744 days ago

A Love Story for the Ages

Diana Isaac Retirement Village

Diana Isaac Village resident Maria has a love story for the ages, being flown on a ‘Bride Flight’ by her beloved Peter from their home country of the Netherlands to New Zealand as part of an international air race.

In 1953 a London to Christchurch challenge was organised. The reward for first place (in what was then the world’s longest air race – of 19,756 kilometres) was mainly glory but also a Harewood Gold Cup, named after Christchurch Airport’s operating name in the 1950s.

Competing airlines, amongst the eight airlines, included the Netherlands’ KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Douglas DC-6A, on which Maria travelled. There was also a BEA Vicker Viscount 700 and the RNZAF’s Hadley Page Hastings.

Click to read their full story.

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More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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24 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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10 days ago

2025 has been massive. The Luxon-led Government's attacks on workers, on Te Tiriti, on pay equity, on educators, on health workers, and on the public service, have been relentless.

Leslie from Avonside - Dallington

But despite everything thrown at working people, we've also seen some massive wins. We've fought back together with strike action. We've unified with days of action. We have focused on what matters. Make no mistake, 2026 will be wild, and we are ready for it! Source - New Zealand Council of Trade Unions