1004 days ago

Asbestos found at Oratia District School

Melanie Earley Reporter from Western Leader

Kia ora neighbours, asbestos has been found in the grounds of Oratia District School, and almost a year later, it is yet to be removed.

The asbestos was detected, along with concentrations of lead, mercury and arsenic, in soil at the school more than eight months ago.

Since August 2022, orange safety mesh has been placed around part of the school field to keep students away from the contaminated zone.

Leo Foley, who has two children at the school, and was on the board of trustees in 2022, said he is increasingly worried the issue hasn’t been fixed.

“The area has been cordoned off, but I’ve witnessed multiple children playing there as it’s very easy to get around.”

Read the full story at the link below.

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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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🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
  • 52.2% Human-centred experience and communication
    52.2% Complete
  • 15.1% Critical thinking
    15.1% Complete
  • 29.9% Resilience and adaptability
    29.9% Complete
  • 2.8% Other - I will share below!
    2.8% Complete
538 votes
3 hours ago

Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!

William Hansby Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.

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19 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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.

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