1923 days ago

Roundabout unveiled on busy Dairy Flat highway

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

Two years ago, Sophia Ivory narrowly escaped death in a multi-car crash at Dairy Flat Highway intersection.

The teenager has no recollection of the June smash that could have claimed her life at the Dairy Flat Highway/ Coatesville Riverhead Highway crossroads.

Sophia returned to the scene yesterday to see the unveiling of a new $10 million roundabout, held to mark Road Safety Week.

“I have absolutely no recollection of [the crash] or of six weeks after, I just know what the police told me,” Sophia said.

For the Rodney community, the roundabout has been a long time coming.

Serious crashes like Sophia’s sparked community pleas for improvements to road safety along Dairy Flat Highway.

Intersection upgrades, right turn bays, and median safety barriers were also installed.

Sophia said it was uplifting knowing that something positive could come out of such a low point in her life.

"I'm still walking and talking today and I'm glad I could make a difference that will ultimately save lives."

More messages from your neighbours
4 hours ago

Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Make a hearty dish. Take just half a minute. Add four parts of kestrel. Then just add one. What have you made?

(Trev from Silverdale kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Trev!)

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

Image
4 hours ago

Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Westfield Local Heroes program

Westfield Local Hero

Know someone in your community who is driving positive change?
Westfield is inviting you to nominate your local hero online.

The successful hero for each New Zealand Westfield destination will be awarded a $20,000 grant for the organisation or group they represent, and each finalist will receive a $5,000 grant for their organisation or group.

Find out more about the program and nominate your Local Hero now
Find out more

Image
6 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

Image
Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.5% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.5% Complete
  • 26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
    26.2% Complete
  • 14.4% ... It is complicated
    14.4% Complete
1120 votes