2001 days ago

Driveways driven away by new rule

The Team Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

A move to free up more land for new builds is likely to see fewer driveways and garages in modern housing, in a move some say could have New Zealand looking like Coronation Street.

Councils across the country must scrap planning rules that require car parks to be put down near new housing or business developments, under newly released housing guidelines.

The change comes as the Government looks to encourage development, in part by freeing up land held up by car parks, under its new National Policy Statement for urban development.

Property developer Phil Robinson said scrapping car park rules was a “big change”, but he was unsure if it was a “big win”.

What do you think of having more new builds in your area with fewer driveways and garages?

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days 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?

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2 hours ago

Guided Walks at Blowhard Bush, Sunday 8th March

Greg from Forest & Bird Hastings Havelock North Branch

Our branch is hosting guided walks at Blowhard Bush on Sunday, 8th March. Bookings are essential - our last guided walk event was fully subscribed.

Blowhard Bush is a special piece of protected native bush surrounded mostly by working plantation forests. Regular predator control is carried out by our branch to protect the native wildlife and to help keep the reserve in it's natural state. This is an opportunity to see unusual rock formations, see and hear a variety of native birds, and come up close to forest giants.

When:
Sunday, 8th March

Times / Bookings:
Morning (short and medium walk options) - 10:15am briefing, preceding a 10:30am start
Afternoon (short and medium walk options) - 1:15pm briefing, preceding a 1:30pm start

Bookings for the guided walks must be made by Thursday, 5th March at the latest - the link to make a booking is at the end of this posting.

If you prefer to walk unguided you are welcome to come at any time.
Duration of walks:
Medium walk option 1.5 hours approx
Short walk option 30 - 45mins approx

Limited numbers:
The guided walks will be limited in numbers. First In, First Served

Children under 14yrs:
Must be accompanied by a responsible adult

Location:
Lawrence Road, Waiwhare - approximately 50km from Hastings or Napier

Directions:
Travel west on Taihape Rd for 44kms, then turn right into Lawrence Rd. Lawrence Rd is about 3 km from the top of the hill. Blowhard Bush is 500m along Lawrence Rd. A map image is included in this posting. Please park on the right side of the road.

Travelling time:
Approximately 1 hour

What to bring:
A picnic lunch to have before or after the walk
Sturdy footwear with grippy soles
Warm clothing - temperature can be cooler than in town
Water
Snacks
Jacket
Sun hat/beanie
Sunscreen

What NOT to bring:
No dogs or other pets are allowed at Blowhard Bush, to ensure the protection of our natives species.

Bookings can be made from the link below:
forms.office.com......

2 days ago

Scam Alert: Bank cold calls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.

🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.

Remember, banks will:​​
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes​​
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device​​
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.

If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.

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