Rural West Hastings, Hastings

Introduce yourself, neighbour!

Introduce yourself, neighbour!

Head to our Know Thy Neighbour page.

Seminar at Summerset Palms, Te Awa

Seminar at Summerset Palms, Te Awa

Tuesday, February 25 at 11 am  A fun and informative session for any family considering moving 

14 days ago

Backyard Awards: Best Loved Lawn winner

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Mark Elliott from Shirley in Christchurch has won the category of Best Loved Lawn for his lush green masterpiece. Congratulations, Mark!

We spoke with his about his process to keep his lawn beautiful and there may be some blades of advice for your own backyard.

Mark has a huge backyard so … View more
Mark Elliott from Shirley in Christchurch has won the category of Best Loved Lawn for his lush green masterpiece. Congratulations, Mark!

We spoke with his about his process to keep his lawn beautiful and there may be some blades of advice for your own backyard.

Mark has a huge backyard so during Covid times, he decided to renovate the lawn and garden just for something to do. It’s turned into a passion.

His lawn is 100% rye grass - sourced from Prebble Seeds Turf World who supply many golf courses around New Zealand. In the summer he mows it every 2-3 days, sometimes daily, and waters the lawn with a deep soak of about an hour at a time, 2-3 times a week. He uses a granular slow release lawn fertiliser and other liquid fertilisers also.

Mark shares:
'I would say the secret to getting a good lawn is consistent mowing - at least twice a week. Maybe buy a bulk bag of slow release lawn fertiliser from a wholesaler. Keep the grass longer and just take the very top off the blade when you mow. It promotes growth, thickens it up and will really help with stopping weeds - oh, and water. Expect a water bill if you want a good lawn.'

The first photo below shows the 'Before' shot, 4 years ago. Give Mark a Like on this post if you think his lawn is pretty top notch!

20 days ago

Poll: Should our summer school holidays move to February?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It's a debate that resurfaces each year as weather hits its peak just as kids head back to school.
Traditionally, we've paired the school holidays in NZ with the Christmas period, but would a shift to February make more sense for everyone?

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Should our summer school holidays move to February?
  • 38% Yes, February would be better
    38% Complete
  • 61.3% No, keep it as is
    61.3% Complete
  • 0.7% Other - I'll share below
    0.7% Complete
1243 votes
21 days ago

We're looking for the...Best Loved Lawn 🌿🌱🍃

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Neighbourly Backyard Awards are in full swing and this week we want you to show us YOUR luscious patch of green (and be in to win a $100 Mitre10 voucher).

There's three fun categories for you to enter so save your photos for the following categories of Best Floral Garden and Most … View more
The Neighbourly Backyard Awards are in full swing and this week we want you to show us YOUR luscious patch of green (and be in to win a $100 Mitre10 voucher).

There's three fun categories for you to enter so save your photos for the following categories of Best Floral Garden and Most Creative Backyard Build.

But this week, the category is BEST LOVED LAWN

So share a photo, or photos, in a comment below of your immaculate (or interesting!) lawn to be in to win. Winner will be announced next Monday 🌿🌱🍃

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24 days ago

The Riddler wants to hear from you! 🎉

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Our daily riddles have been a fun way to start the day and spark some friendly competition, but we’re thinking about mixing things up—and we’d love your input!

What do you enjoy most about the riddles? Is it the brain-teasing puzzles, the themed photos, or the big reveal in the afternoon?
View more
Our daily riddles have been a fun way to start the day and spark some friendly competition, but we’re thinking about mixing things up—and we’d love your input!

What do you enjoy most about the riddles? Is it the brain-teasing puzzles, the themed photos, or the big reveal in the afternoon?

If you could tweak one thing, what would it be? Maybe you’d like harder riddles, different themes, or see riddles in a different style or format!

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Your ideas could help shape the next chapter of our riddles! 🧩

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17 days ago

painter needed

Leslie from Flaxmere

looking for skilled painter , to repaint internal walls of garage .
There is some minor nail and screw damage to take care of first before painting started , to be taken care of by painter . Looking for a single top coat, over existing 4 yr old paint in similar colour just to tidy up garage . … View more
looking for skilled painter , to repaint internal walls of garage .
There is some minor nail and screw damage to take care of first before painting started , to be taken care of by painter . Looking for a single top coat, over existing 4 yr old paint in similar colour just to tidy up garage . Garage walls will have 2 mt clearance all around for the work to be done. Painter must have professional tools of trade , including drop sheets . .Paint and other materials are my cost but at your advice . This is a labour rate only job . Square mt rate, hourly , or lump sum which is what I prefer .

33 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for feijoas?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for feijoas, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our March 2025 issue.

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32 days ago

Poll: Is camping as fun as people say?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Lack of good sleep, sub-par toileting experiences and difficulty in making meals. Do you consider camping as a top holiday experience?

For a bit of fun, let us know your thoughts and stories.

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Is camping as fun as people say?
  • 49.6% Yes
    49.6% Complete
  • 48.8% No
    48.8% Complete
  • 1.6% Other - I'll share below
    1.6% Complete
1823 votes
19 days ago

Get amongst it this summer season.

Triton Hearing

Hi neighbours!

At Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the season and the moments that matter. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, … View more
Hi neighbours!

At Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the season and the moments that matter. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, every story, and every cheer like never before.

This summer, don’t just be present - be at the heart of the fun.

*Sonova proprietary research (2024), visit hearmore.co.nz to learn more.
Find out more

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28 days ago

Are you keeping it old school?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We know that things come back around, look at vinyl records!

Do you still use any old-school technology (like landlines or VHS tapes) at home?

Let us know in the comments.

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21 days ago

Rose’s ultimate party pleaser

Princess Alexandra Retirement Village

Looking for a delicious and easy recipe? Then this starter is for you! Filled with a creamy spinach dip, the cob loaf can be torn apart to dip in as you go. Serve with fresh veggies and crackers for some crunch.

This recipe was shared by Ryman Northwood resident Rose, who loves cooking for her … View more
Looking for a delicious and easy recipe? Then this starter is for you! Filled with a creamy spinach dip, the cob loaf can be torn apart to dip in as you go. Serve with fresh veggies and crackers for some crunch.

This recipe was shared by Ryman Northwood resident Rose, who loves cooking for her family and neighbours. It’s so versatile and a great catering option.

You can’t go wrong with this delicious starter!

Click read more for the full recipe.

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21 days ago

New lottery, new home

Heart Foundation Lottery

For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful One Tree Point, Northland.

Valued at $845,000, this home features three bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It’s waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make this … View more
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful One Tree Point, Northland.

Valued at $845,000, this home features three bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It’s waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or simply sell it!

Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz
Buy tickets

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26 days ago

Have you got an amazing shed? Show us!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Last year, Whangārei's Angela Lucas and Mike Mattin, pictured here with Cashew, saw their “tilted” shed named Resene Shed of the Year. They received a $1599 GARDENA SILENO City 250 robot lawnmower and $1000 worth of Resene paints/wood stains, as well as a one-year subscription to NZ … View moreLast year, Whangārei's Angela Lucas and Mike Mattin, pictured here with Cashew, saw their “tilted” shed named Resene Shed of the Year. They received a $1599 GARDENA SILENO City 250 robot lawnmower and $1000 worth of Resene paints/wood stains, as well as a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. This year's prizes are up for grabs, so it's time to send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops.

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26 days ago

Favourite holiday finds

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi there,
We're putting together an article on Kiwis' favourite holiday finds, and would love to hear about any great new places you discovered on your holidays and are happy to share.
It could be a beach you'd never been to before, a walking track you'd never tried, a town … View more
Hi there,
We're putting together an article on Kiwis' favourite holiday finds, and would love to hear about any great new places you discovered on your holidays and are happy to share.
It could be a beach you'd never been to before, a walking track you'd never tried, a town that pleasantly surprised you or a particularly good cafe, restaurant or bar. Please feel free to comment here or to message me directly. Please put 'NFP' in your comment or message if you do not want your name or suggestion published.
Thank you very much in advance.

25 days ago

SPCA asking dog owners to vaccinate their pups

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Are you a dog or puppy owner? SPCA are urgently calling on you to vaccinate them against parvovirus.

SPCA New Zealand say:
We’re seeing more and more cases of the highly contagious and potentially fatal canine parvovirus (parvo) around the country as we face a third outbreak in as many years.… View more
Are you a dog or puppy owner? SPCA are urgently calling on you to vaccinate them against parvovirus.

SPCA New Zealand say:
We’re seeing more and more cases of the highly contagious and potentially fatal canine parvovirus (parvo) around the country as we face a third outbreak in as many years. Parvo can remain on surfaces for up to a year, so dogs are at constant risk if they’re unvaccinated, or if their vaccinations lapse. Please ensure your dogs are protected against this heartbreaking illness, and book your vaccines and boosters as soon as possible. It could be the difference between life and death.
Read more about the current outbreak and the dangers of parvo on our website:
www.spca.nz...

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25 days ago

Get amongst it this summer season.

Triton Hearing

Hi neighbours!

At Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the season and the moments that matter. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, … View more
Hi neighbours!

At Triton Hearing, we believe you should make the most of the season and the moments that matter. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our revolutionary new Infinio Sphere devices. With cutting-edge technology delivering double the speech clarity*, you’ll hear every joke, every story, and every cheer like never before.

This summer, don’t just be present - be at the heart of the fun.

*Sonova proprietary research (2024), visit hearmore.co.nz to learn more.
Find out more

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