And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.5% Yes
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33.7% Maybe?
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24.8% No
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Wanted: Information on stolen art piece
Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for a unique art piece stolen during a burglary in west Auckland.
The Waitematā West Tactical Crime Unit is investigating a burglary in the Piha area on 6 December 2025.
Detective Sergeant Anna Freestone says scrap metal and tools were amongst items stolen, but also an valuable artwork called ‘Infinite Sea’.
“The round artwork is made up of glass, a mirror, led lighting and PVC,” she says.
“It’s a distinctive piece of art and we’re asking anyone in the public who has information on its whereabouts to get in touch.
It may be that this artwork has been offered up or advertised for sale, and we need to hear from you.”
If you have information to assist Police, you can provide information online now or call 105 using the reference number 251208/4801.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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