Forest Lake, Hamilton

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Have you got your tickets yet?

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133 days ago

Poll: Do you think supermarkets should do daily trolley collections?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Trolleys left lying in streets around a Hamilton supermarket have prompted calls for a daily pick-up service.

One local is so sick of seeing them abandoned around Mill Street Pak’nSave - especially in Ulster Street - that he’s been pushing the supermarket for a clean-up for a year.

View more
Trolleys left lying in streets around a Hamilton supermarket have prompted calls for a daily pick-up service.

One local is so sick of seeing them abandoned around Mill Street Pak’nSave - especially in Ulster Street - that he’s been pushing the supermarket for a clean-up for a year.

Hamilton City councillor Sarah Thomson says the council should look into a new bylaw to get more traction, and thinks supermarkets could have a daily trolley collection.

Do you agree about daily collections? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want them used in print).

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Do you think supermarkets should do daily trolley collections?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 0% Not sure
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
0 votes
133 days ago

Poll: Should the Hillcrest roundabout have raised pedestrian crossings?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

A $6.4 million roundabout project is coming for Hillcrest, but debate continues about whether it will have raised pedestrian crossings.

Hamilton city councillors have approved a roundabout at the junction of Morrinsville, Silverdale and Matangi roads - part of $11.2 million in NZ Transport … View more
A $6.4 million roundabout project is coming for Hillcrest, but debate continues about whether it will have raised pedestrian crossings.

Hamilton city councillors have approved a roundabout at the junction of Morrinsville, Silverdale and Matangi roads - part of $11.2 million in NZ Transport Agency-funded works in the area.

But they were divided on whether it should have the crossings, with some saying there were no pedestrians around and others saying there are three nearby schools.

Do you think it should include raised crossings? Tell us your reasons (adding NFP if you don't want your comments used in print).

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Should the Hillcrest roundabout have raised pedestrian crossings?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 0% Not sure
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
0 votes
133 days ago

Poll: Do you think an OCR cut is coming?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

There’s optimism in Waikato that a recession climb out is underway and there’ll be even more if the reserve bank plays ball this week.

If so that could see more big ticket items back on consumers’ shopping lists.

Are you predicting an OCR cut?

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Do you think an OCR cut is coming?
  • 25% Yes
    25% Complete
  • 33.3% Not sure
    33.3% Complete
  • 41.7% No
    41.7% Complete
12 votes
134 days ago

Poll: Did you watch these medal wins?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

ANALYSIS: Super-duper Saturday - the golden-hued greatest day in New Zealand’s Olympic history - has saved the nation from plunging into collective keening after Scott Robertson’s first loss as All Blacks coach.

There would, ordinarily be a pall of gloom enshrouding Aotearoa after an All … View more
ANALYSIS: Super-duper Saturday - the golden-hued greatest day in New Zealand’s Olympic history - has saved the nation from plunging into collective keening after Scott Robertson’s first loss as All Blacks coach.

There would, ordinarily be a pall of gloom enshrouding Aotearoa after an All Blacks defeat, but everyone is jabbering about the extraordinary Dame Lisa Carrington, high jumping hot shot Hamish Kerr and full medal-set golfer Lydia Ko.

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Did you watch these medal wins?
  • 54.5% Yes
    54.5% Complete
  • 9.1% Some
    9.1% Complete
  • 36.4% No
    36.4% Complete
22 votes
134 days ago

Do you know of a farmer with a side hustle?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Cockies are looking at other ways to earn money from their farms amid challenging financial times.

But Federated Farmers Waikato provincial president Keith Holmes warned the grass is not always greener when considering diversification.

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134 days ago

Keep yourself protected against Covid.

Health New Zealand

It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.

The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you and… View more
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.

The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.

To book your vaccination, go to BookMyVaccine.nz or talk to your healthcare provider.
Find out more

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135 days ago

New lottery, new home

Heart Foundation Lottery

For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the picturesque Cooks Beach, Coromandel.

Valued at over $1.2 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It is waiting to be loved by its… View more
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the picturesque Cooks Beach, Coromandel.

Valued at over $1.2 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It is waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or simply sell it!

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

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143 days ago

The Loco Loco Madness Continues . . . . .

Graeme from Frankton

I see that Gold Card holders have been getting free travel on the Loco Loco . It has been 'estimated' that this is 24% of the people using this train . I don't know whether that has been measured , or just estimated . They ( Government and councils -- also known as us ) have been … View moreI see that Gold Card holders have been getting free travel on the Loco Loco . It has been 'estimated' that this is 24% of the people using this train . I don't know whether that has been measured , or just estimated . They ( Government and councils -- also known as us ) have been throwing around $18 million a year at this ( it is suppoosedly going to reduce to $12 million ) , and no-one has accurately measured this ?
BUT also , is this Grandad and Grandma going on a day trip once a year to the big smoke , or is it someone over 65 , still working , getting their pay each week , plus getting a pension , plus getting free travel ?
It has also been 'estimated' that 30% of the users are from Auckland .
So Waikato councils are paying literally $millions a year each , to subsidise people going to work in Auckland ? And also paying for Aucklanders to travel at subsidised rates to Hamilton ( mainly ) but possibly the greater Waikato .
And last year it was decided that it wasn't losing enough money , so they have put on extra trains on Thursdays and Fridays , so it can lose even more money .
And now , you cannot make upo this madness -- it is proposed by the councils involved that Gold Card holders won't get free travel any more , UNLESS they travel on these 'extra' Thursday and Friday trains .
Presumably , these 'extra' trains aren't getting many people , so they will make the figures look better by saying 'Oh , we have had a 200% increase in patronage on these trains' or some other dishonest reinterpretation of the figures .
And you know what happens on the other days ? Well , obviously there will be less people ( about 24% if their estimates are correct ) or maybe a slight increase in paying passengers , as Thursdays and Fridays may not suit some Gold Card holders . Fair enough . Except these incredibly intelligent councillors don't seem to have realised -- it costs the same to run a train whether you have 60 people or 80 people on it .
As a matter of principle ( every return trip is being subsidised by between $400-500 per passenger per day ) I will not go on this train , but my basic understanding is it is almost never fully patronised ( except maybe some Saturdays -- that is ironic as it was originally 'sold' as being for 'workers' to get to work in Auckland , now it seems it is more to take shoppers away from local shops , and/or to take families on a day out to Auckland .
If it was cost neutral it wouldn't be so bad , but it is only recovering around 8% of what it actually costs , to me it make absolutely no sense on any level .
There are already several buses a day ( which are cost neutral -- in fact , they have to cover costs or they won't be there in a year ) and this train ( which not only costs heaps , it is taking passengers from the privately owned bus companies , and as far as I can work out , is about 8 to 10 times worse for the enviroment per trip than a bus is . So why do some councillors keep on with this idiotic train set ?

137 days ago

Product recalls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Hi neighbours! Here are some product recalls from the past 2 weeks. Click on the title of these to bring up specific details of the recall.

Food:
Harvest Snaps brand Baked Pea Crisps
Raymons Mince Pies and Sausage Rolls
Kings Finest Small Batch Liqueur brand Advocaat
View more
Hi neighbours! Here are some product recalls from the past 2 weeks. Click on the title of these to bring up specific details of the recall.

Food:
Harvest Snaps brand Baked Pea Crisps
Raymons Mince Pies and Sausage Rolls
Kings Finest Small Batch Liqueur brand Advocaat
King brand Traditional Soup Mix Gluten Free Vegetable
Pavillion brand Beef and Gravy Pies
Henderson Dairy brand Farm Fresh Raw Milk (unpasteurised)

Products:
Serene S2068 Bathroom Heater.
Rylee and Cru Pyjama set
Avanti Bikes
Kale Airmove Fan

Ensure you check your household items to ensure you aren't consuming or using anything harmful.

139 days ago

Poll: Do you think the mega-polytechnic Te Pūkenga should be split up again?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Megapolytechnic Te Pūkenga’s annual report has detailed more than $50 million in cost savings in the year leading up to the coalition Government’s announcement to disestablish the institute.

Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology was formed four years ago to run the … View more
Megapolytechnic Te Pūkenga’s annual report has detailed more than $50 million in cost savings in the year leading up to the coalition Government’s announcement to disestablish the institute.

Te Pūkenga – New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology was formed four years ago to run the country’s 16 polytechs and nine ITOs (industry training organisations).

Do you think it should be split up, or stay as it is? Tell us your reasons in the comments (add NFP if you don't want them used in print).

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Do you think the mega-polytechnic Te Pūkenga should be split up again?
  • 50.9% Split up
    50.9% Complete
  • 13.2% Not sure
    13.2% Complete
  • 35.8% Don't change it
    35.8% Complete
53 votes
137 days ago

Hamilton Police appeal for sightings of missing woman"

The Team from Waikato Police

Hamilton Police are appealing for sightings of missing woman Jessica Littler.

Jessica, aged 77, has been reported missing by her family and there are concerns for her welfare.

Jessica’s car was located last night in the Hamilton Gardens gate 1 car park.

A search for Jessica is ongoing … View more
Hamilton Police are appealing for sightings of missing woman Jessica Littler.

Jessica, aged 77, has been reported missing by her family and there are concerns for her welfare.

Jessica’s car was located last night in the Hamilton Gardens gate 1 car park.

A search for Jessica is ongoing and Police are asking for any sightings of Jessica since Wednesday evening (7 August).

We are also appealing for sightings of Jessica’s car since Wednesday evening. It is a blue Honda Jazz, registration number NWP799.

If you believe you may have seen Jessica or her car since Wednesday evening – either in the Hamilton Gardens area or across the wider Hamilton area - please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 240808/9601.

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137 days ago

Revamp a cot

The Team from Resene ColorShop Te Rapa

Give an old cot a new lease of life in fresh Resene paint colours with this easy makeover project.

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138 days ago

Want to Know Thy Neighbour?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Look at these lovely faces around New Zealand who have introduced themselves on our Know Thy Neighbour page. We all love learning about the people around us and we want you to join in too!

So share a photo and a little bit about yourself so your neighbours can (virtually) meet you!
Introduce yourself here

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138 days ago

Want to put your fruit and veges to good use?

NZ Gardener

Is your garden producing more fruit and veg than you know what to do with? Or are you simply wanting to add more to your cooking? NZ Gardener has teamed up with Upstart Press this August with a great subscription offer to help you out!

Subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years and you’ll … View more
Is your garden producing more fruit and veg than you know what to do with? Or are you simply wanting to add more to your cooking? NZ Gardener has teamed up with Upstart Press this August with a great subscription offer to help you out!

Subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years and you’ll receive the Abundance plant-based recipe book by Anna Valentine. Abundance offers over 100 recipes that are filling, healthy and packed with flavour, plus enjoy your monthly dose of NZ Gardener magazine - the perfect combo. T&Cs apply.

The team at NZ Gardener
Find out more

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139 days ago

Clean-up complete at Sare Crescent

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

An illegal dumping hotspot may have cost Kāinga Ora more than $6000 to clean up, while the state landlord says their action could make their land a further target for illegal dumping.

But locals near the Sare Crescent driveway says while they sympathise with the dilemma they’re happy to see … View more
An illegal dumping hotspot may have cost Kāinga Ora more than $6000 to clean up, while the state landlord says their action could make their land a further target for illegal dumping.

But locals near the Sare Crescent driveway says while they sympathise with the dilemma they’re happy to see their taxes spent on cleaning up an eyesore.

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