1283 days ago

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces Dame Cindy Kiro as next Governor-General

Brian from New Lynn

Dame Cindy, who is of Māori and Pākehā descent, has held leadership roles at several New Zealand universities and a number of roles in community and voluntary organisations. Born in Whangārei in 1958, Dame Cindy is the eldest of six children and is of Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu and British descent. She also has connections to Te Arawa in the Rotorua region. Dame Cindy recently took up the role of chief executive of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, which advances and promotes research in science, technology and the humanities, and raises public awareness and understanding of those fields. She was made a Dame this year for services to child wellbeing and education. "I am delighted Dame Cindy has accepted the role," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday as she made the announcement in Wellington. "She has a highly distinguished and lengthy career in academic and leadership positions and has made significant contributions across a number of fields and organisations." Ardern said Queen Elizabeth's advice was that Dame Cindy was "wholly suitable" for the role. "Over many decades, Dame Cindy has demonstrated her passion for the wellbeing of children and young people, as well as education and learning. I know she will bring that same commitment to all New Zealanders as Governor-General," Ardern said.
"We are privileged to have someone of Dame Cindy's mana and standing for the role and I am very grateful that she agreed to become our next Governor-General." Dame Patsy, the third woman in New Zealand to hold the role of Governor-General, was appointed in 2016 for a five-year term starting from September that year, after Queen Elizabeth II gave her approval. The position of Governor-General is selected by Cabinet. The Queen is consulted by the Prime Minister, and if she is happy with the candidate, the Opposition leader - currently Judith Collins - is consulted, and the recruitment process concludes. Dame Cindy, standing alongside the Prime Minister at her post-Cabinet press conference, said she was genuinely surprised when she was asked to accept the role. Dame Patsy's term will end on September 28, and the State farewell will be held on September 6. The details of the two ceremonies will be announced closer to the time. Dame Cindy will become Governor-General in October.
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More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we are having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

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6 hours ago

Tips on Choosing the Right Mattress Size for Quality Sleep Every Night

Beds4U Avondale

When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, the right mattress size plays a crucial role.


You might have heard myths about beds and frames and which size suits you.



Today, we're here to demystify these myths and provide a size-by-size comparison to help you find the perfect fit for your needs.


Finding the Perfect Fit

Selecting the right mattress size is akin to finding the perfect fit in a world of options.


Much like trying on clothes or shoes, your mattress size should cater to your individual needs and preferences.


Let's explore some key factors to consider when finding the perfect fit for your mattress:


1. Personal Preferences.

Consider your sleeping habits and personal space preferences.


Do you like to sprawl out or curl up?

Are you a solo sleeper, or do you share the bed with a partner, kids, or pets?


Understanding your personal preferences is essential in determining the ideal mattress size.


2. Bedroom Size.

Take the dimensions of your bedroom into account when choosing a mattress size.


A spacious bedroom can accommodate larger mattress sizes, whereas smaller bedrooms may require more compact options to ensure ample space for movement and furniture placement.


3. Sleeping Partners.

If you share the bed with a partner, consider their sleeping habits and space requirements.


A larger mattress size, such as a queen or king, provides ample space for both individuals to move comfortably without disturbing each other's sleep.


What Size Should You Get?

Let's break it down size by size:


Single Mattress (91cm x 188cm). Ideal for kids' rooms, guest rooms, or small bedrooms. A single mattress is also a good option for individuals who prefer sleeping alone and value space conservation.

Double Mattress (137cm x 188cm). Also known as a full-size mattress, this option offers more room to stretch out than a single mattress. It's suitable for couples who like to snuggle or for individuals who appreciate extra space.

Queen Mattress (153cm x 203cm). The queen mattress is one of the most popular choices for couples. It provides ample space for two people to sleep comfortably without feeling cramped. It's also a great option for individuals who enjoy sprawling out.

King Mattress (167cm x 203cm). The king mattress offers the most space out of all the standard sizes. It's perfect for couples who want plenty of room to move around or for families who like to co-sleep with young children or pets.

Choosing the Perfect Mattress Size for Your Sleep Needs

Mattress sizes can vary around the world, which can sometimes lead to confusion. In New Zealand, we follow standard sizes such as single, double, queen, and king.


However, it's essential to consider your personal preferences and the dimensions of your bedroom and furniture when choosing a mattress size.


Selecting the right mattress size is crucial for a good night's sleep.


By understanding the differences between single, double, queen, and king mattresses, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and preferences.


At Beds4U, we're committed to helping you find the perfect mattress size.

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6 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

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Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.3% Yes
    82.3% Complete
  • 15.2% No
    15.2% Complete
  • 2.6% Other - I'll share below
    2.6% Complete
2220 votes