Poll: Who is the 2025 Prospa Local Business Hero?
Neighbourly members have spoken! We’re excited to announce the finalists for the National Prospa Local Business Hero competition, celebrating the most-loved local businesses across the country.
Have a read (click on their blue title to read the nomination) and vote for which business you think should take the crown (and impressive prize pack!).
1) Robin Davis - Newcreation (Auckland)
Newcreation came to fruition to support their son’s leukaemia recovery, creating and selling beautiful artwork made from recycled materials. They also transform donated offcuts from local builders and businesses into meaningful creations and give them to the community for free, such as Mother’s Day decorations and stars for Matariki.
2) BFT Blockhouse Bay - Jess & Andy Hart (Auckland)
BFT Blockhouse Bay is a gym but has been described as a true community hub. The owners, Jess and Andy Hart, started as members themselves, so they understand what makes a great gym: a welcoming, supportive environment where mental and physical health are equally valued.
3) Settlers Way Country Store - Jackie Poole & Annie Blackmore (Northland)
Settlers Way Country Store is all about supporting local - selling locally made items, and locally-grown fresh produce that suit a wide range of tastes.
The owners, Jackie Poole & Annie Blackmore, get involved in community projects and run several of the local facebook pages helping keep the community connected.
4) Coronation Grill & Burger - Gaurav Kumar Arora (Waikato)
Coronation Grill and Burger Morrinsville is more than a local eatery, it’s a warm, welcoming hub known for both their hearty meals with fresh ingredients, and their warm hospitality. They love to support local events and their nomination reads ‘They’re a true hometown hero, and we’re lucky to have them.’
5) Robyn's Cottage - Robyn Parker (Bay of Plenty)
Robyn’s Cottage in Greerton, Tauranga is a vibrant haven for craft lovers, filled with threads, wool, patterns, and expert advice from the ever-helpful Robyn. Despite a tough year health-wise, she continues to brighten the community with her knowledge, embroidery services, and creative classes.
6) The Egg Project - Pip Chrystall (Manawatu - Wanganui Region)
Pip and the team from The Egg Project in Bainesse work tirelessly to collaborate with other farms and businesses to provide fresh farm to table eggs, milk, yoghurt, vegetables & other products with free delivery to your door. They help out with community-minded projects and their nomination says they are always cheerful and ready to help.
7) Sparkydaz Electrical & Security - Darren Evans (Hawkes Bay - Gisborne Region)
Sparky Daz Electrical and Security in Onekawa, Napier, stands out for their prompt, professional service and top-quality workmanship, no job too small. Darren and apprentice Kerrie go the extra mile every time.
8) Hire Smart / Smart Aggregates Quarry - Gareth Boyd, Grant Cudby & Grant McEwen (Taranaki)
Hire Smart / Smart Aggregates Quarry is a hardworking team with heart, going above and beyond for their community - from sponsoring local sports to quietly donating materials where needed. Their nominator wrote ‘Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. That's how I feel about the amazing team’
9) Trade School Kitchen - Hannah Drew-Crawshaw & the Team (Wellington region)
Trade School Kitchen in Naenae serves incredible food and drinks, but their true impact lies in their belief that everyone has something to offer - regardless of their past or present challenges. They provide training, employment, and a strong sense of community to help open doors and create new opportunities.
10) Toastie Lords - Taylor Hamilton (Nelson-Marlborough region)
Taylor Hamilton and the Toastie Lords team in Picton have built a beloved toasted sandwich spot from the ground up. With mouth-watering toasties and warm service, they are now famous with locals and cruise ship visitors alike.
11) Catnap Cafe - Nate & Alyssa (Canterbury region)
Catnap Cafe is run by Nate and Alyssa serving drinks and sweet treats with the opportunity to hang out with some feline friends. Working alongside Cat Rescue Christchurch they have rescued and rehomed nearly 200 cats, including special needs felines giving them second chances at a loving home.
12) Rangiora Wool Shop - Katherine McLeod (Canterbury)
Rangiora Wool Shop, led by Katherine McLeod and her team, is a warm, welcoming haven where creativity and community come together. With deep knowledge (and the finest merino!) they bring people together with the joy of creating.
13) Otago Vacuum Tank Services Ltd - Tim and Courtney Giddens (Otago-Southland region)
Otago Vacuum Tank Services (OVTS), led by Tim and Courtney Giddens, provide exceptional service but they also go above and beyond with a smile. From providing fresh water during landslides to organizing fun community events and helping local clubs, they are always ready to support the West Harbour community.
14) Blacks Road Grocer - Christopher Wilson (Otago region)
Blacks Road Grocer in Dunedin is a beloved local gem blending historic charm with a welcoming atmosphere. They offer house-made café treats, fresh local produce, and quality groceries, all served with friendly, attentive service.
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6% 1) Robin Davis - Newcreation
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3.2% 2) BFT Blockhouse Bay - Jess & Andy Har
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3% 3) Settlers Way Country Store - Jackie Poole & Annie Blackmore
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4.9% 4) Coronation Grill & Burger - Gaurav Kumar Arora
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3.1% 5) Robyn's Cottage - Robyn Parker
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25.7% 6) The Egg Project - Pip Chrystall
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1.5% 7) Sparkydaz Electrical & Security - Darren Evans
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1.8% 8) Hire Smart - Gareth Boyd
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9.6% 9) Trade School Kitchen - Hannah & the Team
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2.7% 10) Toastie Lords - Taylor Hamilton
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27.2% 11) Catnap Cafe - Nate & Alyssa
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9.2% 12) Rangiora Wool Shop - Katherine McLeod
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0.8% 13) Otago Vacuum Tank Services Ltd - Tim and Courtney Giddens
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1.3% 14) Blacks Road Grocer - Christopher Wilson
Hastings Community Patrol
YOUR HASTINGS COMMUNITY PATROL
The Hastings District Community Patrol is a team of local, self-funded, volunteers that play a key role in keeping our local communities safe.
We are a group of dedicated volunteers who patrol the Hastings, Flaxmere, Havelock North and Cape Coast central, urban, and rural areas, focusing on crime prevention. We support the police by acting as extra 'eyes and ears', noting anything that could be suspicious and informing police of incidents requiring urgent attention.
We also work closely with the Local District Councils and other organizations sharing a similar interest in community safety.
Quote from the local police “Community Patrols are invaluable to Police; they keep an eye on neighbourhoods and provide valuable intelligence to Police who cannot be everywhere at once”
We carry out day and night patrols in our dedicated patrol vehicles with sign written liveries that are easily identified by the community.
Our patrol members receive full training and guidance according to the National Community Patrols of NZ protocols and police standards. All applicants are fully vetted by the police on applying.
Volunteering with your local Community Patrol is a great way to make our local community safer and offers an ideal way of being part of a local volunteer team. We would like to encourage other like-minded community members to join our highly committed team. You just need to be keen to learn, have keen eyes and ears, be friendly, honest and be over the age of 18. Being a member of a community patrol could put you on a pathway to a career with the police.
We are a diverse group of the community, and so, if you have the time, commitment and want to put something back into your local community, Community Patrols are seeking new members.
Getting started: Your first step is to express your interest by contacting our recruitment website cpnz.org.nz/join-cpnz. Alternatively, you can contact the Hastings patrols on hastings@cpnz.org.nz
We invite you to join us and be part of your local volunteer group of community patrollers.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.3% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.5% I want to be able to choose.
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47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
Advice please
My Ozito garden shredder worked perfectly until I lent it to someone. Now it only works for about a minute before it shuts off. I’ve pulled it apart, cleaned it out, greased and siliconed what needed it, and checked everything I know, but it’s still not staying working properly.
Has anyone else had this problem and found a solution?
I need it sorted ASAP, so I can get the garden sorted before I move in 2 weeks.
It’s not under warranty, being 5 years old now. Sadly, it still would have been had I tried to use it after it was returned. I haven’t for a few years. Now it’s too late.
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