2054 days ago

2020 Volunteer of the Year - and the WINNER is....

Heather Moore from Volunteering Waikato

...actually it's winners - the dynamic duo of Murray and Judy Bramald!
Murray and Judy are in their 70’s yet still work a full day at Pureora. Although based in Taranaki, they travel four hours on a monthly basis to work on the Timber Trail as part of the Trail Angels. Their commitment to the area is shown by the considerable input of both time and resources, including quad bike modifications! They are dedicated advocates for the Department of Conservation and the Timber Trail, helping to spread the word about the beauty and specialness of Pureora and the need to protect what we have.
The prize for this award was sponsored by First Credit Union.
Click the READ MORE button to see the announcement of this award!

More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Poll: What do you think should happen with Chateau Tongariro?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

The Government has refused to commit to saving the Chateau Tongariro Hotel, leaving demolition, decommissioning or private restoration all on the table despite strong community pressure to preserve the iconic building.

In a formal response to a petition led by Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton, ministers acknowledged the Chateau’s cultural and economic significance but said no changes to current policy or legislation were warranted Chateau Petition response.

What do you think should happen with Chateau Tongariro? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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What do you think should happen with Chateau Tongariro?
  • 5.3% Demolish it
    5.3% Complete
  • 0% Decommission it
    0% Complete
  • 94.7% A private operator should restore it
    94.7% Complete
  • 0% Other - explain in the comments
    0% Complete
19 votes
4 days ago

Tamahere home in dentist case was once centre of accountant’s fraud

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

It’s been a feature in a recent Hamilton District Court trial , but a Tamahere mansion already has an complicated history.

The property in Woodcock Rd - notable for having a hydroslide in the back yard - the scene of now-disproved alleged sexual offending by Hamilton dentist Rahul Gautam - made headlines more than 15 years ago, when it was a focus in the case of accountant Gary Soffe.

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1 day ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 60.8% Yes, supporting people is important!
    60.8% Complete
  • 23.8% No, individuals should take responsibility
    23.8% Complete
  • 15.4% ... It is complicated
    15.4% Complete
324 votes