Poll: Who is the 2025 Prospa Local Business Hero?
Neighbourly members have spoken! We’re excited to announce the finalists for the National Prospa Local Business Hero competition, celebrating the most-loved local businesses across the country.
Have a read (click on their blue title to read the nomination) and vote for which business you think should take the crown (and impressive prize pack!).
1) Robin Davis - Newcreation (Auckland)
Newcreation came to fruition to support their son’s leukaemia recovery, creating and selling beautiful artwork made from recycled materials. They also transform donated offcuts from local builders and businesses into meaningful creations and give them to the community for free, such as Mother’s Day decorations and stars for Matariki.
2) BFT Blockhouse Bay - Jess & Andy Hart (Auckland)
BFT Blockhouse Bay is a gym but has been described as a true community hub. The owners, Jess and Andy Hart, started as members themselves, so they understand what makes a great gym: a welcoming, supportive environment where mental and physical health are equally valued.
3) Settlers Way Country Store - Jackie Poole & Annie Blackmore (Northland)
Settlers Way Country Store is all about supporting local - selling locally made items, and locally-grown fresh produce that suit a wide range of tastes.
The owners, Jackie Poole & Annie Blackmore, get involved in community projects and run several of the local facebook pages helping keep the community connected.
4) Coronation Grill & Burger - Gaurav Kumar Arora (Waikato)
Coronation Grill and Burger Morrinsville is more than a local eatery, it’s a warm, welcoming hub known for both their hearty meals with fresh ingredients, and their warm hospitality. They love to support local events and their nomination reads ‘They’re a true hometown hero, and we’re lucky to have them.’
5) Robyn's Cottage - Robyn Parker (Bay of Plenty)
Robyn’s Cottage in Greerton, Tauranga is a vibrant haven for craft lovers, filled with threads, wool, patterns, and expert advice from the ever-helpful Robyn. Despite a tough year health-wise, she continues to brighten the community with her knowledge, embroidery services, and creative classes.
6) The Egg Project - Pip Chrystall (Manawatu - Wanganui Region)
Pip and the team from The Egg Project in Bainesse work tirelessly to collaborate with other farms and businesses to provide fresh farm to table eggs, milk, yoghurt, vegetables & other products with free delivery to your door. They help out with community-minded projects and their nomination says they are always cheerful and ready to help.
7) Sparkydaz Electrical & Security - Darren Evans (Hawkes Bay - Gisborne Region)
Sparky Daz Electrical and Security in Onekawa, Napier, stands out for their prompt, professional service and top-quality workmanship, no job too small. Darren and apprentice Kerrie go the extra mile every time.
8) Hire Smart / Smart Aggregates Quarry - Gareth Boyd, Grant Cudby & Grant McEwen (Taranaki)
Hire Smart / Smart Aggregates Quarry is a hardworking team with heart, going above and beyond for their community - from sponsoring local sports to quietly donating materials where needed. Their nominator wrote ‘Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. That's how I feel about the amazing team’
9) Trade School Kitchen - Hannah Drew-Crawshaw & the Team (Wellington region)
Trade School Kitchen in Naenae serves incredible food and drinks, but their true impact lies in their belief that everyone has something to offer - regardless of their past or present challenges. They provide training, employment, and a strong sense of community to help open doors and create new opportunities.
10) Toastie Lords - Taylor Hamilton (Nelson-Marlborough region)
Taylor Hamilton and the Toastie Lords team in Picton have built a beloved toasted sandwich spot from the ground up. With mouth-watering toasties and warm service, they are now famous with locals and cruise ship visitors alike.
11) Catnap Cafe - Nate & Alyssa (Canterbury region)
Catnap Cafe is run by Nate and Alyssa serving drinks and sweet treats with the opportunity to hang out with some feline friends. Working alongside Cat Rescue Christchurch they have rescued and rehomed nearly 200 cats, including special needs felines giving them second chances at a loving home.
12) Rangiora Wool Shop - Katherine McLeod (Canterbury)
Rangiora Wool Shop, led by Katherine McLeod and her team, is a warm, welcoming haven where creativity and community come together. With deep knowledge (and the finest merino!) they bring people together with the joy of creating.
13) Otago Vacuum Tank Services Ltd - Tim and Courtney Giddens (Otago-Southland region)
Otago Vacuum Tank Services (OVTS), led by Tim and Courtney Giddens, provide exceptional service but they also go above and beyond with a smile. From providing fresh water during landslides to organizing fun community events and helping local clubs, they are always ready to support the West Harbour community.
14) Blacks Road Grocer - Christopher Wilson (Otago region)
Blacks Road Grocer in Dunedin is a beloved local gem blending historic charm with a welcoming atmosphere. They offer house-made café treats, fresh local produce, and quality groceries, all served with friendly, attentive service.
-
6% 1) Robin Davis - Newcreation
-
3.2% 2) BFT Blockhouse Bay - Jess & Andy Har
-
3% 3) Settlers Way Country Store - Jackie Poole & Annie Blackmore
-
4.9% 4) Coronation Grill & Burger - Gaurav Kumar Arora
-
3.1% 5) Robyn's Cottage - Robyn Parker
-
25.7% 6) The Egg Project - Pip Chrystall
-
1.5% 7) Sparkydaz Electrical & Security - Darren Evans
-
1.8% 8) Hire Smart - Gareth Boyd
-
9.6% 9) Trade School Kitchen - Hannah & the Team
-
2.7% 10) Toastie Lords - Taylor Hamilton
-
27.2% 11) Catnap Cafe - Nate & Alyssa
-
9.2% 12) Rangiora Wool Shop - Katherine McLeod
-
0.8% 13) Otago Vacuum Tank Services Ltd - Tim and Courtney Giddens
-
1.3% 14) Blacks Road Grocer - Christopher Wilson
🎉 Riddle me this, legends! 🎉
He/She who makes it, sells it.
He/She who buys it, doesn't use it.
The user doesn't know they are using it.
What is it?
(Shezz from Ngāruawāhia kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Shezz!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
The Bible Declares That God is Bringing Jews Back To Their Ancient Land of Israel
The Bible reveals that God has chosen and cherished one specific people and one specific land to serve as the stage for revealing His plan and purpose to all nations. As we read in Deuteronomy chapter 7, verse six, speaking of the Jews: “The Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.”
God’s ultimate purpose is to transform the world by establishing His Divine Rule in His new Kingdom based in Jerusalem. This will occur when Jesus Christ returns as King during a time of great trouble. At that moment, God will intervene to save first the Jewish people from destruction and gather them from all parts of the earth. Upon Christ’s return, God will put out a Call to be universally honoured, and a lasting peace will finally be established throughout the World. This has been his design from Creation which was told to the Fathers of Isreal first and then to the rest of the World by the teaching of Jesus and then his disciples in the New Testament.
**Exile and the Promise of Return**
Today, the Jewish people have often been cursed and despised among the nations. However, the prophets foretold that when Jesus returns, God will settle them in the land of Israel in security and safety. The historical rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah resulted in their greatest exile from the land, a dispersion that has lasted for approximately two thousand years.
Yet, in direct fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies, God is now regathering the Jews to their ancestral homeland. As the prophet Isaiah declares, “For the Lord will have mercy upon Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land” (Isaiah 14:1). While Israel was scattered by God due to their failure to live obediently as His chosen nation, God promised He would never utterly forsake them. The prophet Ezekiel confirms this, stating,
“Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen, whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land” (Ezekiel 37:21).
**Fulfilment: The Modern State of Israel**
The promise of God to bring His people back to the land is proven and demonstrated by the establishment of the modern State of Israel in 1948. The Word of God declared,
“I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the Lord, and I will cause them to return to the land” (Jeremiah 30:3).
Since 1948, we have witnessed Jews returning from all over the world to occupy the ancient land that was promised to the fathers of the nation: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This movement fulfils the words of Ezekiel:
“For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land” (Ezekiel 36:24).
The undeniable return of the Jews to the land of Israel demonstrates that God is sovereignly guiding their destiny. Because we see these specific prophecies fulfilled, we can be assured that those prophecies yet to be fulfilled will also come to pass.
**God’s Unseen Hand in the Regathering**
The regathering of the Jews to the land of Israel is fundamentally the work of Almighty God in our time. It is not simply a political movement driven by the desire of the Jewish people to establish a nation and homeland. Rather, God’s unseen hand is behind the events that have led to the revival of the nation of Israel.
The Bible emphasises God’s personal involvement in this return through numerous passages:
- “Behold, I will save my people... and I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem” (Zechariah 8:7-8).
- “I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return” (Jeremiah 30:10).
- “I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel, and they shall build the waste cities” (Amos 9:14).
- “I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel” (Micah 2:12).
**Conclusion: A Sign of Christ’s Return**
God is regathering Israel today. The very existence of the modern State of Israel is a clear and powerful sign that Almighty God is working amongst the nations. The Bible states that He “shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth” (Isaiah 11:12). This prophetic work is underway.
Israel sees their return as prophetical, but few understand that God will create events where first they will eventually be humbled by her neighbours before Christ returns as their Saviour. Read Ezekiel 38 & 39 to gain an incite as to what God's destiny fot Israel is.
We have seen for the last 125 years, the call for their return to their Homeland and its subsequent founding. This is God's reassurance to the World that He'll bring the World under His Blessing. Because of this, we can be confident that Jesus Christ will soon return to this earth to establish the Kingdom of God, a time of peace and plenty for every nation.
Poll: If we want to reduce speeding, what do you think actually changes driver behaviour? 🛻🚨🚓
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
-
37.1% The sting of a fine (Money talks!)
-
62.9% The threat of demerit points (Nobody wants to lose their license!)
Loading…