Time to get Neighbourly
Nicholas Boyack here, I am the Stuff Neighbourly reporter for Wellington, Lower and Upper Hutt, Kāpiti, Hawke's Bay and Wairarapa.
Neighbourly is your tool to access local news, and as a way to keep in touch with those around you. I'm here to bring you the news closest to you, in a role which will work like a community newspaper reporter. I worked for the Hutt News for two decades and had spells with the Wairarapa News, Wellingtonian and Dominion Post.
If you have any stories or interesting things happening in your suburb or area, please get in touch! Tips, insults and bribes can be sent on Neighbourly or to nicholas.boyack@stuff.co.nz.
If you see items posted about your area, please get involved and reply with your comments and thoughts on the issues at hand. I'm keen for robust discussion, and a bit of banter never goes amiss. It is a big area to cover and I hope to hear from you all. Thanks in advance and I look forward to chatting with you all!
- Nicholas 027 6420086
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.5% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.6% No, I enjoy it
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
We're taking the bus!
The number of Wellingtonians taking the bus and train rose by 3% last week compared to the same time last year, according to Metlink.
Not surprising given petrol prices at the moment. But if you're considering giving up your car commute for a leisurely bus ride in the mornings, it would be worth it.
It's about to get even easier: In April, e-pay will be launched, meaning you can tap on with your credit cards as well as smart devices.
It's better on the environment too: With most Metlink trains running on electricity, 25% of the bus fleet being EV’s and the Ika Rere electric ferry, Metlink is able to move more people using less fuel than any other transport option.
With fuel costs so high, it's a good idea to jump on board if you can. If you've become a public transport convert recently, how have you found it?
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