Takapu Valley, Wellington

327 days ago

Backyard Awards: Best Loved Lawn winner

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Mark Elliott from Shirley in Christchurch has won the category of Best Loved Lawn for his lush green masterpiece. Congratulations, Mark!

We spoke with his about his process to keep his lawn beautiful and there may be some blades of advice for your own backyard.

Mark has a huge backyard so … View more
Mark Elliott from Shirley in Christchurch has won the category of Best Loved Lawn for his lush green masterpiece. Congratulations, Mark!

We spoke with his about his process to keep his lawn beautiful and there may be some blades of advice for your own backyard.

Mark has a huge backyard so during Covid times, he decided to renovate the lawn and garden just for something to do. It’s turned into a passion.

His lawn is 100% rye grass - sourced from Prebble Seeds Turf World who supply many golf courses around New Zealand. In the summer he mows it every 2-3 days, sometimes daily, and waters the lawn with a deep soak of about an hour at a time, 2-3 times a week. He uses a granular slow release lawn fertiliser and other liquid fertilisers also.

Mark shares:
'I would say the secret to getting a good lawn is consistent mowing - at least twice a week. Maybe buy a bulk bag of slow release lawn fertiliser from a wholesaler. Keep the grass longer and just take the very top off the blade when you mow. It promotes growth, thickens it up and will really help with stopping weeds - oh, and water. Expect a water bill if you want a good lawn.'

The first photo below shows the 'Before' shot, 4 years ago. Give Mark a Like on this post if you think his lawn is pretty top notch!

333 days ago

Poll: Should our summer school holidays move to February?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It's a debate that resurfaces each year as weather hits its peak just as kids head back to school.
Traditionally, we've paired the school holidays in NZ with the Christmas period, but would a shift to February make more sense for everyone?

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Should our summer school holidays move to February?
  • 38% Yes, February would be better
    38% Complete
  • 61.3% No, keep it as is
    61.3% Complete
  • 0.7% Other - I'll share below
    0.7% Complete
1243 votes
335 days ago

We're looking for the...Best Loved Lawn πŸŒΏπŸŒ±πŸƒ

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Neighbourly Backyard Awards are in full swing and this week we want you to show us YOUR luscious patch of green (and be in to win a $100 Mitre10 voucher).

There's three fun categories for you to enter so save your photos for the following categories of Best Floral Garden and Most … View more
The Neighbourly Backyard Awards are in full swing and this week we want you to show us YOUR luscious patch of green (and be in to win a $100 Mitre10 voucher).

There's three fun categories for you to enter so save your photos for the following categories of Best Floral Garden and Most Creative Backyard Build.

But this week, the category is BEST LOVED LAWN

So share a photo, or photos, in a comment below of your immaculate (or interesting!) lawn to be in to win. Winner will be announced next Monday πŸŒΏπŸŒ±πŸƒ

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329 days ago

Tawa College uniform: boys' shorts

Craig from Tawa

Two pairs of Size 16 Argyle boys' grey shorts in excellent condition.
$30 each or $50 for both.
Pickup from Redwood, Tawa.

Price: $30

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329 days ago

Hutt Heritage.

Sandra from Normandale

Petone beach when my dad was young.

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330 days ago

Available Recreation Volunteer Roles

Volunteer Wellington

Are you keen to support your community this year? We are showcasing the diversity of volunteer roles we have available on our website. Today we are going to focus on Recreation Volunteering!

There are hundreds more on our website!

βœ… Swim Coach (ID# 8835) - Make a meaningful difference in … View more
Are you keen to support your community this year? We are showcasing the diversity of volunteer roles we have available on our website. Today we are going to focus on Recreation Volunteering!

There are hundreds more on our website!

βœ… Swim Coach (ID# 8835) - Make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with an intellectual disability by helping them improve their swimming skills.
βœ… Gym Buddy (ID# 8467) - As a gym buddy, you will be responsible for ensuring that the individual feels comfortable, motivated, and encouraged to achieve their fitness goals.
βœ… Walking Companions (ID# 8459) - Age Concern Wellington Region Trust are committed to promoting the rights, wellbeing and quality of life for older people by providing a good listening ear.
βœ… Unit Team Leader (ID# 8607) - Unlock your leadership skills and join our passionate and supportive team in a well-established, long-standing organisation of inspiring girls and young women.

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338 days ago

The Riddler wants to hear from you! πŸŽ‰

Lila from The Neighbourly Riddler

Our daily riddles have been a fun way to start the day and spark some friendly competition, but we’re thinking about mixing things upβ€”and we’d love your input!

What do you enjoy most about the riddles? Is it the brain-teasing puzzles, the themed photos, or the big reveal in the afternoon?
View more
Our daily riddles have been a fun way to start the day and spark some friendly competition, but we’re thinking about mixing things upβ€”and we’d love your input!

What do you enjoy most about the riddles? Is it the brain-teasing puzzles, the themed photos, or the big reveal in the afternoon?

If you could tweak one thing, what would it be? Maybe you’d like harder riddles, different themes, or see riddles in a different style or format!

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Your ideas could help shape the next chapter of our riddles! 🧩

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331 days ago

Learn to Play Bridge This Year

Cherie from Churton Park

Kapi Mana Bridge Club is a friendly club in Tawa. Our lessons start on 24 February.
If you are interested please mail our club kmbc@xtra.co.nz
BRIDGE IS A GAME FOR LIFE

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331 days ago

? Walk-in Caturdays are here!

The Team from SPCA New Zealand

? Our SPCA Centers are overflowing with cats and kittens ready to find love, and we're on a mission to get them into caring homes this summer.

? Starting 25th January, SPCA is offering walk-in cat adoptions on Saturdays to help our feline friends find their forever homes. No appointment … View more
? Our SPCA Centers are overflowing with cats and kittens ready to find love, and we're on a mission to get them into caring homes this summer.

? Starting 25th January, SPCA is offering walk-in cat adoptions on Saturdays to help our feline friends find their forever homes. No appointment needed – just pop into the Centre every Saturday during opening hours until 15th March and meet your new furry companion.

*To speed things up for you on adoption day, apply online via any of the cat profiles for your local centre on www.spca.nz... so we have all your details ready to go. Dog, small animal and farm animal adoptions are still by appointment as not all are in the centre.

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347 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for feijoas?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for feijoas, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our March 2025 issue.

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332 days ago

General Manager Position

Volunteer Wellington

We're partnering with Kin Talent to find our next General Manager to drive our mission to connect and build the capacity and capability of the community and voluntary sector. You'll find the role advertised on Kin and Seek.

If you know dynamic leaders who understand the heart of … View more
We're partnering with Kin Talent to find our next General Manager to drive our mission to connect and build the capacity and capability of the community and voluntary sector. You'll find the role advertised on Kin and Seek.

If you know dynamic leaders who understand the heart of community service and might be interested in guiding Volunteer Wellington Te Puna Tautoko forward, please share the listing with them.

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345 days ago

Poll: Is camping as fun as people say?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Lack of good sleep, sub-par toileting experiences and difficulty in making meals. Do you consider camping as a top holiday experience?

For a bit of fun, let us know your thoughts and stories.

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Is camping as fun as people say?
  • 49.6% Yes
    49.6% Complete
  • 48.8% No
    48.8% Complete
  • 1.6% Other - I'll share below
    1.6% Complete
1823 votes
333 days ago

Get amongst it this summer season.

Triton Hearing

Hi neighbours!

At Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the season and the moments that matter. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, … View more
Hi neighbours!

At Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the season and the moments that matter. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, every story, and every cheer like never before.

This summer, don’t just be present - be at the heart of the fun.

*Sonova proprietary research (2024), visit hearmore.co.nz to learn more.
Find out more

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333 days ago

Brain Injury NZ Volunteer Role

Volunteer Wellington

Brain injuries occur every 15 minutes in New Zealand – more frequently than cancer diagnoses.

Brain Injury New Zealand provides advocacy, education, and support to people affected by brain injury and their whānau. BINZ is looking for a volunteer fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for … View more
Brain injuries occur every 15 minutes in New Zealand – more frequently than cancer diagnoses.

Brain Injury New Zealand provides advocacy, education, and support to people affected by brain injury and their whānau. BINZ is looking for a volunteer fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for their cause. You can register your interest by searching the role ID number on our website.

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335 days ago

Walter

Les from Tawa

Yo, Walter came through, took a chainsaw to my trees,
First the fruit, then the magnoliasβ€”what’s the deal, please?
Dumped broken bottles, shattered glass on my lawn,
Turned my peaceful little garden to a battle at dawn.

I’m out here minding business, keeping it legit,
But … View more
Yo, Walter came through, took a chainsaw to my trees,
First the fruit, then the magnoliasβ€”what’s the deal, please?
Dumped broken bottles, shattered glass on my lawn,
Turned my peaceful little garden to a battle at dawn.

I’m out here minding business, keeping it legit,
But Walter's got the nerve to throw a childish fit.
Assaulted me, reported meβ€”what’s his next play?
All β€˜cause I used some weed spray on a sunny day.

*(Chorus)*
Walter, why you hatin’? What did I do?
Cut down my trees and broke my peace too.
You’re toxic like the weeds I’m tryna clean, dude,
Messin’ with my vibeβ€”why you gotta be rude?

*(Verse 2)*
Yo, the fruit trees were memories, planted with care,
But you cut β€˜em down like you didn’t even care.
My magnolias were blooming, sweet and serene,
Now they’re gone like a nightmare in a bad dream.

You think you’re tough, but your moves are foul,
Breaking bottles on my lawn, acting hostile now.
You tried to bring me down, but I rise like the sun,
Walter, you’ve started something you can’t outrun.

*(Chorus)*
Walter, why you hatin’? What did I do?
Cut down my trees and broke my peace too.
You’re toxic like the weeds I’m tryna clean, dude,
Messin’ with my vibeβ€”why you gotta be rude?

*(Bridge)*
Now I’m stronger, got my roots in the ground,
You can’t shake me, Walter, I’ll always rebound.
You can cut my trees, but you can’t stop my bloom,
I’ll turn this mess around, bring life to the gloom.

*(Outro)*
Walter, take your drama, pack it up, and leave,
I’m building something stronger, you better believe.
My garden will grow, my spirit will thrive,
You can’t keep me down, I’m staying alive.

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