2760 days ago

Words for thought

Alethea from Mahora

I hope this following passage doesn't offend anyone and if it does I apologise in advance.
This is for those of you who do this and I see plenty while out there driving. Please be responsible as you only have one life and so does everyone else on the road near you.

Beep beep..
'I have to get that, if I don't reply right now they may think I don't like them anymore' ' oh no what if they think I'm upset or mad with them?'
'If I don't reply they may never want talk to me again'. 'One text won't hurt, I should be ok to do this, just pray the next light is red... oh it's green'. 'Well no one is watching, it's just a quick text anyway'. 'Phew, done
Beep beep.. ding!
'Oh no a text and Facebook' 'if I don't reply fast they may think they have offended me or maybe they will go out without me' ...'I had better reply
And if I don't like the post someone just put up on FB then they may not like my post, I have to be liked.... it's so important!!'
'What!. My phone, where is it?? .. and why is everything so quiet?..Where am I? I have to like that post, it's really important!!'
'Why is everything so quiet?'
'Why are people rushing to my car?'
'Who is that on the ground?'
'Why is everything so quiet?'
'Why can I not feel my phone in my hand? I'm holding it but I can't click the like button
'Why is everything so quiet?'
'Why is it getting dark and it's morning? I'm going to be late for work
'Its so quiet here'
'It's only now that I realise that the likes are not important, the texts can wait and my friends will still have been my friends'
'Buts it's too late, I didn't see that truck coming, the like button was too important, the text I had to reply to took away my common sense'.
'If only I had waited, if only I had not been so worried about what others thought of me, if only I wasn't so concerned with everyone else then maybe I would have seen that truck and stopped in time..... if only'.......

More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.3% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.3% Complete
  • 26.2% No, individuals should take responsibility
    26.2% Complete
  • 14.5% ... It is complicated
    14.5% Complete
1107 votes
13 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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C
3 days ago

Pet Sitting Available

Courtney from Mayfair

Hello Everyone

Thank you for looking at my profile. 
I am a local mum who is mature, reliable, responsible, and hardworking. I have a 6 year-old, our pet cats are called Ruby and Iggy. I work as a Teacher Aide when I'm not pet-sitting. 
I have been pet-sitting since December of 2022, I love animals. I am motivated to provide a friendly and genuine service for my customers and build positive relationships between clients of the human kind and the four-legged kind :D. 
I am patient and caring, eager to work with all animals and breeds, and willing to walk animals in their normal environments. My skills include attention to detail, orderly and organised. 
I live in Hastings but am willing to travel locally. 
Pay rates for one animal (additional animals can be discussed)


Services:
 One home visit per day NZD $20


Two home visits per day NZD $25


The duties I can offer are:
*Home visits (while you are away)

*Feed, water, and walk animals according to schedule and feeding times.

*Can mix food, liquid formulas, medications, etc. according to the instructions.

*Happy to groom pets if needed. 

*Happy to clean animal's habitats

*Keep a safe environment for the pets in my care.

*Report to owners on how your beloved pets are doing.

*Examine and observe animals to detect illness, disease or injury signs. 
Please feel free to contact me and ask questions or queries.
I look forward to hearing from you.


DOG WALKING AVAILABLE WITH PET SITTING.

Need a pet sitter? Check out my profile on Pawshake: www.pawshake.co.nz...