Omataroa, Whakatane

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Seen anything suspicious lately?

Share it with your neighbours here.

24 days ago

SILVER WINNER QUALITY SERVICE AWARD

Bob Owens Retirement Village

We’re delighted to have been awarded silver in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards.

This is the eighth time we’ve been honoured in these awards since they began in 2015.

Each year, Reader’s Digest conducts the Quality Service Awards survey to discover New Zealanders’ … View more
We’re delighted to have been awarded silver in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards.

This is the eighth time we’ve been honoured in these awards since they began in 2015.

Each year, Reader’s Digest conducts the Quality Service Awards survey to discover New Zealanders’ attitudes towards services from business across various industries.

Companies are assessed based on five pillars: personalisation, understanding, simplicity, satisfaction and consistency.

This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and excellence that our teams strive for every day in our villages to deliver exceptional service standards.

Thank you to our amazing teams and to all those who took the time to complete the surveys!

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27 days ago

Living with advanced prostate cancer?

Prostate Cancer Foundation

Or maybe you’re caring for someone who is. Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ invites you to join them and local specialists for a patient information evening at Trinity Wharf Tauranga, Tuesday 11 November. Learn how new therapies, technologies, and innovations are improving outcomes and quality of … View moreOr maybe you’re caring for someone who is. Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ invites you to join them and local specialists for a patient information evening at Trinity Wharf Tauranga, Tuesday 11 November. Learn how new therapies, technologies, and innovations are improving outcomes and quality of life for men living with advanced prostate cancer.

7-9pm. FREE Entry. Registration required.
For patients, families, whānau, carers, and health professionals.
Find out more

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44 days ago

Win a Yates Gardening Hamper!

Bob Owens Retirement Village

We’re celebrating National Gardening Week with a blooming great giveaway! Two lucky winners will each receive a Yates hamper valued at $225, packed with everything you need to help your garden flourish.

To enter, simply tell us what you’re planting this spring and share your best gardening … View more
We’re celebrating National Gardening Week with a blooming great giveaway! Two lucky winners will each receive a Yates hamper valued at $225, packed with everything you need to help your garden flourish.

To enter, simply tell us what you’re planting this spring and share your best gardening tip.

Winners announced Wednesday, October 29 - good luck and happy gardening!

T&Cs apply.

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29 days ago

Transform pallets into a colourful portable bench with Resene!

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Transform wooden pallets into a portable bench or kitchen island with Resene paints and wood stains. Find out how to make and paint your own portable bench with these easy step by step instructions.

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29 days ago

Police investigating serious assault in Ōpōtiki

The Team from Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

Police are investigating after a man was seriously assaulted in his Ōpōtiki home early this morning.

The man sustained serious injuries in the assault, which is believed to have involved several offenders.

The man has been transported to hospital and enquiries are under way to identify and … View more
Police are investigating after a man was seriously assaulted in his Ōpōtiki home early this morning.

The man sustained serious injuries in the assault, which is believed to have involved several offenders.

The man has been transported to hospital and enquiries are under way to identify and locate those responsible for the assault.

A scene guard is in place at the house where the assault took place and nearby residents can expect to see a continued police presence as our enquiries continue.

If anyone has information which could assist our enquiries, they’re asked to contact Police and quote file number 251106/9516.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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29 days ago

Bright Spots winners!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A big congratulations to the 2025 Resene Bright Spots winners! We are proud to announce our ten winners who have all won a $250 Prezzy card and a $250 Resene Gift card!

Deepa Keenawinna - Lower Hutt (home crafts)
Slava Voronin - Kerikeri (blossoming tree)
Sam Holliday - Paraparaumu (hot pink … View more
A big congratulations to the 2025 Resene Bright Spots winners! We are proud to announce our ten winners who have all won a $250 Prezzy card and a $250 Resene Gift card!

Deepa Keenawinna - Lower Hutt (home crafts)
Slava Voronin - Kerikeri (blossoming tree)
Sam Holliday - Paraparaumu (hot pink outdoor chair)
Chris Carlyon - Waikanae (French Bulldog painting)
Joel Bradley - Auckland (Kea painting)
Jayne Walton - Rangiora (rainbow gate
Charmaine Macpherson - Cheviot (colourful bathtab)
Adele Whittaker - Auckland (school mural)
Karan Robson - Foxton Beach (blue backdoor)
Dave Bang - Levin (native bird mural)

Take a look at their wonderful colourful entries below. A huge thank you to everyone who shared a Bright Spot in their community this year; we have loved seeing the places in your neighbourhood that bring you joy.

30 days ago

Brave mum seeking a place to rest and be spoilt

The Team from SPCA Whakatane - Centre

Kitten season is almost here. Over the next six months, more than 10,000 kittens and mums will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these families the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today!

Fostering saves lives and helps mums raise their bubs in a safe and quiet … View more
Kitten season is almost here. Over the next six months, more than 10,000 kittens and mums will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these families the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today!

Fostering saves lives and helps mums raise their bubs in a safe and quiet environment. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!

32 days ago

Break free with The Bayview

Oceania The Bayview Village

Why spend another summer mowing lawns and clipping hedges? Secure your spot at The Bayview today and kickstart your real retirement in effortless style.

Beautiful homes with all the space and none of the maintenance. Not to mention a $10,000 island holiday, $5,000 moving package, plus your … View more
Why spend another summer mowing lawns and clipping hedges? Secure your spot at The Bayview today and kickstart your real retirement in effortless style.

Beautiful homes with all the space and none of the maintenance. Not to mention a $10,000 island holiday, $5,000 moving package, plus your first year’s weekly fees free*.

Ready to escape? Call our Retirement Limbo Hotline on 0800 920 002.

*Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. Visit retirementlimbo.co.nz for full T&Cs.
Learn More

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32 days ago

Ryman Village Open Days

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Join us any Wednesday in November and explore our lifestyle, show homes and amenities.

More than just a place to live, Ryman villages are places where friendships grow, hobbies flourish and a genuine sense of community thrives.

The best way is to experience it for yourself. No appointment … View more
Join us any Wednesday in November and explore our lifestyle, show homes and amenities.

More than just a place to live, Ryman villages are places where friendships grow, hobbies flourish and a genuine sense of community thrives.

The best way is to experience it for yourself. No appointment necessary!

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36 days ago

Craft Your Feathered Friends with Pinecones and Favourite Resene Colours!

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

These kākāpō, rainbow lorikeet and ruru birds are a hoot for the kids to make using pinecones and their favourite Resene colours. Find out how to make and paint your own feathered friends with these easy step by step instructions.

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60 days ago

Share your favourite raspberry recipe and win a copy of our mag!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love raspberries? We will give away free copies of the December 2025 issue to readers whose raspberry recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way enjoy raspberry (dessert, salad, jam main?!): mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by October 24, … View moreLove raspberries? We will give away free copies of the December 2025 issue to readers whose raspberry recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way enjoy raspberry (dessert, salad, jam main?!): mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by October 24, 2025.

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40 days ago

Homicide investigation launched: Te Puke

The Team from Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

A homicide investigation has been launched after the death of a man who was critically injured in Te Puke on Saturday.

At around 10.30am, Police received a report of a person having been admitted to hospital with a critical gunshot wound. Today, despite best efforts by medical experts, the man … View more
A homicide investigation has been launched after the death of a man who was critically injured in Te Puke on Saturday.

At around 10.30am, Police received a report of a person having been admitted to hospital with a critical gunshot wound. Today, despite best efforts by medical experts, the man died this morning.

Police are now working to establish the full circumstances of what has occurred, and to locate those involved.

A scene examination is taking place in the Maneoka area, and nearby residents can expect to see an ongoing Police presence in the coming days.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage in the Maneoka area on Saturday 25 October between 10am and 11am.
We would also like to speak with anyone who may have information that can assist in our investigation.

If you can assist in our enquiries, please contact Police online through 105.police.govt.nz, clicking "Update Report" or by calling 105.
Please use the reference number 251025/0395.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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43 days ago

Find Your Calm: Crafting Wooden Balance Rocks with Resene Stains

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

When the odds seem stacked against you, this mindful craft project is a way to find peace. Create your own balance rocks using wood and Resene Waterborne Woodsman testpots. Find out how to make and stain your own wooden balancing rocks with these easy step by step instructions.

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46 days ago

Proud to be New Zealand's Best!

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Big news! Ryman has won Best Provider Nationwide at the 2025 Seniors New Zealand Awards - for the 6th time!
Leading the way in retirement living and aged care, again and again.

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50 days ago

Think beyond walls with creative wallpaper ideas

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

With a little imagination, one roll of Resene wallpaper can add touches of colour and design throughout your home, from artworks to table runners or to refresh furniture or the inside of your drawers. It’s an easy way to get started and grow in confidence using wallpaper, then expand to bigger … View moreWith a little imagination, one roll of Resene wallpaper can add touches of colour and design throughout your home, from artworks to table runners or to refresh furniture or the inside of your drawers. It’s an easy way to get started and grow in confidence using wallpaper, then expand to bigger features and rooms. Find out how to use wallpaper in your projects with these easy step by step instructions.

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