272 days ago

Two and a half years on mental health ward - and why there’s nowhere else to go

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

A mental health patient spent nearly two and a half years in Hamilton’s Henry Rongomau Bennett Centre mental health facility, with Health NZ saying patients are getting more complex as it gets harder to find housing and support to discharge people.

The patient’s two years and 110 days stay in the 60-bed facility was revealed in data released under the Official Information Act and comes as a city homeless shelter says it feels under pressure to act as a mental health facility when people do get released.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
12 hours ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed? No worries! Simply head here and click once on the Following button.

Image
2 days ago

Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!

William Hansby Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.

Image
7 hours ago

Bargain or big risk? Crown puts Huntly subsidence home on the market

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

A Crown-owned subsidence property has come on the market, but whether potential buyers reckon it’s a bargain or risky buy is yet to be seen.

While some might view the Huntly east property as a bargain, Huntly real estate agents reckoned living on top of the mining zone makes some buyers nervous they’re going to “just sink one day”. Although, the agents are fairly confident the area is safe.

Image