Fitzroy, Hamilton

211 days ago

Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts … View moreFunerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Would you want an unconventional funeral?
  • 83.9% Yes
    83.9% Complete
  • 13.9% No
    13.9% Complete
  • 2.2% Other - I'll share below!
    2.2% Complete
1975 votes
208 days ago

Spoil someone special this Mother’s Day

mags4gifts.co.nz

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy up to 34% off 1-year magazine subscriptions and grab a gift for yourself or a mother figure that’ll last all year long!

With over 50 titles to choose from, there’s something for everyone at mags4gifts.co.nz. To make … View more
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy up to 34% off 1-year magazine subscriptions and grab a gift for yourself or a mother figure that’ll last all year long!

With over 50 titles to choose from, there’s something for everyone at mags4gifts.co.nz. To make your gift even more special, make sure to click the “This order is a gift” box to add a free personalised e-card to your order. Mother’s Day offers end at midnight on 11 May, so don’t miss out! T&Cs apply.
Find out more

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208 days ago

EarthDiverse: Te Reo Māori classes starting Wed 8 May 2024!

todd from EarthDiverse

EarthDiverse is pleased to announce the start of its newest language course in Te Reo Māori. Our Introductory Māori classes begin on Wed 8 May 2024 from 6:30-8:30pm. We offer hybrid courses with both in-person classes based in Hamilton and live-streamed on-line via Zoom to anywhere in the world … View moreEarthDiverse is pleased to announce the start of its newest language course in Te Reo Māori. Our Introductory Māori classes begin on Wed 8 May 2024 from 6:30-8:30pm. We offer hybrid courses with both in-person classes based in Hamilton and live-streamed on-line via Zoom to anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. For more info on this course, and our other language, arts and humanities courses,
please click on one of the links below.

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208 days ago

Have you checked out the tiger cubs?

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

They’re furry, stripy and, now they’re growing at the rate of 1kg a week, won’t be babies for much longer.

Twin tiger cubs have become the core of attraction at Hamilton Zoo as visitors cannot get enough of the fluffy spurt of energy.

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208 days ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Hamilton

I am no longer looking in from the outside

I had a sense of isolation and loneliness which had been with me from childhood. As an overweight child I went on to be an obese adult.

I suffered from massive anxiety and later on in life with depression. If asked how I was I would reply … View more
I am no longer looking in from the outside

I had a sense of isolation and loneliness which had been with me from childhood. As an overweight child I went on to be an obese adult.

I suffered from massive anxiety and later on in life with depression. If asked how I was I would reply 'fine', but inside felt dreadful. I recall feeling depressed in my late teens and later had postnatal depression with the births of my children. The amounts I was eating at these times increased and so did my weight - the more I ate, the worse I felt; the worse I felt, the more I ate.

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209 days ago

Do you take alternative milk in your coffee?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

The days of paying extra for is over at Wild Bean cafe but don’t expect your favourite city espresso haunt to follow their lead any time soon.

BP Australia and New Zealand took a “plant-based milk now at no extra cost” stance earlier this month as customers opting for the dairy … View more
The days of paying extra for is over at Wild Bean cafe but don’t expect your favourite city espresso haunt to follow their lead any time soon.

BP Australia and New Zealand took a “plant-based milk now at no extra cost” stance earlier this month as customers opting for the dairy alternatives tripled between 2017 and 2019.

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209 days ago

Are you fascinated by fossils?

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

Bones, teeth and other fossilised animal remains that have taken nearly 25 years to collect will soon be displayed in Hamilton.

City man Vance Smith has amassed about $15,000 worth of fossils and is opening a museum-shop in Frankton in May to share his passion.

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209 days ago

Ladies Arts Mornings

Arts for Health from Arts for Health Community Trust

Explore your creativity, connect with like-minded women, and enjoy a morning of art making in Hamilton!

Ladies Friday Art morning is perfect for meeting new people, exploring your artistic side, and taking time for yourself in this self-directed space. While our art team will pop in occasionally… View more
Explore your creativity, connect with like-minded women, and enjoy a morning of art making in Hamilton!

Ladies Friday Art morning is perfect for meeting new people, exploring your artistic side, and taking time for yourself in this self-directed space. While our art team will pop in occasionally to offer assistance and ideas, the focus is on your personal artistic journey.

Share this invitation with friends and have some fun. Suitable for all abilities.
Bring your own art materials or use our basic drawing materials to start you off.

Term 2 consists of 9 sessions
Starts Friday 3rd May
9.30am - 11.30am

$90 per term, bring your own materials.

Book here - www.artsforhealth.co.nz...

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209 days ago

What do you think about the number of alcohol outlets in your area?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Te Kauwhata locals have won a major victory against the spread of booze shops in the north Waikato village.
In a just released decision, Waikato district’s licensing committee has knocked back an application to establish a Bottle-O outlet on Main Rd beside the library after receiving 81 … View more
Te Kauwhata locals have won a major victory against the spread of booze shops in the north Waikato village.
In a just released decision, Waikato district’s licensing committee has knocked back an application to establish a Bottle-O outlet on Main Rd beside the library after receiving 81 objections.

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209 days ago

Celebrating Our Resident Authors On World Book Day

Hilda Ross Retirement Village

It was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.

They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!

View more
It was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.

They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!

Click read more for the full story.

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209 days ago

Watercolour Art Class

Arts for Health from Arts for Health Community Trust

Explore the world of watercolour painting in our beginner to intermediate class, crafted to boost your creativity and artistic skills! Perfect for newcomers or those refining their talent, this class provides a supportive space for growth and learning.

Guided by our experienced instructor, … View more
Explore the world of watercolour painting in our beginner to intermediate class, crafted to boost your creativity and artistic skills! Perfect for newcomers or those refining their talent, this class provides a supportive space for growth and learning.

Guided by our experienced instructor, you'll delve into watercolour techniques, from mastering washes to blending and layering colours. Each inspiring session combines the freedom to experiment with structured guidance, enhancing your painting abilities.


Materials supplied for the first two classes, after this you must bring your own.

Term 2 consists of 8 sessions
Starts Tuesday 14th May
9.30am - 11.30am

$175 per term, bring your own materials.

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210 days ago

Poll: Who is the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero?

Prospa

It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who… View more
It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who deserves the title of 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero.

So have a read of the nominations below and cast your vote...

Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
Hawkes Bay
'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.'

Ian Harvey (& Des Banks) - Flower Bazaar
Christchurch
'I'd like to nominate my local florist, Ian and Des at Flower Bazaar on Innes Rd, Chirstchurch. The friendliest guys you could meet, always supporting their fellow retailers in the area and going above and beyond for their customers. They know my family well, and when my mother sadly passed away last July they even went out of their way to close the shop and come to her memorial service. With cost of living issues for a lot of us nowadays, it can't be easy for small businesses, especially those not selling everyday essentials. It's important we support each other and keep these little guys afloat. I can't sing their praises enough. I hope they win something, they really do deserve it.'

Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
Whangārei
'The proprietor of this business is so kind. She will come to your home or business to discuss your need for repairs alterations or bespoke requirement. As it is often impossible to give a quote for work to do with tailoring she will give a guesstimate, if her time exceed this figure, she will charge that figure no more. But if the work takes less time, this will be the figure. Also, a client who eventually came to Vivienne had taken, a dress she very much liked, to another repair and alteration business who messed it up. Vivienne adjusted to fit well, straightened the one to straight back seam as well as other adjustments. She spent hours on it but charged well less than this time, due to empathy for the disappointment created by the bad job. Vivienne Shepherd is truly focused on doing the best by her clients. She definitely pursues excellence.'

Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
Palmerston North
'He consistently turns out a wide range of biscuits on the shelves in both standard AND gluten free versions - he's our go-to when we need a treat to take to dinner at a longtime friend's place who requires gluten free food. His specialty is gingerbread of course and he sells Gingerbread House kitsets to people all over NZ!
The shop is small but inviting and he keeps loyalty cards for regular customers, bonus treats! I only found out recently that he struggled with dyslexia and left school early, but is a born baker and has gone from strength to strength. Long may he practice his craft!'

Alicia Sinclair & the Team - Atawhai Industries
New Plymouth
'Definitely Atawhai Industries New Plymouth. Great crew and management. Prompt service, experienced skilled workers who are cheerful and polite. I was very impressed with the dangerous job they had to do for me and will definitely be calling them for future work. They do so much for the community and help get work for people who would otherwise have difficulties.'

Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
Wellington
'I'd like to nominate Jitesh & Hine at Creswick Foodmarket, Northland. Their tidy shop has everything one might need. And if what I am looking for is not there, they consider bringing it in for me. This avoids a lot of travelling across town for me. They also are very community-minded, contributing quietly to events and kids club. I'm glad they are in my community.'

Nicola Read, John Read & Team - Read Bros - Hardware
Thames
'I'd like to nominate Read Bros in Thames. The staff are so knowledgeable and helpful. If it's not in stock they will order it in for you. There you get treated as a person, rather than a number.'

Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
Dunedin
'I'd like to nominate Ayers Shoe Repairs in Hillside Road of Dunedin. They repair many things, not just shoes. Paul does a great job at a very reasonable price. They rang me as soon as my job was ready to collect. They are friendly and helpful.'

Vote for your pick in the poll below...

Who is the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero?
  • 33.8% Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
    33.8% Complete
  • 9.5% Ian Harvey - Flower Bazaar
    9.5% Complete
  • 3.3% Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
    3.3% Complete
  • 15% Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
    15% Complete
  • 5.2% The Team - Atawhai Industries
    5.2% Complete
  • 20.6% Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
    20.6% Complete
  • 3.9% Nicola Read & Team - Read Bros Hardware
    3.9% Complete
  • 8.6% Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
    8.6% Complete
811 votes
210 days ago

Thinking of going duck hunting this year?

Te Tari Pūreke

Hi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.

Make this duck season a great one by … View more
Hi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.

Make this duck season a great one by following the seven rules of firearms safety. We urge duck hunters to treat every shotgun in the maimai as loaded, and to save the drinks until after firearms have been safely locked away for the day. Remember, it takes more than luck to bag a duck.

Mike McIlraith – Director of Partnerships
Find out more

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210 days ago

Is this Ukrainian monster truck the ultimate 4WD?

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

A Waikato company is importing the ultimate 4WD war wagon from Ukraine.

The Kyiv-built truck called SHERP has seen active duty in Ukraine in search and rescue operations and now it’s on offer by Waikato company Impact Off Road.

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210 days ago

Have you seen the set-up for a demolition at the uni?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

A crucial phase in Waikato University’s medical school becoming a reality has started with the demolition of its ageing B Block.

After previous attempts to get the school up and running stalled, the university is no longer tip-toeing around the prospect of it going ahead.

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