Who's setting off fireworks tonight?! 😄💥
Fireworks are a ton of fun but carry real risks that need to be taken seriously. If you plan on lighting some here's some tips to keep everyone in your community safe and happy.
❌ 1. Never light fireworks in dry or windy conditions.
🔥 2. Only use fireworks in wide open areas, away from flammable items such as trees, grasses, gas tanks, and wood.
💦 3. Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby.
👧 4. Children should never light fireworks themselves and need to be supervised closely at all times.
🧰 5. Keep all unlit fireworks in a secure bag or container away from any source of fire until they are ready to be used.
📞 6. Be considerate and let neighbours know if you're planning to set off fireworks. Aim to finish at a reasonable time.
🐱 7. Keep pets comfortable and secure inside. The loud booms and flashing lights can easily scare them off.
🐮 8. Avoid lighting off fireworks around farm animals and be aware of any newborns or elderly neighbours who may also be affected. If possible, change locations to somewhere that minimises any disturbances.
🌿 9. Be a tidy Kiwi and let's work together to keep New Zealand beautiful! Clean up any any rubbish and leave your spot better than you found it.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.6% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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68.9% Nah - not for me
By-election for Otara-Papatoetoe area
Just to let everyone know that we have another by-election happening, and here is the reason why. Below are details and dates, so keep an eye on your letter boxes.
The Manukau Court’s Ruling
The Manukau District Court determined that the Papatoetoe subdivision result of the Ōtara–Papatoetoe Local Board election was invalid, ruling that the outcome had been “materially affected” by voting irregularities. Judge Richard McIlraith found that the scale and nature of the irregularities met the legal threshold required to void an election under New Zealand’s local electoral laws.
In his decision, Judge McIlraith stated that the evidence presented — including reports of stolen voting papers, fraudulent use of ballots, and other procedural irregularities — was sufficient to conclude that the integrity of the election had been compromised. The court noted that at least 79 voting papers were identified as having been cast without the rightful voter’s knowledge during a judicially supervised examination of ballot boxes.
While the judge acknowledged that the election had been administered “properly and in accordance with all requirements” by Independent Election Services and the electoral officer, he concluded that the fraudulent activity originated outside the official process and nonetheless impacted the final result to a degree that required the election to be voided.
As a result of the ruling, the court ordered that a new election must be held, with Auckland Council confirming that the fresh poll must be completed by 9 April 2026
Stolen car - LPP146 blue Daihatsu boon
Hi neighbours
Our locked vehicle was stolen from our driveway in the early hours of this morning - 27/12/25. It is a blue Daihatsu boon rego # LPP146. I am a carer to my 92yrs mum. Her walker was in the back with 4 boxes of washed clothes for hospice op shop. If you see this vehicle can you pls call the police and message me on neighbourly.
Thank you
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