47 days ago

Christmas creep: The silly season now starts in spring

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Opinion columnist Lyall Macfarlane has been shocked to see Christmas decorations start appearing - what do you think?

“Christmas comes but once a year.” But based on recent experience, the festival takes up about a quarter of it.
I saw my first Christmas retail displays last week – 3 of them, in early October.
A couple of days ago, my local mall’s walkways were festooned with trestle tables groaning under the weight of Yuletide novelty goods. You know the thing – archangels, elves, Christmas trees and Father Christmases/Santas in various poses. Some jolly old gents were capable of doing a wee jig while ho, ho, hoing or singing a jolly old festive ditty, far too early.

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More messages from your neighbours
2 hours ago

Roadworks on SH1 between Hampton Downs and Rangiriri

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA)

From 7 to 18 December, there will be night-time closures on SH1 between Hampton Downs and Rangiriri (Sundays to Thursdays, 9pm to 5am) to carry out wire rope barrier maintenance. Please expect delays when travelling through this area. Find out more

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6 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.1% Yes
    53.1% Complete
  • 46.9% No
    46.9% Complete
1876 votes
1 day ago

Hospital ED new location of interest in measles spread

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Waikato Hospital’s Emergency Department is the latest location of interest for measles.

Two separate days in the last week were listed on Health NZ’s website on Friday morning as a place where someone with measles was known to have visited.

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