Lake Matahina, Whakatane

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Share it with your neighbours here.

141 days ago

Create a Kid-Approved Swing in Your Favourite Wood Stain

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

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
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 Whakatane

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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151 days ago

Ryman Village Open Days

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Friday 18 & Saturday 19 July, 10am - 2pm.

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.

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158 days ago

Poll: What's your take on these policy changes taking effect in July?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Kiwis are bracing for policy changes taking effect in July - these include, changes to rental housing rules, rising GP fees, rising transport fares, and halving Kiwisaver government contribution.

We want to know: What is your take on these changes? Will they impact you and your whanau, or will… View more
Kiwis are bracing for policy changes taking effect in July - these include, changes to rental housing rules, rising GP fees, rising transport fares, and halving Kiwisaver government contribution.

We want to know: What is your take on these changes? Will they impact you and your whanau, or will it be business as usual?
Discuss your thoughts below

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What's your take on these policy changes taking effect in July?
  • 17.7% Change is needed! I support
    17.7% Complete
  • 68.4% ! These changes are heading in the wrong direction !
    68.4% Complete
  • 13.9% It is complicated ...
    13.9% Complete
1403 votes
182 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for brussels sprouts?

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 brussels sprouts 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 brussels sprouts 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 June 12, 2025.

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155 days ago

Create Custom Wall Art with Resene Wallpapers & Murals

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Using Resene wallpapers or murals as a framed print is a fantastic way to add drama. Create your own wall art using Resene WallPrint or get the custom Wildstyle design made to measure. Find out how to use your favourite Resene wallpaper design as art with these easy step by step instructions.

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155 days ago

Robyn’s ratatouille recipe is a real crowd pleaser

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Ryman resident Robyn swears by her ratatouille recipe from her much-loved copy of the Joy of Cooking, given to her by her next door neighbour in 1964.

Moving to New Zealand in 1976 and with four children to cook for, Robyn said the ratatouille recipe was a firm family favourite which she would … View more
Ryman resident Robyn swears by her ratatouille recipe from her much-loved copy of the Joy of Cooking, given to her by her next door neighbour in 1964.

Moving to New Zealand in 1976 and with four children to cook for, Robyn said the ratatouille recipe was a firm family favourite which she would cook up every couple of weeks when the veggies were in season.

Click read more for the recipe.

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155 days ago

Forget reality TV — the real love stories are happening at SPCA!

The Team from SPCA Whakatane - Centre

SPCA animals aren’t just cute (though they totally are) — they’ve got Personality Plus! From quiet introverts to constant companions, busy socialites to mellow love bugs, we’ve got over 1000 furry singles waiting to meet the One.
Let our matchmakers (aka expert staff) help you find your … View more
SPCA animals aren’t just cute (though they totally are) — they’ve got Personality Plus! From quiet introverts to constant companions, busy socialites to mellow love bugs, we’ve got over 1000 furry singles waiting to meet the One.
Let our matchmakers (aka expert staff) help you find your perfect match — no awkward dates, just pure connection.
Seen someone online who steals your heart? Apply now at www.spca.nz... or give us a call to chat about your ideal match.

#SPCAmatchmaker #BetterThanRealityTV #FindTheOne

162 days ago

Poll: Are you paying too much for parking?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Cost of living has been on our minds lately, and one cost often lamented in our office is parking.

We all know that New Zealanders pay high parking fees! But research shows that the cost is driven by factors such as location, quality, and convenience.

The average daily parking fee being paid … View more
Cost of living has been on our minds lately, and one cost often lamented in our office is parking.

We all know that New Zealanders pay high parking fees! But research shows that the cost is driven by factors such as location, quality, and convenience.

The average daily parking fee being paid in CBDs:
$39.53 in Auckland,
$37.83 in Wellington,
and $32.60 in Christchurch.

But again, the range is wild! Aucklanders could be paying anything from $12 to $80, Wellingtonians from $15 to $50, and if you are in Christchurch, you are looking at $10 to $98.

Neighbours, we want to know: How much are you paying for daily parking fees?

Do you have any tips on how to find cheaper parks?

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Are you paying too much for parking?
  • 63.9% 5-20 per day
    63.9% Complete
  • 23.8% 20-40 per day
    23.8% Complete
  • 4.4% 40-60 per day
    4.4% Complete
  • 2.4% 60-80 per day
    2.4% Complete
  • 5.4% 80-100 per day
    5.4% Complete
294 votes
165 days ago

Poll: What do you do to combat the winter blues?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The shortest day of the year was on Saturday, but we still have a fair bit of winter to get through! Do you experience winter blues?

Prominent specialists and personalities share their tips.
For example, comedian and author Sam Smith suggests that you "Stock up on supplies to get that DIY… View more
The shortest day of the year was on Saturday, but we still have a fair bit of winter to get through! Do you experience winter blues?

Prominent specialists and personalities share their tips.
For example, comedian and author Sam Smith suggests that you "Stock up on supplies to get that DIY project underway. Call up the old bandmates to practice some songs for a jam session. Lay the groundwork for future fun."

Do you experience winter blues?
More importantly, do you have any tips for dealing with the gloomiest part of the year?
Share your thoughts with your neighbours!

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What do you do to combat the winter blues?
  • 40% What winter blues? I love winter!
    40% Complete
  • 57.6% Yes - bring on summer!
    57.6% Complete
  • 2.4% Do you have any tips? Share them below
    2.4% Complete
712 votes
162 days ago

Create a Family-Friendly Seedling Station with Resene Lustacryl

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Get the whole family involved in making a cosy space for nurturing seedlings painted in Resene Lustacryl so it's easy to keep clean and tidy. While you make the propagator, the kids can create the biodegradable containers and labels for growing. Find out how to make and finish your own with … View moreGet the whole family involved in making a cosy space for nurturing seedlings painted in Resene Lustacryl so it's easy to keep clean and tidy. While you make the propagator, the kids can create the biodegradable containers and labels for growing. Find out how to make and finish your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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