View all Posts from Raumanga
1176 days ago

'Abysmal' early voter turnout raises questions around approach to local elections

Oliver Neighbourly Lead from One Tree Point

Yesterday (28-Sep 2022) RNZ published this article, which includes a few quotes from our outgoing mayor Sheryl Mai.
While I have now taken my ballot to the local WDC service centre, I almost didn't vote, either. The same old, stale, postal, minimalistic voting system, combined with less options, choices, votes and reliable information than ever, and a range of mostly uninspiring candidates, all of whom are opposing Three Waters (instead of jumping at the opportunity to offload an "unsexy" utility service, cash in on a job well done and invest in the future of our district), really put me off.
I'm worried that we will lose another three, maybe even six years due to pointless debate, council inaction and community apathy, and I'm wondering if we wouldn't be better off installing commissioners and getting done what we all know needs doing.

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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3 days ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.7% Yes
    41.7% Complete
  • 33.5% Maybe?
    33.5% Complete
  • 24.8% No
    24.8% Complete
588 votes
24 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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