Rototuna North, Hamilton

54 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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61 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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62 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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55 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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55 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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55 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
55 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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56 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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74 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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59 days ago

Wallflowers

The Team from Resene ColorShop Te Rapa

Take on the terracotta trend and sculpt a unique floral feature painted in Resene FX Paint Effects Medium, Resene Sakura and Resene Apple Blossom. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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59 days ago

Shaken and stirred

Resene

Revamp an old trolley for drinks with a twist with Resene Enamacryl. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions. Find out more

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60 days ago

What's your favourite CBD business?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Pastry makers, a pole studio, a cinema and a law firm were among the winners at Hamilton’s CBD Awards.

Twenty-six businesses had wins - some more than one - at the Wednesday evening event at 18 London Street.

What's your favourite CBD business? Tell us your reasons in the comments … View more
Pastry makers, a pole studio, a cinema and a law firm were among the winners at Hamilton’s CBD Awards.

Twenty-six businesses had wins - some more than one - at the Wednesday evening event at 18 London Street.

What's your favourite CBD business? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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60 days ago

Have you ever witnessed a swamp fire?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

On Monday night Jason Garrett and his neighbours sat on a hill out the back of his house having a beer and watching the massive Meremere fire rip through neighbouring wetlands.

It was all they could do.

Have you ever witnessed a swamp fire?

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69 days ago

Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.

Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.

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Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
  • 24.1% Yes
    24.1% Complete
  • 75.1% No
    75.1% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below
    0.8% Complete
3610 votes
61 days ago

Online Shopping warning

The Team from New Zealand Police

As we come up to the festive season, a lot of us want to shop online and look for good bargains 🛍️🛒

Here’s a few tips to help you stay safe, avoid buying stolen property, and not get taken advantage of:
💸If it is too good to be true, it probably is, or it could be stolen property.
View more
As we come up to the festive season, a lot of us want to shop online and look for good bargains 🛍️🛒

Here’s a few tips to help you stay safe, avoid buying stolen property, and not get taken advantage of:
💸If it is too good to be true, it probably is, or it could be stolen property.
💸If it’s being sold as new, ask for the receipt for the warranty. If they can’t provide it, that’s a red flag.
💸Check the seller’s profile, is it new or relatively blank?
💸If you make a purchase and need to meet somebody to get it, choose somewhere well-lit and well populated in public, near CCTV. If it has to be somebody’s home, take someone with you and let someone else know where you’re going and when.
💸Be especially cautious when buying power tools or high-end toy brick building block sets.

Sadly, if you unknowingly buy stolen property, you’re aiding criminals and inadvertently supporting them to steal more.
If you find a suspect listing or social media scam, call 105, or report it with us online at 105.police.govt.nz

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