Flagstaff, Hamilton

New lottery, new home

New lottery, new home

For just $15, you could win a fully furnished home in Clarks Beach, Auckland worth over $1 million. Buy your tickets today!

22 days ago

How's your household finding things in this financial climate?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Waikato borrowers are struggling to pay their debts and Afterpay, Covid, and a lack of financial nous are largely to blame, says a Hamilton financial advisor.

Statistics from credit reporting company Centrix show high percentages of financial hardship and home loan arrears across many parts of … View more
Waikato borrowers are struggling to pay their debts and Afterpay, Covid, and a lack of financial nous are largely to blame, says a Hamilton financial advisor.

Statistics from credit reporting company Centrix show high percentages of financial hardship and home loan arrears across many parts of New Zealand, including Waikato.

How's your household finding things in this financial climate? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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23 days ago

New series: Waikato Times joins small town council meetings to see democracy in action

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Waitomo mayor John Roberston isn’t shy about his council’s savings and cost cutting track record, and if the latest Waitomo District Council meeting was anything to go by, he’s got plenty to crow about.

From cutting back on the small things, like a council building refresh, to saving … View more
Waitomo mayor John Roberston isn’t shy about his council’s savings and cost cutting track record, and if the latest Waitomo District Council meeting was anything to go by, he’s got plenty to crow about.

From cutting back on the small things, like a council building refresh, to saving millions on debt, Waitomo’s council would be one of only a handful to have reduced debt over the past few years.

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23 days ago

What would you love to paint?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Growing up in South Africa during apartheid, Jennie de Groot learned quickly to find the hidden truths in the world around her.

It’s what makes her such a detail-oriented painter. She looks deeper into people and landscapes to find what’s beneath.

What would you love to paint? Tell us … View more
Growing up in South Africa during apartheid, Jennie de Groot learned quickly to find the hidden truths in the world around her.

It’s what makes her such a detail-oriented painter. She looks deeper into people and landscapes to find what’s beneath.

What would you love to paint? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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30 days ago

Second property purchase near zoo revealed

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

The city council’s recent purchase of a 3.6ha Rotokauri Rd property near the zoo for $2.5 million follows another nearby property buy for $2.35 million two years ago, also related to zoo expansion plans.

Records show the earlier sale of the adjacent 17 Bagust Rd took place in November 2022 … View more
The city council’s recent purchase of a 3.6ha Rotokauri Rd property near the zoo for $2.5 million follows another nearby property buy for $2.35 million two years ago, also related to zoo expansion plans.

Records show the earlier sale of the adjacent 17 Bagust Rd took place in November 2022 with title going to the council the following month.

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31 days ago

What workplace change would you like to see most?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in … View moreThis coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.

As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.

Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!

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24 days ago

Why do you think people are moving to Hamilton?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Cheaper living, good schools and parks as well as a central location are what’s bringing an influx of migrants to Hamilton.

Once again, Hamilton has been awarded the title of New Zealand’s fastest growing city with an estimated population of 192,000 - far exceeding Hamilton City Council … View more
Cheaper living, good schools and parks as well as a central location are what’s bringing an influx of migrants to Hamilton.

Once again, Hamilton has been awarded the title of New Zealand’s fastest growing city with an estimated population of 192,000 - far exceeding Hamilton City Council projections.

Why do you think people are moving to Hamilton? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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24 days ago

What do you think should happen on the economic development front?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

The man behind Te Waka - a now defunct Waikato agency designed to rev up the local economy - says any replacement could face the same fate if things don’t change.

Entrepreneur Dallas Fisher is particularly concerned about whether councils will come through with cash, and if they’ll “drop … View more
The man behind Te Waka - a now defunct Waikato agency designed to rev up the local economy - says any replacement could face the same fate if things don’t change.

Entrepreneur Dallas Fisher is particularly concerned about whether councils will come through with cash, and if they’ll “drop back into parochial regions”.

What do you think should happen on the economic development front? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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24 days ago

Ryman thanked for fundraising efforts

Linda Jones Retirement Village

Ryman Healthcare has donated $466,640 to Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand while announcing Hato Hone St John as its new charity partner.

Ryman’s Executive Chair, Dean Hamilton, presented the cheque to the charity at a special event held at Murray Halberg Village in Auckland.

Tim … View more
Ryman Healthcare has donated $466,640 to Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand while announcing Hato Hone St John as its new charity partner.

Ryman’s Executive Chair, Dean Hamilton, presented the cheque to the charity at a special event held at Murray Halberg Village in Auckland.

Tim Edmonds, CEO of Leukemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand, described the donation as ’vitally important’ to the work the charity does.

Click read more for the full article.

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24 days ago

Poll: Do you think this is a good idea?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

The Government will today unveil the next stage of its building reforms, allowing building professionals with indemnity insurance to self-certify their own work with the goal of cutting out council inspectors and reducing cost and delays for consumers.

“The building consent system currently is… View more
The Government will today unveil the next stage of its building reforms, allowing building professionals with indemnity insurance to self-certify their own work with the goal of cutting out council inspectors and reducing cost and delays for consumers.

“The building consent system currently is one size fits all. There are really good trade professionals who aren't trusted to get on and do the work and certify their own work,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk told The Post.

Do you think this is a good idea? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think this is a good idea?
  • 29.6% Yes
    29.6% Complete
  • 59.3% No
    59.3% Complete
  • 11.1% Not sure
    11.1% Complete
27 votes
24 days ago

Poll: Do you think Hamilton's becoming a tourist destination?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

City officials believe Hamilton has come of age as a standalone tourist destination, with attractions that have the potential to bring in more cash and ease the fiscal burden on ratepayers.

It’s been just over a month since Hamilton Gardens started charging visitors and plans are afoot at … View more
City officials believe Hamilton has come of age as a standalone tourist destination, with attractions that have the potential to bring in more cash and ease the fiscal burden on ratepayers.

It’s been just over a month since Hamilton Gardens started charging visitors and plans are afoot at Hamilton Zoo to be more visitor friendly, despite figures showing visitation has already increased by 65% over the past four years.

Do you think Hamilton's becoming a tourist destination? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think Hamilton's becoming a tourist destination?
  • 25% Yes
    25% Complete
  • 20.8% Not sure
    20.8% Complete
  • 54.2% No
    54.2% Complete
24 votes
24 days ago

$100 Petrol vouchers go to...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Congratulations to this week's winners:

Sam Fuller from Red Beach

Johanna Mortis from Saint Clair

Matthew Hardy from Kelburn

View more
Congratulations to this week's winners:

Sam Fuller from Red Beach

Johanna Mortis from Saint Clair

Matthew Hardy from Kelburn

Anne Fahey from Woolston

They've each won a $100 petrol voucher.

If you're a winner, get in touch here.

Not a winner this week? There's always next week!

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25 days ago

Have you got your tickets yet?

Heart Foundation Lottery

Enjoy relaxed living in breathtaking Blenheim, Marlborough.

For just $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home, valued at over $1 million.

You can make this property your permanent residence, a holiday retreat, a rental, or simply sell it!

Get your tickets… View more
Enjoy relaxed living in breathtaking Blenheim, Marlborough.

For just $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home, valued at over $1 million.

You can make this property your permanent residence, a holiday retreat, a rental, or simply sell it!

Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Find out more

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43 days ago

Six tips for improving security around your home

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them … View more
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.

3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.

4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.

5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.

6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property

Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.

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26 days ago

Car tyres

Ashley from Nawton

I have 8 car tyres, 7 on rims and 1 off. Rims are probably no use but the tyres are all good and would easily pass a WOF check. Tyres are:-
1 x SAVA 70, 185/70R13, 1 x SUNFULL 185/70R13, 1x GOODRIDE 175/70R13, 1 x HIFLY 185/70R13, 2 x ACHILLES 175/70R13, 2 x HIFLY 175/70R13. Asking $20 each, or … View more
I have 8 car tyres, 7 on rims and 1 off. Rims are probably no use but the tyres are all good and would easily pass a WOF check. Tyres are:-
1 x SAVA 70, 185/70R13, 1 x SUNFULL 185/70R13, 1x GOODRIDE 175/70R13, 1 x HIFLY 185/70R13, 2 x ACHILLES 175/70R13, 2 x HIFLY 175/70R13. Asking $20 each, or $65.00 for 4 or $100.00 the lot

Negotiable

28 days ago

Treats in the Park 2024

Neil from Nawton

🎉 Treats in the Park is Back for its 19th Edition! 🎉

🎃 Get your costumes ready and prepare for a night of spooky fun!

🌟 Here’s what you can look forward to:
6 Treat Stations loaded with candy and surprises! 🍭
Bouncy Inflatable Rides to jump, flip, and slide! 🎪
Yummy … View more
🎉 Treats in the Park is Back for its 19th Edition! 🎉

🎃 Get your costumes ready and prepare for a night of spooky fun!

🌟 Here’s what you can look forward to:
6 Treat Stations loaded with candy and surprises! 🍭
Bouncy Inflatable Rides to jump, flip, and slide! 🎪
Yummy Food Stalls to fuel all the fun! 🍕
Games, Crafts, & Activities that will keep everyone entertained! 🎨
Live Entertainment to keep the party going! 🎶
Costume Contest with awesome prizes—show off your best Halloween look! 👻
Skate Competition—show us your skills! 🛹
Community Booths,
prizes, and more surprises throughout the night! 🎁

🎟️ Ticket Info:
Treat Tickets: Just $5 per child, which includes treats and access to all inflatable rides! When you arrive just look out for the Treat Ticket tent, we have 2,500 so we shouldn't sell out!

Spectators: Free to attend!


🎫 How to Get Tickets:
Grab your Treat Tickets at the black Registration tent when you arrive.
OR buy them in advance from the community centre in the week leading up to Halloween.

🎃 Costume Contest Fun:
Costume parades at 5 PM, 6.30 PM, no registration needed, just show up at the side of the stage 5 minutes before the contest begins!
Adults, get creative too! We want to see your best costumes on display! 🧙‍♂️

🛍️ Other Important Info:
Bring a reusable bag for your treats!
Parking is limited—if you’re local, walking is a great idea, or hop on the Meteor bus which stops nearby! 🚌

🎉 Why We Do It:
Since 1998, Treats in the Park has offered a fun, safe alternative to trick-or-treating, and thanks to community love, it’s now an annual tradition! Join us for a night of laughter, treats, and memories.

🤝 Shout-Out to Our Sponsors:
A huge thanks to Trust Waikato, & the Lottery Grants Board for helping make this event possible!

💖 Western Community Centre:
For over 40 years, the Western Community Centre has been hosting events that unite the community, help create stronger relationships, and celebrate diversity and resilience. #goodthingshappeninnawton
Mark your calendars—you don’t want to miss this! For more details, feel free to message or email us at admin@wccham.org.nz.
🎃 See you at Treats in the Park 2024🎉

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