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Neighbourly is celebrating 50 years of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week)
Do you use te reo at home? Greet your neighbours with kia ora? Sing waiata with your tamariki?
Share how you celebrate te reo in your daily life in the comments below, and you could win a $50 Prezzy Card!
… View moreNeighbourly is celebrating 50 years of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week)
Do you use te reo at home? Greet your neighbours with kia ora? Sing waiata with your tamariki?
Share how you celebrate te reo in your daily life in the comments below, and you could win a $50 Prezzy Card!
For some amazing te reo resources, head to ReoMāori.co.nz
Me mahi tahi tātou, Neighbours 🌿
Alberton Vintage Market Day
When: Sunday 5 October, 11 am - 3 pm
Cost: Market entry free, normal house entry applies
Once a year the historic Alberton house and the grounds become a setting for a wonderful vintage and antique “mini market”. A range of specialist stallholders … View moreAlberton Vintage Market Day
When: Sunday 5 October, 11 am - 3 pm
Cost: Market entry free, normal house entry applies
Once a year the historic Alberton house and the grounds become a setting for a wonderful vintage and antique “mini market”. A range of specialist stallholders will be offering fine china, textiles, Crown Lynn, clothing, jewellery, crystal, silver and tableware, bric-a-brac and more!
Come along to find a treasure and enjoy delicious food and coffee. It’s also a great opportunity to explore the historic house and learn more about the original owners, the Kerr Taylor family.
Hey Neighbours!
Thinking about a new mattress? The two most popular picks are memory foam (great support, less partner disturbance) and innerspring (classic, affordable, and lots of firmness options). Both have their pros and cons—but the best way to know what’s right for you is to explore … View moreHey Neighbours!
Thinking about a new mattress? The two most popular picks are memory foam (great support, less partner disturbance) and innerspring (classic, affordable, and lots of firmness options). Both have their pros and cons—but the best way to know what’s right for you is to explore and try them out.
Learn more here: beds4u.co.nz...
and find the mattress that’s just right for you!
Clocks will go forward one hour at 2am on Sunday 28 September.
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Summerset’s Nationwide Open Day is on Sunday 5 October. All 38 of our villages are open from 10am to 2pm.
On September 22, a rare partial solar eclipse will be visible at dawn across the country.
Stardome Observatory said the sun will rise while the eclipse was already in progress.
Astronomer Josh Aoraki said the partial solar eclipse was so special because just a few countries, including a few … View moreOn September 22, a rare partial solar eclipse will be visible at dawn across the country.
Stardome Observatory said the sun will rise while the eclipse was already in progress.
Astronomer Josh Aoraki said the partial solar eclipse was so special because just a few countries, including a few Pacific nations, will be able to see it.
"We haven't seen an eclipse of this magnitude here since 2012, so you won't want to miss it."
The sun will appear at dawn as a crescent when it rises, with the moon slowly moving across the sun and blocking more of its light over the next hour.
A clear and view of the eastern horizon at 7am will be the best time to see the eclipse, Aoraki said.
"(The) Eclipse ends just after 8am when the moon will slip clear of the sun's disc, ending the eclipse."
The solar eclipse follows a total lunar eclipse earlier this month, when New Zealanders saw the moon slip into Earth's shadow and turn a deep red hue.
Together, the two eclipses mark one of the busiest months for celestial events in recent years.
The amount of sun covered at the peak of Monday's eclipse will vary across the country, from around 60% in Auckland to more than 70% in the lower South Island.
In contrast to the total lunar eclipse earlier this month, experts stressed solar eclipses could be dangerous to watch without proper precautions.
"It's never safe to look directly at the sun without proper protection. You'll need certified solar viewing glasses. Regular sunglasses are not safe for solar viewing," Stardome said.
Stardome is holding a free viewing party atop Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill between 6am and 8am if weather allows.
How much of the sun will be covered for different regions
60% in Auckland
61% in Tauranga
62% in Gisborne
63% in New Plymouth
66% in Wellington
68% in Greymouth
69% in Christchurch
71% in Queenstown and Dunedin
72% in Invercargill
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Central City Library
Whare Wānanga, Central Library, Level 2,
44 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Saturday 6 December 2025 10:30am - 2:30pm
Bookings essential. Book via Eventfinda
www.eventfinda.co.nz...
Please bring your own laptop and your Australian and/or Pacific Island … View moreCentral City Library
Whare Wānanga, Central Library, Level 2,
44 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Saturday 6 December 2025 10:30am - 2:30pm
Bookings essential. Book via Eventfinda
www.eventfinda.co.nz...
Please bring your own laptop and your Australian and/or Pacific Island research.
10.30am-1pm:
Presentation: Research in Australia – resources on the shelves and online (includes tour of family history collection, focusing on GEN and AUS).
- Also includes an overview of Pacific Island resources
- Opportunity for hands-on learning how to fill in a pedigree chart and family group sheets.
- BYO laptops to practice live-guided searching.
- Interactive discussion about difficulties encountered, and tips and tricks for overcoming them.
- Discuss discoveries found.
- Learning from each other – family historians are very collaborative and enjoy working together.
1pm: Tour of Research Centre
1.30pm: Lunch
2.pm: Research: After lunch, join us for hands-on research afternoon where attendees are welcome to stay and continue their research, assisted by staff if needed. Learning by doing, allowing attendees to reinforce what they learned in the morning.
Research Central closes at 5pm
This workshop is one of a series focussed on "countries of interest."
Upcoming workshops:
*England and Wales - Saturday 7 March, 2026
*Scotland - Saturday 2 May, 2026
*Ireland - Saturday 1 August, 2026
The Government is cracking down on serious immigration breaches, announcing it will strengthen deportation settings on the same day Immigration NZ revealed there are more than 20,000 people who have overstayed their visa.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford believes the changes, soon to be … View moreThe Government is cracking down on serious immigration breaches, announcing it will strengthen deportation settings on the same day Immigration NZ revealed there are more than 20,000 people who have overstayed their visa.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford believes the changes, soon to be introduced to Parliament, will address gaps in New Zealand’s compliance framework.
For example, under the current rules, someone who commits a serious crime cannot be liable for deportation if they have held a residence visa for more than 10 years.
“We’re fixing that,” Stanford said. “Where migrants don’t follow the conditions of their visa, I’ve made it clear to Immigration NZ compliance and enforcement actions are a priority.”
Between July 2024 and the end of June this year, 1259 people were deported from New Zealand, self-deported or voluntarily departed New Zealand, Immigration NZ said. This is an increase of 352 from the previous financial year.
Among the changes that Stanford’s new legislation will make is an expansion of deportation liability to up to 20 years to cover those with residence class visas who commit serious criminal offences.
Rules will be tightened to ensure providing false or misleading information can trigger deportation liability and clarifying that historic crimes – including those committed before arriving in New Zealand – can lead to deportation liability.
The definition of when a visa is considered to have been granted in error will be expanded. This means holders of a visa granted by mistake will no longer benefit from it and may be liable for deportation.
Deportation liability notices will also be able to be issued electronically if a physical address cannot be located. Immigration offers will have the ability to request identity-based information from someone when there is good cause to suspect they may be in breach of their visa conditions or potentially liable for deportation.
“We know most people comply with their visa conditions and New Zealand laws while they are here,” said Stanford.
“For those who do not, it’s important we have the right tools in place. We are proposing changes to the Immigration Act to ensure the immigration system is more robust and responsive so it can act more decisively when serious breaches occur.”
Stanford said penalties for migrant exploitation will also be toughened. The maximum penalty will rise from seven years imprisonment to 10 years.
“Migrant exploitation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This change recognises the seriousness of this crime and builds on a suite of changes made by this Government to reduce the opportunity for exploitation and stamp it out when it occurs.”
Immigration NZ said on Thursday that as of July 1, there were around 20,980 people in New Zealand who have overstayed their visa. This is the first estimate to be carried out using a new methodology which the agency believes has better accuracy than the previous one used in 2017.
In 2017, there were an estimated 14,000 overstayers, but immigration NZ warned against direct comparisons because of the different methodologies used.
In terms of nationalities, there are 2599 individuals from Tonga who were believed to be overstayers, followed by 2577 from China and 2213 from the US.
The top 10, which also includes people from Samoa, India, Great Britain, Philippines, Malaysia, Canada and Germany, represents 69.7% of the total estimate.
There were 24,425 people from Tonga who arrived in New Zealand on a temporary visa between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. Of these, 472 were recorded as being overstayers, or 1.93%. This is the largest percentage recorded, followed by 1.66% of Samoans who arrived during this period.
Most of those recorded as being overstayers are in New Zealand on a visitor visa. Only a small number are here on a work visa – 2219 – or a student visa, 1031.
Ricardo Menéndez March from the Greens said the figures showed the need for the Government to offer a pathway to residency to many of those “falling through the cracks”.
“People without a visa need support. Most are active participants in our communities, have family here, and are also more vulnerable to exploitation,” he said.
“While the Greens have stopped countless families from being deported and their livelihoods destroyed, the Government should do its part.
“An amnesty programme for overstayers is not a novel idea - the New Zealand government offered a residency pathway for thousands of overstayers in the 1980s.
“The Greens have long called for an amnesty for overstayers, and better residency pathways for migrants. This is backed by many organisations such as the Pacific Leadership Forum and the Migrant Workers Association.”
Steve Watson, general manager of Immigration Compliance and Investigations, said the total estimate was a small proportion of the temporary migrants who come to New Zealand.
“Each year, New Zealand processes around one million visa applications and 1.6 million New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority requests and sees approximately 3.6 million arrivals from non-New Zealand citizens each year.
“While the vast majority of people comply with their visa conditions and leave before the expiry of their visa, unfortunately some people do not leave and consequently remain in New Zealand unlawfully.”
The estimate will be updated annually to ensure transparency and improve public confidence in the immigration system.
Immigration NZ said it does a significant amount of work to educate migrants on their rights and obligations as visa holders in New Zealand.
“We have an early intervention process for clients who become unlawful, encouraging active engagement with INZ, including options of voluntarily departing New Zealand before they are deported. People who overstay their visa must understand that if they do not qualify for a further visa, they are expected to leave New Zealand, or face deportation. ”
In terms of ensuring compliance, over the past couple of years it has focused on addressing situations such as “criminal activity as the first priority, particularly those who pose a threat to national security”.
“We have improved our productivity significantly in the compliance space over the last two years and this has seen our deportation numbers increase in recent years. Our operational focus is to ensure those who are of greatest risk to New Zealand, are deported.
“When Immigration Compliance staff locate someone who has overstayed their visa, they assess all available options including alternative visa pathways. Where possible individuals are encouraged to leave New Zealand voluntarily if they do not qualify for a new visa.”
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First-time lifter Mona got the technique down pat while Colin lifted an incredible 60kg! Even 100-year-old Bill joined in! Together they raised $1,700 for Hato Hone St John. A day full of fun, courage, and community spirit!
Click read more to read about the full lift-off.
Impress your friends by building an easy-to-make dartboard cabinet finished in Resene FX Faux Rust Effect, Resene FX Blackboard Paint and Resene Furniture and Decking Oil that will transform your garden into a games room. Find out how to make your own dartboard with these easy step by step … View moreImpress your friends by building an easy-to-make dartboard cabinet finished in Resene FX Faux Rust Effect, Resene FX Blackboard Paint and Resene Furniture and Decking Oil that will transform your garden into a games room. Find out how to make your own dartboard with these easy step by step instructions.
Spring’s the perfect time to clear out the garage, wardrobe, or that cluttered cupboard and turn your unused goods into cash!
Join the Neighbourly Online Garage Sale on Saturday, September 27th. It’s free, local, and the easiest way to find new homes for the things you no longer need from … View moreSpring’s the perfect time to clear out the garage, wardrobe, or that cluttered cupboard and turn your unused goods into cash!
Join the Neighbourly Online Garage Sale on Saturday, September 27th. It’s free, local, and the easiest way to find new homes for the things you no longer need from spare tents and pre-loved books to clothes that deserve another spin.
How it works:
List your items individually before the day. Then, sit back as interested buyers on Neighbourly browse and get in touch directly.
And if you’re not selling?
There’s still treasure to be found! Jump online on the 27th and grab yourself a bargain or two.
Let’s turn clutter into community wins.
Don’t miss out!
Every experienced gardener will tell you: “Get yourself a good pruner!” - well, I had to buy THREE cheap ones that all crapped out within 6 months with the spring flying off (never to be seen again) before I finally got smart. So don't make the same mistake and get yourself a FISKARS PLUS … View moreEvery experienced gardener will tell you: “Get yourself a good pruner!” - well, I had to buy THREE cheap ones that all crapped out within 6 months with the spring flying off (never to be seen again) before I finally got smart. So don't make the same mistake and get yourself a FISKARS PLUS P521 Pruner (RRP $43) with a bonus Tolsen sprayer (with adjustable nozzle) - both together for just $39. Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School), or if you are outside Auckland then maybe a friend of yours in Auckland can do the pickup.
With so many amazing series out right now, and with so many streaming services showing exclusive content, we thought we could do a national roundup of the best shows on TV! 📺
We want to know: What are you watching, what makes it the best show around, and where are you watching it?
(The … View moreWith so many amazing series out right now, and with so many streaming services showing exclusive content, we thought we could do a national roundup of the best shows on TV! 📺
We want to know: What are you watching, what makes it the best show around, and where are you watching it?
(The Neighbourly Team's suggestion: Taskmaster on TVNZ, because watching celebrities do silly things over dinner is the end to the day we all need!)
This small, heavy duty polypropylene step stool is ideal for use around the home. It is lightweight for easy portability and stacks for easy storage. • Strong construction • Stackable • 2 step • Approximate Dimensions are: Depth: 36 cm. Width: 36 cm, Height: 33 cm • Pickup in Green Bay … View moreThis small, heavy duty polypropylene step stool is ideal for use around the home. It is lightweight for easy portability and stacks for easy storage. • Strong construction • Stackable • 2 step • Approximate Dimensions are: Depth: 36 cm. Width: 36 cm, Height: 33 cm • Pickup in Green Bay (we live opposite Green Bay High School), or if you are outside Auckland then maybe a friend of yours in Auckland can do the pickup.
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