Cherry Blossom Festival Matangi

It was with disappointment that I learnt of the cancellation of this festival because some neighbours objected to the traffic noise for a few days in the year and stopped the council from issuing event consent. I wonder if they considered the three years of hard work the owners out into making their property ready for this festival. Did they realise that they were putting over 300 catering, entertainment, ground and driving staff out of work for a week? They have also disappointed over 3000 members of the public from enjoying a day out and cost them part of their fee. They also managed to put the promotional company out of business and into liquidation. Why did you not go on holiday for that week if peace and quiet is so important to you? I hope you can compensate the owners in some way for the chaos and disruption you have caused.

More messages from your neighbours

Local Highlight

1 day ago

Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑

Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.

We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

Want to read more? The Press has you covered!

🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

54.3% Human-centred experience and communication

54.3% Complete
13.8% Critical thinking

13.8% Complete
29.3% Resilience and adaptability

29.3% Complete
2.6% Other - I will share below!

2.6% Complete

341 votes

16 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.