Poll: Who is the 2025 Prospa Local Business Hero?
Neighbourly members have spoken! We’re excited to announce the finalists for the National Prospa Local Business Hero competition, celebrating the most-loved local businesses across the country.
Have a read (click on their blue title to read the nomination) and vote for which business you think should take the crown (and impressive prize pack!).
1) Robin Davis - Newcreation (Auckland)
Newcreation came to fruition to support their son’s leukaemia recovery, creating and selling beautiful artwork made from recycled materials. They also transform donated offcuts from local builders and businesses into meaningful creations and give them to the community for free, such as Mother’s Day decorations and stars for Matariki.
2) BFT Blockhouse Bay - Jess & Andy Hart (Auckland)
BFT Blockhouse Bay is a gym but has been described as a true community hub. The owners, Jess and Andy Hart, started as members themselves, so they understand what makes a great gym: a welcoming, supportive environment where mental and physical health are equally valued.
3) Settlers Way Country Store - Jackie Poole & Annie Blackmore (Northland)
Settlers Way Country Store is all about supporting local - selling locally made items, and locally-grown fresh produce that suit a wide range of tastes.
The owners, Jackie Poole & Annie Blackmore, get involved in community projects and run several of the local facebook pages helping keep the community connected.
4) Coronation Grill & Burger - Gaurav Kumar Arora (Waikato)
Coronation Grill and Burger Morrinsville is more than a local eatery, it’s a warm, welcoming hub known for both their hearty meals with fresh ingredients, and their warm hospitality. They love to support local events and their nomination reads ‘They’re a true hometown hero, and we’re lucky to have them.’
5) Robyn's Cottage - Robyn Parker (Bay of Plenty)
Robyn’s Cottage in Greerton, Tauranga is a vibrant haven for craft lovers, filled with threads, wool, patterns, and expert advice from the ever-helpful Robyn. Despite a tough year health-wise, she continues to brighten the community with her knowledge, embroidery services, and creative classes.
6) The Egg Project - Pip Chrystall (Manawatu - Wanganui Region)
Pip and the team from The Egg Project in Bainesse work tirelessly to collaborate with other farms and businesses to provide fresh farm to table eggs, milk, yoghurt, vegetables & other products with free delivery to your door. They help out with community-minded projects and their nomination says they are always cheerful and ready to help.
7) Sparkydaz Electrical & Security - Darren Evans (Hawkes Bay - Gisborne Region)
Sparky Daz Electrical and Security in Onekawa, Napier, stands out for their prompt, professional service and top-quality workmanship, no job too small. Darren and apprentice Kerrie go the extra mile every time.
8) Hire Smart / Smart Aggregates Quarry - Gareth Boyd, Grant Cudby & Grant McEwen (Taranaki)
Hire Smart / Smart Aggregates Quarry is a hardworking team with heart, going above and beyond for their community - from sponsoring local sports to quietly donating materials where needed. Their nominator wrote ‘Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. That's how I feel about the amazing team’
9) Trade School Kitchen - Hannah Drew-Crawshaw & the Team (Wellington region)
Trade School Kitchen in Naenae serves incredible food and drinks, but their true impact lies in their belief that everyone has something to offer - regardless of their past or present challenges. They provide training, employment, and a strong sense of community to help open doors and create new opportunities.
10) Toastie Lords - Taylor Hamilton (Nelson-Marlborough region)
Taylor Hamilton and the Toastie Lords team in Picton have built a beloved toasted sandwich spot from the ground up. With mouth-watering toasties and warm service, they are now famous with locals and cruise ship visitors alike.
11) Catnap Cafe - Nate & Alyssa (Canterbury region)
Catnap Cafe is run by Nate and Alyssa serving drinks and sweet treats with the opportunity to hang out with some feline friends. Working alongside Cat Rescue Christchurch they have rescued and rehomed nearly 200 cats, including special needs felines giving them second chances at a loving home.
12) Rangiora Wool Shop - Katherine McLeod (Canterbury)
Rangiora Wool Shop, led by Katherine McLeod and her team, is a warm, welcoming haven where creativity and community come together. With deep knowledge (and the finest merino!) they bring people together with the joy of creating.
13) Otago Vacuum Tank Services Ltd - Tim and Courtney Giddens (Otago-Southland region)
Otago Vacuum Tank Services (OVTS), led by Tim and Courtney Giddens, provide exceptional service but they also go above and beyond with a smile. From providing fresh water during landslides to organizing fun community events and helping local clubs, they are always ready to support the West Harbour community.
14) Blacks Road Grocer - Christopher Wilson (Otago region)
Blacks Road Grocer in Dunedin is a beloved local gem blending historic charm with a welcoming atmosphere. They offer house-made café treats, fresh local produce, and quality groceries, all served with friendly, attentive service.
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6% 1) Robin Davis - Newcreation
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3.2% 2) BFT Blockhouse Bay - Jess & Andy Har
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3% 3) Settlers Way Country Store - Jackie Poole & Annie Blackmore
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4.9% 4) Coronation Grill & Burger - Gaurav Kumar Arora
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3.1% 5) Robyn's Cottage - Robyn Parker
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25.7% 6) The Egg Project - Pip Chrystall
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1.5% 7) Sparkydaz Electrical & Security - Darren Evans
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1.8% 8) Hire Smart - Gareth Boyd
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9.6% 9) Trade School Kitchen - Hannah & the Team
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2.7% 10) Toastie Lords - Taylor Hamilton
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27.2% 11) Catnap Cafe - Nate & Alyssa
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9.2% 12) Rangiora Wool Shop - Katherine McLeod
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0.8% 13) Otago Vacuum Tank Services Ltd - Tim and Courtney Giddens
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1.3% 14) Blacks Road Grocer - Christopher Wilson
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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52% Human-centred experience and communication
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15.3% Critical thinking
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29.8% Resilience and adaptability
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2.9% Other - I will share below!
The Gospel’s Relevance Today**
The Gospel, meaning ‘good news’, is the cornerstone of the message contained in the Bible’s first four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. While these records were written approximately 2,000 years ago, a natural question arises: why is this Gospel still relevant and vital for us today? This analysis seeks to explore what the Bible itself defines as the Gospel and to understand its enduring significance.
**Defining the Gospel: Core Biblical References**
The Gospel is not a vague concept; Scripture provides clear descriptions of its content and focus.
* **The Gospel of the Kingdom:** In Matthew 4:23, as Jesus begins his ministry, he is described as “preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” This immediately establishes that the good news is centrally about a kingdom—the Kingdom of God. His accompanying miracles served to validate the authority of this message.
* **The Gospel of Jesus Christ:** Mark 1:1 opens with, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Here, “Christ” is a title meaning ‘anointed one’. Thus, the good news is intrinsically about Jesus: his identity as the Anointed One and his unique status as the Son of God.
* **The Gospel of God’s Grace:** In Acts 20:24, the Apostle Paul speaks of his mission to “testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Grace signifies an undeserved gift. This reveals that the Gospel involves a gift from God, offered not because it is merited, but out of His benevolence.
* **The Gospel of Salvation and Peace:** Romans 1:16 declares the Gospel is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,” breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile (Greek). Furthermore, Romans 10:15 calls it the “gospel of peace,” pointing to a future state of peace brought about by this message.
* **The Gospel Summarised:** 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 provides a foundational summary. Paul reminds believers of the gospel he preached, “by which also you are saved.” He then states its core historical facts: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” The Gospel is therefore rooted in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus.
In synthesis, the Gospel is the good news of **salvation and future peace in the Kingdom of God**, made possible by **the grace of God** and **the obedient sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ**, and offered to all who believe.
**Old Testament Foundations: The Gospel Preached to Abraham**
A crucial question is whether the Gospel is confined to the New Testament. Scripture shows its foundations were laid much earlier. Galatians 3:8 states explicitly that “the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’”
This reference points back to Genesis 12:1-3, where God made profound promises to Abraham: to make him a great nation, to bless those who blessed him, and that “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” These promises—later reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob—form the bedrock of the Gospel hope. The good news of salvation through Christ is the fulfillment of how **all nations** would be blessed through Abraham’s “seed.”
**The Gospel’s Personal Relevance: Good News for You Today**
How does this ancient message become “good news for you” today? The application is clearly outlined in Galatians 3.
* **Access through Faith in Christ:** Galatians 3:26 declares, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” The promise made to Abraham is now extended to anyone with faith in Jesus.
* **The Role of Baptism:** Verse 27 explains, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Baptism is the God-appointed act of faith that identifies a believer with Christ’s death and resurrection.
* **Unity and Inheritance:** Verses 28-29 reveal the glorious outcome: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Through the Gospel, all barriers are removed; believers become spiritual descendants of Abraham and heirs to the promises of the Kingdom.
This Gospel was once a mystery hidden in God’s purpose (Ephesians 3:3-9). Now, it has been revealed: the unsearchable riches of Christ, offering salvation to all who heed the call, believe the message, and are baptised into him.
**Conclusion: An Enduring and Open Invitation**
The Gospel is far more than a historical account; it is the living, powerful good news of God’s plan for salvation. It is rooted in promises to Abraham, accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and open to all people without distinction. It offers a tangible hope—the hope of resurrection, peace, and an inheritance in the coming Kingdom of God. This is why the Gospel remains profoundly relevant. It is an invitation to listen, believe, and stand firm in this hope, linking our lives today to the eternal purpose of God.
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