke free home. This is a really well made and solid set - so will require a couple of people to lift and transport. Pickup is Paremata. Dimensions:
Chair: height 800mm x depth 850mm x length 1100mm
2 seater: height 800mm x depth 850mm x length 1610mm
3 seater: height 800mm x depth 850mm x length 2120mm
Welcome to view

Price: $900

118 days ago

Decks decks Ashton building

Pete Ashton from Decks Decks

Repairs and maintenance. It's never to early for maintenance and repairs but it is to late when something collapses 😟 . Contact Pete Ashton 7days 0274403242

118 days ago

Decks decks Ashton building

Pete Ashton from Decks Decks

Not here yet but spring is coming 😊 . Anytime is a great time to consider your outdoor areas. We can change your whole use of your unusable areas from wet slippery areas to safe playing / entertaining spaces. Also don't overlook the necessary repairs and maintenance on existing decks etc .… View moreNot here yet but spring is coming 😊 . Anytime is a great time to consider your outdoor areas. We can change your whole use of your unusable areas from wet slippery areas to safe playing / entertaining spaces. Also don't overlook the necessary repairs and maintenance on existing decks etc . Contact Pete Ashton 7days 0274403242

119 days ago

Water blasting - Gardening

Ian Hamilton from Natures choice gardening services - Aotea

Winters is all but gone
But the messy yards still linger!
Call today for free quote

Ian 0272430951

123 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Conservation win in the Kaituna

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Thanks to a generous gift, 730 Hectares in Kaituna Valley are now protected for everyone to enjoy

Four incredible donors have come together to gift 730 hectares of land in the Kaituna Valley to the nation — a multimillion-dollar contribution that will benefit generations to come.

This land,… View more
Thanks to a generous gift, 730 Hectares in Kaituna Valley are now protected for everyone to enjoy

Four incredible donors have come together to gift 730 hectares of land in the Kaituna Valley to the nation — a multimillion-dollar contribution that will benefit generations to come.

This land, which has now been protected and opened to the public, forms part of a much larger conservation area — nearly 2,400 hectares stretching from sea level at Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour, up to the Summit Walkway, and back down into the Kaituna Valley.

Once used for farming, the land has now been cleared of livestock, and pest control efforts are underway to help native plants and wildlife thrive. The goal? A richer, more diverse ecosystem that everyone can experience and be proud of.

This is a powerful example of how the actions of a few can have a huge impact. Thanks to their vision and generosity, a precious piece of our natural heritage is now protected.

Read more about the Massive win for conservation and recreation in the Kaituna.

We hope this news brings a smile!

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D
120 days ago

Free round shower doors

Doug from Tawa

Two shower doors. Quarter round for corner shower, left over from a glass house project. Pickup Khandallah or Tawa.
Txt or phone Doug on 021 56 24 56. Free to pickup but I can deliver for a token fee.

Free

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120 days ago

Applications for our Love to Dance grants are now open!

Malvina Major Retirement Village

Whether it's pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet - if you're encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.

Click read more to nominate your … View more
Whether it's pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet - if you're encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.

Click read more to nominate your community dance group.

Applications close 31 August 2025.

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120 days ago

Get growing this spring – and get a FREE gift!

Mags4Gifts

Spring is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to get stuck into the garden.

Right now, when you subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years, you’ll receive a FREE Solo Hose End Sprayer, the perfect companion for spring prep.

The Solo 405-HE is a serious time-saver — just … View more
Spring is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to get stuck into the garden.

Right now, when you subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years, you’ll receive a FREE Solo Hose End Sprayer, the perfect companion for spring prep.

The Solo 405-HE is a serious time-saver — just connect, spray, and you’re done. No pumping, no premixing, no mess. It works with cost-saving concentrates like fertilisers, insecticides, herbicides and more, and covers large or small areas quickly with a smooth, sweeping spray. It fits most chemical bottles (with three thread options) or you can use the included canister.

Whether you’re nurturing veggies, taming weeds or boosting blooms, this sprayer makes the job quick, clean and easy.

Treat yourself to expert advice, seasonal inspiration – and a garden tool you’ll use all year long.

*T&Cs apply. Offer available to the first 300 people who subscribe for 1 or 2 years between August 4 – August 31, 2025.
Find out more

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127 days ago

Love broccoli? Share your recipe

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: … View moreKia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by August 15, 2025.

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121 days ago

Guidance, Comfort, and Trusted Experience

Harbour City Funeral Home

Choosing Harbour City Funeral Home means placing your trust in a team that genuinely cares. With over 30 years of experience serving Wellington, Hutt Valley, and Kāpiti, we offer professional, compassionate support tailored to your family's needs. Our commitment to dignity, respect, and … View moreChoosing Harbour City Funeral Home means placing your trust in a team that genuinely cares. With over 30 years of experience serving Wellington, Hutt Valley, and Kāpiti, we offer professional, compassionate support tailored to your family's needs. Our commitment to dignity, respect, and transparency ensures you feel supported every step of the way.

Harbour City provides modern, welcoming venues, and offers flexible, personalised services that reflect your loved one's life and wishes. We also help families plan ahead with thoughtful pre-planning options. In difficult times, you can rely on Harbour City Funeral Home for guidance, empathy, and peace of mind. Get in touch today to speak with a caring professional who’s ready to help.
Find out more

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