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!
🐾 It’s here! Our SPCA Merch has officially launched online 🐾
We’re excited to share our brand-new range of exclusive SPCA Merch, featuring tees, tote bags, socks, bandanas, and more 🛍️
Shop the range online now 🔗 www.spcaopshops.nz...
Every purchase helps raise vital funds to protect over 55,000 animals in need across NZ every year 💙
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
Soil To Brain - Kim Hill Hot Topic 2026
Join us for another thought-provoking "Hot Topic" discussion with Kim Hill!
This year's topic is Soil To Brain - Rethinking Our Connection. Kim Hill will lead a panel of experts to delve into the issues. Once the panel has deliberated their views, the audience will be invited to question panel members.
The evening is always a well-attended, stimulating and enjoyable occasion; all are welcome.
Panellists:
Julia Rucklidge | University of Canterbury
Pablo Gregorini | Lincoln University
Carolyn Lister | Bioeconomy Science Institute
Hadee Thompson-Morrison | Bioeconomy Science Institute
Event Details:
Thursday 26th March
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event starts at 7:30 p.m.
The discussion will be held in the Stewart Building at Lincoln University.
Koha on the door.
Refreshments and nibbles are provided, with beverages available from a cash bar.
Booking is not required.
Event Supporters Lincoln University; New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited; Mainfert; Intelligro; Resycl Ltd; University of Canterbury; and Roots, Shoots & Fruits.
Lincoln Envirotown Sponsors:
We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors Rata Foundation, Selwyn District Council, Lincoln University, and Lottery Community.
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