Eastbourne, Lower Hutt

Merry Christmas, neighbours

Merry Christmas, neighbours

From us at Neighbourly

144 days ago

Poll: What are the living costs that are having the biggest (and perhaps surprising) impact on your wallet?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Butter, power bills, and those sneaky surcharges on your card ... it feels like everything’s creeping up in price lately. We’ve seen the headlines, but we want to hear it from you.

Overall, Most Kiwis say they’re ‘not prospering’. But, according to Retirement Commission data, some … View more
Butter, power bills, and those sneaky surcharges on your card ... it feels like everything’s creeping up in price lately. We’ve seen the headlines, but we want to hear it from you.

Overall, Most Kiwis say they’re ‘not prospering’. But, according to Retirement Commission data, some members of our community (women, Māori, and Pacific people) are experiencing worsening financial positions at elevated rates.

Stats NZ tells us that food prices have jumped 4.6% since this time last year, with meat and dairy doing most of the damage. This jump is hitting us all, but groceries are just one part of the picture.

When basic costs keep climbing, the old cost-saving tricks — like bulk-buying or stockpiling on sale — don’t always work. Who can afford to spend more upfront when every dollar already has a job?

We want to know: What costs have caught you off guard the most? What are the expenses that feel impossible to juggle right now?
Share your thoughts below!

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What are the living costs that are having the biggest (and perhaps surprising) impact on your wallet?
  • 43.5% Grocery bills
    43.5% Complete
  • 33% Utilities
    33% Complete
  • 1% Your treats (the ones that keep you human day to day, and are ESSENTIAL!)
    1% Complete
  • 0.1% Education
    0.1% Complete
  • 7.6% Healthcare
    7.6% Complete
  • 1.3% Travel (public transport/petrol)
    1.3% Complete
  • 7.9% Rent or mortgage
    7.9% Complete
  • 1.5% Social costs: birthday gifts and occasions
    1.5% Complete
  • 4.1% Other - share below!
    4.1% Complete
2582 votes
134 days ago

Age Concern Staying Safe Refresher Course for older drivers

Steph Deegan from Age Concern Wellington Region

Lower Hutt - our next course near you is 21 August at Summerset Boulcott Retirement Village.

Upper Hutt - our next course in your area is 17 September at the Upper Hutt Library.

The refresher course runs 10am - 2pm and is classroom based, includes light refreshments and all material is … View more
Lower Hutt - our next course near you is 21 August at Summerset Boulcott Retirement Village.

Upper Hutt - our next course in your area is 17 September at the Upper Hutt Library.

The refresher course runs 10am - 2pm and is classroom based, includes light refreshments and all material is provided. This course is FREE and you do need to register as spaces are limited.

134 days ago

Last chance to enter!

Resene

Don't forget to enter a Bright Spot in your home, workplace or community for a chance to win one of ten amazing prizes! Whether it's a colourful fence, a mural in your office or a place in the community that makes you smile - we'd love to see it.

Share a Bright Spot today for a … View more
Don't forget to enter a Bright Spot in your home, workplace or community for a chance to win one of ten amazing prizes! Whether it's a colourful fence, a mural in your office or a place in the community that makes you smile - we'd love to see it.

Share a Bright Spot today for a chance to win one of ten prize packs worth $500.

And make sure you check out the entries so far too.
Enter now

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135 days ago

Trusted Painters for Every Home

Graham Painters

Hi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, … View more
Hi neighbours!
At Graham’s Painters we bring 40+ years of experience, a friendly team of over 20+ full-time professionals, and a “get-it-done” attitude to every job big or small.
We specialise in interior/exterior painting, roof painting, house washing, decking, fencing, wallpapering, and cedar weatherboards. We’re tidy, punctual, and perfect for busy families, non-DIYers, and retirees.

Discounts available for SuperGold Card holders
Serving all of Wellington, Hutt Valley & up to Plimmerton.

Message us today for a free quote, we’d love to help bring your home to life!
Find out more

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136 days ago

Ryman Village Open Days

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Friday 15 August, and Saturday, 16 August, 10 am - 2 pm.

Come and experience the warmth of our Ryman village communities. We'd love to show you around.

Discover our lifestyle and care options, tour our show homes and explore our premium amenities.
Find out more

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136 days ago

Eastbourne Unplugged is ON – Win $500 With Your Words!

Phil from Eastbourne

The wait is over! — Eastbourne Unplugged has officially launched!
An event that is for our community and for a local charity.
We’re calling all lyricists, wordsmiths, and shower-song scribblers, this is your moment.
No singing? No guitar? No problem.
Just bring the words — we’ll bring … View more
The wait is over! — Eastbourne Unplugged has officially launched!
An event that is for our community and for a local charity.
We’re calling all lyricists, wordsmiths, and shower-song scribblers, this is your moment.
No singing? No guitar? No problem.
Just bring the words — we’ll bring them to life.
$500 is on the line:
• $300 for the winner
• $200 to a charity of the winner’s choice
It’s bold. It’s local. It’s only for Eastbourne & the Bays.
Your lyrics could turn into the next big hit — and change lives at the same time.
Entries are open now — don’t miss your shot.
Full details at www.mega.kiwi.nz...

#EastbourneUnplugged #EastbourneNZ #SongwritingChallenge #Win500WithMEGA #MakeEastbourneGreatAgain

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148 days ago

Poll: No more card payment surcharges – but who should be covering the cost? 💸

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Government says it's scrapping those annoying card surcharges – and it’s happening next year.

Consumer NZ is stoked, saying these sneaky surcharges cost Kiwis around $65 million a year and should’ve been gone ages ago.

But not everyone’s convinced it’s a win. Labour and … View more
The Government says it's scrapping those annoying card surcharges – and it’s happening next year.

Consumer NZ is stoked, saying these sneaky surcharges cost Kiwis around $65 million a year and should’ve been gone ages ago.

But not everyone’s convinced it’s a win. Labour and Hospitality NZ are worried the costs won’t just disappear. Labour MP Arena Williams put it simply: there should not be surcharges for customers at all. But she points out that the Government’s plan does not deal with banks and merchants “who still scoop a big fee”.

Many of our community are rocked by the recent announcement. Retailers warn card surcharge ban could lead to higher prices - the unfortunatel reality is that small businesses are feeling the squeeze along with their customers. In comparison, large retailers pay significantly lower banking fees and ultimately have more leverage at the negotiation table.

💸 So someone still pays – but who?

We want to know: Who should be covering this cost?
Share your thoughts in the comments!

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No more card payment surcharges – but who should be covering the cost? 💸
  • 5.7% Retailers need to absorb the cost
    5.7% Complete
  • 88.7% The banks are the problem - the cost should not sit with consumers or retailers
    88.7% Complete
  • 4.2% I do not mind paying a surcharge - I just want everything to be transparent
    4.2% Complete
  • 1.4% It is more complicated - I will share below
    1.4% Complete
2839 votes
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138 days ago

MEGA’s Eastbourne Unplugged - 3 Days To Go.

Phil from Eastbourne

By Public Demand - 3 Days To Go.
Local Charity to Benefit from Your Inspiration.
Eastbourne’s biggest song contest is about to open its gates.
MEGA’s Eastbourne Unplugged is calling all lyricists, wordsmiths, and creative minds.
You don’t need to sing. You don’t need to play an … View more
By Public Demand - 3 Days To Go.
Local Charity to Benefit from Your Inspiration.
Eastbourne’s biggest song contest is about to open its gates.
MEGA’s Eastbourne Unplugged is calling all lyricists, wordsmiths, and creative minds.
You don’t need to sing. You don’t need to play an instrument.
Just write. Just create. We’ll take care of the rest.
$500 is up for grabs:
• $300 for the winner
• $200 to a charity they choose
It’s bold, it’s local, and it’s only for the Bays.
Entries open in tHREE Days.
Get your words ready — your moment is nearly here.
All details now at www.mega.kiwi.nz...

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139 days ago

WASTEWATER OVERFLOW

The Team from Wellington Water

FINAL UPDATE - 1:30pm, 8/8

The latest samples along Hutt River/Te Awa Kairangi, Petone beach and Eastbourne beaches have returned results within safe recreational limits.

As always, we recommend that people follow advice from Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) and do not swim during heavy rain… View more
FINAL UPDATE - 1:30pm, 8/8

The latest samples along Hutt River/Te Awa Kairangi, Petone beach and Eastbourne beaches have returned results within safe recreational limits.

As always, we recommend that people follow advice from Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA) and do not swim during heavy rain or in the two to three days following heavy rainfall. You can learn more at www.lawa.org.nz...

The rahui placed on Wednesday evening is still in place. Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust will advise when the rahui is lifted.

143 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Conservation win in the Kaituna

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Thanks to a generous gift, 730 Hectares in Kaituna Valley are now protected for everyone to enjoy

Four incredible donors have come together to gift 730 hectares of land in the Kaituna Valley to the nation — a multimillion-dollar contribution that will benefit generations to come.

This land,… View more
Thanks to a generous gift, 730 Hectares in Kaituna Valley are now protected for everyone to enjoy

Four incredible donors have come together to gift 730 hectares of land in the Kaituna Valley to the nation — a multimillion-dollar contribution that will benefit generations to come.

This land, which has now been protected and opened to the public, forms part of a much larger conservation area — nearly 2,400 hectares stretching from sea level at Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour, up to the Summit Walkway, and back down into the Kaituna Valley.

Once used for farming, the land has now been cleared of livestock, and pest control efforts are underway to help native plants and wildlife thrive. The goal? A richer, more diverse ecosystem that everyone can experience and be proud of.

This is a powerful example of how the actions of a few can have a huge impact. Thanks to their vision and generosity, a precious piece of our natural heritage is now protected.

Read more about the Massive win for conservation and recreation in the Kaituna.

We hope this news brings a smile!

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139 days ago

Applications for our Love to Dance grants are now open!

Bob Scott Retirement Village

Whether it's pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet - if you're encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.

Click read more to nominate your … View more
Whether it's pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet - if you're encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we have three $5000 Love to Dance grants up for grabs.

Click read more to nominate your community dance group.

Applications close 31 August 2025.

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140 days ago

Get growing this spring – and get a FREE gift!

Mags4Gifts

Spring is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to get stuck into the garden.

Right now, when you subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years, you’ll receive a FREE Solo Hose End Sprayer, the perfect companion for spring prep.

The Solo 405-HE is a serious time-saver — just … View more
Spring is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to get stuck into the garden.

Right now, when you subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years, you’ll receive a FREE Solo Hose End Sprayer, the perfect companion for spring prep.

The Solo 405-HE is a serious time-saver — just connect, spray, and you’re done. No pumping, no premixing, no mess. It works with cost-saving concentrates like fertilisers, insecticides, herbicides and more, and covers large or small areas quickly with a smooth, sweeping spray. It fits most chemical bottles (with three thread options) or you can use the included canister.

Whether you’re nurturing veggies, taming weeds or boosting blooms, this sprayer makes the job quick, clean and easy.

Treat yourself to expert advice, seasonal inspiration – and a garden tool you’ll use all year long.

*T&Cs apply. Offer available to the first 300 people who subscribe for 1 or 2 years between August 4 – August 31, 2025.
Find out more

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146 days ago

Love broccoli? Share your recipe

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: … View moreKia ora neighbours. We're on the lookout for broccoli recipes! We will give away free copies of the October 2025 issue to readers whose broccoli recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite broccoli recipe to us, at: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by August 15, 2025.

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141 days ago

Guidance, Comfort, and Trusted Experience

Harbour City Funeral Home

Choosing Harbour City Funeral Home means placing your trust in a team that genuinely cares. With over 30 years of experience serving Wellington, Hutt Valley, and Kāpiti, we offer professional, compassionate support tailored to your family's needs. Our commitment to dignity, respect, and … View moreChoosing Harbour City Funeral Home means placing your trust in a team that genuinely cares. With over 30 years of experience serving Wellington, Hutt Valley, and Kāpiti, we offer professional, compassionate support tailored to your family's needs. Our commitment to dignity, respect, and transparency ensures you feel supported every step of the way.

Harbour City provides modern, welcoming venues, and offers flexible, personalised services that reflect your loved one's life and wishes. We also help families plan ahead with thoughtful pre-planning options. In difficult times, you can rely on Harbour City Funeral Home for guidance, empathy, and peace of mind. Get in touch today to speak with a caring professional who’s ready to help.
Find out more

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141 days ago

The latest product recalls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!

Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.

Food and household item recalls:
Woolworths brand 18% Fat Beef Mince
View more
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!

Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.

Food and household item recalls:
Woolworths brand 18% Fat Beef Mince
Hydr8 brand Spring Water 600ml x 24
Snack Switch brand Plant Protein Bars
Ecostore Ultra Sensitive Multi Purpose Cleaner 500ml
Various sunscreens sold online at Harvey Norman

Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Annabel Trends - Banana Teether
Villeroy & Boch Children’s Tumblers- sold at Ballantynes Christchurch
Jupiter 2-in-1 Baby High Chair & Swing. Recall updated July 2025. Originally published January 2025.
Portable Soothing Baby Rocker Bouncer Chair with Toy Bar. Recall updated July 2025. Originally published January 2025.

Product Recalls: Clothing
Ocean & Earth Youth & kids Ponchos (Various)
IG Embroidered Sherpa Bomber Jacket- sold at Postie

Product Recalls: Electronics
OMNI Desktop power module with USB-A and USB-C
Yamaha PA300C Power Adaptor for Digital Piano Products
Gadali Gas Deep Fat Fryer OT-72A 12KW

Product Recalls: Other
Kelsey Mug- sold at nood
DT SWISS ARC, ERC, CRC & HEC Wheel
DT SWISS ERC/CRC/HEC Wheel
Momentum Vida E+ Low-Step E-Bicycle- sold at Giant and Momentum dealers
Honda Outboard BF115, 135, 150 and 350

See past months recalls here. Stay safe, neighbours!

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