1676 days ago

Whangārei residents urged to check their backyards for missing man

Melanie Earley Reporter from Whangārei Leader

Kia ora neighbours, Whangārei residents have been asked to check their backyards as the search for a man missing since Wednesday continues.

Brian Bench, 72, was reported missing to Northland police after last being at an address on Memorial Drive, near Riverside Drive, on Wednesday night.

Northland police said there had been a possible sighting of Bench in the Whangārei CBD area around 7am on Thursday.

“Police continue to be concerned for Brian's welfare and our search effort remains ongoing,” a police spokesperson said.

“We would like to thank those people who have called us so far. We continue to urge anyone who sees Brian to call 111.”

Anyone with information about possible sightings can also contact police on 105, quoting file number 210708/9824.

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More messages from your neighbours
21 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.4% Complete
  • 43.6% I want to be able to choose.
    43.6% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2427 votes
19 days ago

Time to Tickle Your Thinker 🧠

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If a zookeeper had 100 pairs of animals in her zoo, and two pairs of babies are born for each one of the original animals, then (sadly) 23 animals don’t survive, how many animals do you have left in total?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

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5 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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