1309 days ago

Woman given 13% chance of survival saved by volunteer firefighters

Melanie Earley Reporter from Western Leader

Kia ora neighbours, a West Auckland woman who was given less than 15% chance of survival has met with volunteer firefighters who she says helped save her life.

Shortly after 3am on March 28, Laingholm resident Janene Gurnell, 50, collapsed in her home. Her partner immediately called 111 and the Laingholm volunteer fire brigade was the first to respond.

Gurnell said she had no memory of what happened that night, but was told by her partner that less than a minute after the firefighters arrived, she went into cardiac arrest and stopped breathing.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson said firefighters began CPR on Gurnell immediately and continued until paramedics arrived.

Read the full story at the link below.

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More messages from your neighbours
22 hours ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

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21 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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4 hours ago

Denim, but make it one-of-a-kind 💙

The Team from SPCA Auckland - Centres & Op Shops

Not every pair of jeans makes it to the rack... but that doesn’t mean their story ends there. Our talented volunteer Annie has been transforming damaged denim into handcrafted bags, hats and aprons in our Onehunga SPCA Op Shop ✂️🧵

This latest batch even features her own hand-sewn designs, and customers have been loving them, they sell almost as soon as they hit the shelf!

It’s creativity, sustainability and community all stitched together, helping animals in need 🐾

📍 217 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga
🕘 9am–5pm, 7 days