49 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
15 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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2 hours ago

Tourism manufacturer pulls plug in Oz, powers up in Hamilton

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

A major global tourism operator is ditching production in Australia and jumping across the Tasman to Hamilton.

Tourism Holdings Limited have announced they are closing its manufacturing factory in Brisbane effective December 19 and are transitioning all production to Action Manufacturing in Hamilton, New Zealand.

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1 day ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 72.2% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    72.2% Complete
  • 17.3% Hmm, maybe?
    17.3% Complete
  • 10.5% Yes!
    10.5% Complete
352 votes