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: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
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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59.8% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.8% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
Flower Pressing Workshop
Step back in time and discover the delicate Victorian art of flower pressing at Howick Historical Village.
Explore the gardens, gather flowers and foliage, and learn how to press and preserve them as keepsakes, just as the Victorians once did. Historical interpreter Ruth Page will guide you through the process and share tips for the best results.
📅 Dates:
• Saturday 21 March
• Saturday 28 March
• Saturday 11 April
• Saturday 18 April
⏰ 1:30–3:30pm
💲 Cost:
$28 (bring your own heavy book)
$42 (flower press included – yours to keep)
🎟 Includes entry to explore the Village (open 10am–4pm)
📩 Bookings essential – places are limited
A relaxing, creative afternoon surrounded by history and gardens — perfect for nature lovers and craft enthusiasts alike
Late Summer Harvest!
Experience a sun-kissed day at Howick Historical Village, celebrating the last of summer's bounty. Explore how the season’s harvest was gathered, preserved, and enjoyed in the 1800s, before the season changed.
The end of summer was a time to enjoy long, warm, dry days but also to prepare before autumn crept in. Pantries were filled as food was preserved, boots were waterproofed, curtains rehung. Honey made by busy bees all summer, was extracted from the hives.
Join us to experience the gentle turning of the seasons, where work and pleasure met, and the closing days of summer were truly cherished! Churn cream into butter or attend a Victorian school lesson. See the blacksmiths and woodturners at work and learn the art of bookbinding. Meet the Village beekeeper in a talk at 2 pm. Taste fresh baking, hot from the coal range in Puhi Nui Homestead and the bread oven. Visit the sweet shop filled with old-fashioned lollies and fudge!
With games, crafts and performances by Morris dancers at 11:00 & 12:00, and the bagpipe band at 12 pm and plenty to entertain all ages, this will be a Live Day not to miss!
Admission: adult $18, student/senior $14, child $10, family $46. Child under 5 years, members & annual pass holders - free entry.
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