168 days ago

'Granny' sprinkling the festive magic for the last time

Matthew Dallas Reporter from Manawatū Standard

Hi neighbours,

Have you got the Christmas tree up yet? We had the pleasure of visiting Granny's Christmas Grotto in Marton when it opened for the festive season.

Jenny Greener has amassed decorations and figurines for more than 30 years, and is displaying it for one last Christmas before it is broken up and auctioned off.

It's safe to say Jenny knows her way around a Christmas tree. There aren't many rules that inform her yuletide decor, she enjoys trees and lights of many colours - though isn't a fan of autumn colours in displays or blue tinsel.

What about you? Are there any dos or don'ts or entrenched preferences underlining your festive traditions?

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Share your most delicious (but affordable!) go-to meal...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Winter is knocking at the door and the cost of living has already made itself at home. So let's help each other out by sharing your meal ideas that don't break the bank.

Comment below with your go-to meals that are delicious and affordable.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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13 days ago

And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...

Prospa

A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.

The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.

The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'

Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!

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17 hours ago

Congratulations to...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Our Tuesday prize draw is here and the following members have won a $50 movie voucher:

Nazim Molla from Te Atatu South

Cassie Stirling from Napier

Jacob Ferris from Saint Martins

Shania Kenny from Woolston

Are you a winner? Get in touch with our Neighbourly team here to claim your prize.

Not a winner this time? Come back each Tuesday and we will have ongoing prize draws and more winners!

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