1320 days ago

Watch: Navy sailor proposes during emotional reunion following Canada deployment

Caroline Williams Reporter from North Shore Times

Kia ora neighbours. A navy sailor has proposed to his girlfriend – who said yes – in an emotional reunion in Auckland following a lengthy overseas deployment.

HMNZS Te Mana and her crew of 170 docked at the Devonport Naval Base on Friday morning.

The frigate left New Zealand for Canada more than three years ago to receive an extensive systems upgrade.

The first thing petty officer Jacob Biddle​ (Tūhoe) did when he disembarked Te Mana after a year on board was drop down onto one knee to ask his partner of three years, Takimoana Hawea​, to marry him.

The pair kissed and Hawea nodded “yes”, before jumping into Biddle’s arms as his comrades cheered and whistled from the ship.

Watch the video to see the special moment.

More messages from your neighbours
2 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.

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2 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

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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?

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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