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Just a bit of a fun poll to get you thinking.
If you had to live out your Christmas days, would you prefer it was a summer Christmas or a winter Christmas?
The festive season is nearly here—what better way to celebrate than by giving yourself or others the chance to win a stunning, brand-new home in Clarks Beach, Auckland!
Valued at over $1 million, this fully furnished home features three bedrooms, plus a spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and … View moreThe festive season is nearly here—what better way to celebrate than by giving yourself or others the chance to win a stunning, brand-new home in Clarks Beach, Auckland!
Valued at over $1 million, this fully furnished home features three bedrooms, plus a spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area.
Make it your dream home, a holiday retreat, a rental property, or sell it—the choice is yours!
Tickets are just $15 each, and every purchase helps fund life-saving heart research. Get yours today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Pack your togs, towels, and an umbrella and raincoat if you’re heading away early as the chances you’ll have a sunny Christmas Day are anyone’s guess.
According to MetService meteorologist Sarah Haddon, weather boffins will have a much clearer picture of what the weather has in store for … View morePack your togs, towels, and an umbrella and raincoat if you’re heading away early as the chances you’ll have a sunny Christmas Day are anyone’s guess.
According to MetService meteorologist Sarah Haddon, weather boffins will have a much clearer picture of what the weather has in store for Waikato this weekend as two major weather systems play havoc with their predictions.
Will the weather affect your Christmas Day plans? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
Despite frantic phone calls and scouring Facebook, Waikato residents with family in Vanuatu are struggling to make contact after a devastating earthquake.
“To be honest, I’m scared,” said Apia Yawha, an international student who doesn’t yet know how his family is.
It's a message we share time and time again, and this year, we're calling on you to help us spread that message further.
Did you know that calls to SPCA about dogs left inside hot cars made up a whopping 11% of all welfare calls last summer? This is a completely preventable issue, and … View moreIt's a message we share time and time again, and this year, we're calling on you to help us spread that message further.
Did you know that calls to SPCA about dogs left inside hot cars made up a whopping 11% of all welfare calls last summer? This is a completely preventable issue, and one which is causing hundreds of dogs (often loved pets) to suffer.
Here are some quick facts to share with the dog owners in your life:
👉 The temperature inside a car can heat to over 50°C in less than 15 minutes.
👉 Parking in the shade and cracking windows does little to help on a warm day. Dogs rely on panting to keep cool, which they can't do in a hot car.
👉 This puts dogs at a high risk of heatstroke - a serious condition for dogs, with a mortality rate between 39%-50%.
👉 It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act to leave a dog in a hot vehicle if they are showing signs of heat stress. You can be fined, and prosecuted.
SPCA has created downloadable resources to help you spread the message even further. Posters, a flyer, and a social media tile can be downloaded from our website here: www.spca.nz...
We encourage you to use these - and ask your local businesses to display the posters if they can. Flyers can be kept in your car and handed out as needed.
This is a community problem, and one we cannot solve alone. Help us to prevent more tragedies this summer by sharing this post.
On behalf of the animals - thank you ❤️
I’m not alive, yet I grow with care.
I wear ornaments, lights, and sometimes a star to bear.
My evergreen presence fills the air, bringing joy to the hearts of those who prepare.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! … View moreI’m not alive, yet I grow with care.
I wear ornaments, lights, and sometimes a star to bear.
My evergreen presence fills the air, bringing joy to the hearts of those who prepare.
What am I?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Create a peaceful holiday routine by winding down early. Sip some hot cocoa and enjoy the calm before the holiday hustle!
# Beds4U #HolidaySelfCare #BetterSleep #SleepTips
There's new ones every year, some become classics and some are not so good. What do you consider your favourite Christmas song.
And more importantly, what song would you ban? Share below!
SAFER BUS - SAFER PUBLIC
WHEN: Tuesday 17th December / From 7:00pm
WHERE: Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland
All welcome, no RSVP required
Neighbourly members across the country have been sharing their festive decor to be in to win the title of NZ's Merriest Home. We've narrowed the entries down to six finalists (our toughest feat yet!).
Now it's up to you!
Click on the name of the finalist to see all of their … View moreNeighbourly members across the country have been sharing their festive decor to be in to win the title of NZ's Merriest Home. We've narrowed the entries down to six finalists (our toughest feat yet!).
Now it's up to you!
Click on the name of the finalist to see all of their photos before you cast your merry vote!
Nishan Wijesinghe from Te Atatu South - See all photos here
Mark Williams from Tamatea - See all photos here
Linda Clack from Cockle Bay - See all photos here
Luke Murphy from Hornby - See all photos here
Joanne Isles from Hokowhitu - See all photos here
Kirstyn Tait from Wigram - See all photos here
The finalist with the most votes will win the title of NZ's Merriest Home and $200 to go toward more Christmas goodies!
You can also enlarge the images below by clicking on them. Happy voting, neighbours!
More people in Aotearoa are facing hardship than ever before. The Salvation Army struggles to meet the rising demand for food and support due to declining donations and reduced government support. As needs increase, donations have fallen.
This year’s Christmas Appeal,… View moreMore people in Aotearoa are facing hardship than ever before. The Salvation Army struggles to meet the rising demand for food and support due to declining donations and reduced government support. As needs increase, donations have fallen.
This year’s Christmas Appeal, Give A Little Joy This Christmas, is critical, with over one in five Kiwi children living in food-insecure households—rising to one in three for Māori and Pacific children: donations fund food, budgeting advice, counselling, gifts, and more.
Help bring joy this Christmas by donating at www.salvationarmy.org.nz... or calling 0800 53 00 00.
In a lush, green ngahere (forest) cloaked in mist, where ancient rimu and kahikatea trees reached to touch the sky, lived Hinekiwi, the small and humble brown kiwi. Hinekiwi was known for her quiet and hardworking nature. Every night, under the cover of darkness, she would dig through the soft soil… View moreIn a lush, green ngahere (forest) cloaked in mist, where ancient rimu and kahikatea trees reached to touch the sky, lived Hinekiwi, the small and humble brown kiwi. Hinekiwi was known for her quiet and hardworking nature. Every night, under the cover of darkness, she would dig through the soft soil with her long beak, finding juicy worms and grubs to eat.
Nearby lived Pīwakawaka, the mischievous fantail. With his flitting wings and cheeky nature, Pīwakawaka delighted in playing tricks on the other animals. Though clever and charming, he often pushed his games too far.
One evening, as the moon rose and bathed the forest in silver light, Hinekiwi was busy digging near the roots of a giant tōtara tree. She had found a patch of rich, damp earth teeming with plump worms, a rare treasure. As she carefully plucked one from the soil, Pīwakawaka swooped down, chattering loudly.
“Ah, Hinekiwi! What a feast you’ve found!” Pīwakawaka said, his voice light and teasing. “Surely you don’t need all those worms?”
Hinekiwi looked up, startled. “I worked hard to find these, Pīwakawaka. Please, let me eat in peace.”
But Pīwakawaka was not one to take no for an answer. With a flick of his tail, he darted down, snatched a worm from Hinekiwi’s beak, and zipped into the trees. Hinekiwi called after him, but the cheeky bird only laughed and disappeared into the shadows.
The next evening, as Hinekiwi searched for food, Pīwakawaka reappeared. This time, he didn’t just take one worm—he stirred up the soil with his wings, scattering Hinekiwi’s carefully dug treasures. “Such fun!” he chirped, leaving her with little to eat.
Hinekiwi was patient and wise. Though upset, she didn’t confront Pīwakawaka directly. Instead, she hatched a plan.
The following night, Hinekiwi ventured deeper into the ngahere to a place she knew well—a boggy patch near the edge of a stream, filled with fat worms. But this time, she made sure to spread word among the forest creatures that she had found an especially rich spot for foraging.
It wasn’t long before Pīwakawaka heard the news. Eager for an easy meal, he fluttered over. As Hinekiwi pretended to dig, Pīwakawaka darted down to steal a worm. But instead of finding soft earth, he landed in sticky, muddy clay! His wings flapped furiously, but the more he struggled, the deeper he sank.
“Help! Hinekiwi, help!” he called, his usual cheer replaced by panic.
Hinekiwi calmly approached. “Why should I help you, Pīwakawaka? You’ve stolen from me and made my hard work even harder.”
“I’m sorry!” Pīwakawaka cried. “I only wanted to have fun. I didn’t realize I was hurting you.”
Hinekiwi looked at the struggling bird and sighed. She was kind at heart and knew everyone in the ngahere played a role in the balance of life. “Very well,” she said. Using her strong beak, she dug around the sticky clay until Pīwakawaka was free.
From that night on, Pīwakawaka changed his ways. He still loved to play, but he no longer stole from Hinekiwi or anyone else. And when he saw Hinekiwi working late into the night, he would flutter close and chirp cheerful songs to keep her company.
The moral of the story:
Respect others’ efforts, for kindness is repaid with kindness — but mischief will stick to you like mud.
More people in Aotearoa are facing hardship than ever before. The Salvation Army struggles to meet the rising demand for food and support due to declining donations and reduced government support. As needs increase, donations have fallen.
This year’s Christmas Appeal,… View moreMore people in Aotearoa are facing hardship than ever before. The Salvation Army struggles to meet the rising demand for food and support due to declining donations and reduced government support. As needs increase, donations have fallen.
This year’s Christmas Appeal, Give A Little Joy This Christmas, is critical, with over one in five Kiwi children living in food-insecure households—rising to one in three for Māori and Pacific children: donations fund food, budgeting advice, counselling, gifts, and more.
Help bring joy this Christmas by donating at www.salvationarmy.org.nz... or calling 0800 53 00 00.
"Grateful beyond words! 🌟 A heartfelt thank you to BRENDA, one of our cherished elderly clients, for trusting us and supporting our free community cleaning service. Your kindness and encouragement inspire us to keep making a difference. 🧹❤️ #CommunitySupport #Gratitude"
Pack your bags, hit the open road, or set sail on your next big adventure. With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, you’re free to explore without worrying about home maintenance or security.
While you’re off enjoying life, we’ll take care of everything back home – from mowing the … View morePack your bags, hit the open road, or set sail on your next big adventure. With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, you’re free to explore without worrying about home maintenance or security.
While you’re off enjoying life, we’ll take care of everything back home – from mowing the lawns to watering the garden, pulling weeds, and even cleaning the windows.
Ryman residents are free to embrace adventure because they're not tied down with home maintenance stress and security worries. They're rediscovering lost passions and plunging headfirst into new ones whenever they feel like it.
Click find out more to discover the lifestyle.
It's well over a year since the 2023 election. Whether you were pleased with the result or not, we'd love to know how you are feeling about the changes the government have made so far?
Share your thoughts below.
Special Children's Christmas Parties held their Wellington event at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua recently inviting hundreds of special needs children and their caregivers to a fun day of free entertainment, food and also took home three quality toys to call their own.
Special … View moreSpecial Children's Christmas Parties held their Wellington event at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua recently inviting hundreds of special needs children and their caregivers to a fun day of free entertainment, food and also took home three quality toys to call their own.
Special Children's Christmas Parties have been organising these events for over 25 years across a number of main centres throughout New Zealand.
Now, every year in New Zealand, nearly 10,000 Kiwi children with special needs, challenging life or health circumstances are invited to a party like no other.
The annual event is made possible by many local businesses supporting this event including Neighbourly.co.nz.
To be a part of this special event next year, please contact Aidan Belsham - Aidan@scevents.co.nz
Sick of slow WiFi? Call in the local experts for a free site visit and quote Auckland wide.
0800 943 439
hello@thewifiexperts.co.nz
www.thewifiexperts.co.nz...
You could receive $2,000 + GST from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to give your space a fresh new look.
Plus, one lucky organisation will win a $20,000 flooring makeover!
Is the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new … View moreYou could receive $2,000 + GST from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to give your space a fresh new look.
Plus, one lucky organisation will win a $20,000 flooring makeover!
Is the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Apply Now
Carpet Court is continuing its mission to help improve Kiwi kids’ learning environments by rolling out its’ nationwide fund for the fifth year in a row.Apply today
William Sanders resident Suellen loves Christmas and the joy of having family close by. To make the holiday season easier, she shares her favourite tips and hacks. From decorating with lights and faux snow to prepping meals ahead of time and using reusable gift bags, Suellen’s ideas help bring … View moreWilliam Sanders resident Suellen loves Christmas and the joy of having family close by. To make the holiday season easier, she shares her favourite tips and hacks. From decorating with lights and faux snow to prepping meals ahead of time and using reusable gift bags, Suellen’s ideas help bring festive cheer without the stress. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or simple ways to enhance your celebrations, these tips will make your Christmas brighter and more enjoyable.
Click read more for Suellen’s tips.
This Christmas, make the season truly special with a gift from Showcase Jewellers Kerikeri. From exquisite diamonds to awe inspiring jewellery, fun fashion styles and more, there is something for that special someone in your life!
Visit our friendly team instore today to view the range and … View moreThis Christmas, make the season truly special with a gift from Showcase Jewellers Kerikeri. From exquisite diamonds to awe inspiring jewellery, fun fashion styles and more, there is something for that special someone in your life!
Visit our friendly team instore today to view the range and discover the perfect piece to make Christmas unforgettable.
Warkworth, CRACKERJACK is finally here! Kicking off with a grand opening this Thursday 19th December! 🚨
Exclusive Warkworth specials just for you at Kowhai Fall Shopping Centre! Global deals, and local favourites—all at great prices! From groceries to USA fashion, we've got surprises … View moreWarkworth, CRACKERJACK is finally here! Kicking off with a grand opening this Thursday 19th December! 🚨
Exclusive Warkworth specials just for you at Kowhai Fall Shopping Centre! Global deals, and local favourites—all at great prices! From groceries to USA fashion, we've got surprises that'll make you and your wallet smile. 💥
More FM will be joining the party with prizes and games from 12-2pm. 🎁🎉
We can’t wait to meet you! 🌍🛒🌟
A Wellington man was wrongly issued a parking fine and spent over 40 hours going back and forward with Hutt City Council about it.
Have you ever been unfairly fined?
Haven Falls are very blessed to be opening their new branch in Rotorua.
Located at 271 Old Taupo Road, Rotorua these facilities offer a large chapel, dining hall and extended off road parking.
We invite you at anytime to pop in and speak with one of our team members and have a look around … View moreHaven Falls are very blessed to be opening their new branch in Rotorua.
Located at 271 Old Taupo Road, Rotorua these facilities offer a large chapel, dining hall and extended off road parking.
We invite you at anytime to pop in and speak with one of our team members and have a look around the facilities offered.
We operate 24 hours 7 days a week.
0800 428366
The Moon and the Stars
In the beginning, when Ranginui (the Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother) were separated, the heavens became a vast canvas of darkness. Tāne, the god of forests and man, adorned the sky with radiant stars — each one a tīpuna (ancestor) who had passed into … View moreThe Moon and the Stars
In the beginning, when Ranginui (the Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother) were separated, the heavens became a vast canvas of darkness. Tāne, the god of forests and man, adorned the sky with radiant stars — each one a tīpuna (ancestor) who had passed into the realm of the gods. They became known as Ngā Whetū o te Rangi (The Stars of the Sky).
Among these stars, the most important cluster was Matariki, whose return each year marked a time of renewal, remembrance, and harvest.
The Moon’s Journey
Te Marama (the Moon) watched from her lonely path in the heavens. She admired the brilliance of the stars and longed to be part of their eternal dance. But Te Marama’s journey through the sky was a solitary one, following her cycle of waxing and waning to bring balance to the tides and light to the night.
Te Marama approached Tāwhirimātea (god of the winds) with her wish. “Tāwhirimātea, I want to shine like the stars and be part of their unity. Please, help me join them.”
Tāwhirimātea, who had scattered the stars across the sky in his fury during the separation of his parents, listened to Te Marama’s plea. But he shook his head. “E Marama, your light is different. You do not burn with fire as the stars do. You are a reflection, a guide for those who walk the earth in darkness.”
Te Marama felt sorrowful but decided to speak with Matariki, the brightest and most beloved of the star clusters.
The Gift of Connection
Matariki greeted Te Marama warmly. “Te Marama, you have your own beauty, but I see your longing. During my time in the sky, I will send my tamariki (children) to guide you.”
Matariki’s children, the stars of her cluster, began to move in rhythm with the moon. They whispered ancient songs of hope, unity, and renewal, their light twinkling like laughter. Te Marama found joy in this companionship, even though it was fleeting.
Each night, as Te Marama waxed to fullness, she felt the presence of the stars more strongly. They taught her how to listen to the world below: the cries of the karoro (seagulls) over the tides, the hum of the forest under the moonlit sky, and the dreams of the people.
The Sacred Cycle
In return, Te Marama shared her light, illuminating the stars so that they could be seen more clearly by the iwi (people) below. Together, they became a guide for fishing, planting, and navigation.
From that time on, the people celebrated Te Marama alongside Matariki, acknowledging the balance between her cycles and the stars' steadfastness. Her waxing and waning became a metaphor for life’s rhythms: growth, rest, and renewal.
The heavens were no longer lonely for Te Marama, as she realised she was part of a greater story — a connection between Ranginui above and Papatūānuku below.
Kōrero Whakamutunga (Closing Words)
Today, when the moon rises full and bright, she reminds us of unity, and when Matariki returns, she brings the promise of new beginnings. Together, they teach us to honour the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
Call now for free consultation
• Complete Denture
• Partial Denture
• Same day Denture relines and repairs
• Provide WINZ Quote and insurance claim.
Contact us at 09 634 4543.
12C Waddon Place, Māngere, Auckland 2022
Hello Neighbors,
We’re excited to introduce Plumbing & Heating Centre, your local experts in plumbing, gas fitting, drainage and woodfire solutions. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we’re here to help with your plumbing and heating needs.
From routine maintenance … View moreHello Neighbors,
We’re excited to introduce Plumbing & Heating Centre, your local experts in plumbing, gas fitting, drainage and woodfire solutions. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we’re here to help with your plumbing and heating needs.
From routine maintenance to emergency repairs and new installations for renovations and new builds, our team provides reliable and professional service.
Feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule a service. We look forward to working with you!
Why not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa … View moreWhy not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa gift or something special to put under the tree, we’ve got you covered with a great selection for all interests.
Don’t miss out – shop now at Mags4Gifts.com and enjoy the savings!
At Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the holiday season and the moments that matter.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, every … View moreAt Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the holiday season and the moments that matter.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, every story, and every cheer like never before.
This festive season, don’t just be present - be at the heart of the fun.
Sonova proprietary research (2024), visit hearmore.co.nz to learn more.
Care, Community, And Connection
Acacia Cove, a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula has 31 weekly activities.
For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, … View moreCare, Community, And Connection
Acacia Cove, a country-style village situated on the beautiful Wattle Downs Peninsula has 31 weekly activities.
For those who appreciate the tranquility of an estuary setting Acacia Cove has it all, as well as its own restaurant, heated indoor pool, library, bowling green and gym.
Whether you choose to live in a villa or one of our luxurious apartments, you’ll have the security of a 24 hour, fully monitored emergency call system built in.
If you’re aged 60 or over, value your independence but want greater security, come and have a look at the superb properties we have to offer.
Contact long time manager Bruce to book a visit today!
(09) 268 8522.
admin@ocaciacove.co.nz
© Neighbourly 2024
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