1067 days ago

Award-winning teen photographer captures worlds the eye can't see

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Franklin County News

Kia ora neighbours,

When D’Artagnan Sprengel was just nine, he had a go with a little blue Canon point-and-shoot camera, getting up close with nearby fungi.

Nearly six years later, he’s an internationally-recognised photographer, whose accolades include a commendation from the global Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards.

The 15-year-old Bombay resident’s work was recently shown alongside photographers from all over the world at an exhibition in Hamilton.

His highly-commended photograph was of a daisy, weighed down by frost and barely keeping its head up.

Sprengel says he has always loved nature. Now that he’s capturing it from behind a powerful DSLR lens – a gift for his 11th birthday – he can see things the eye cannot.

“It shows a difference perspective. Like a spider, which people don’t like, it can show that they’re awesome, they’re fluffy and cute sometimes. They are a lovely and beautiful creature.”

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10 hours ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 74.4% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    74.4% Complete
  • 13.8% Hmm, maybe?
    13.8% Complete
  • 11.9% Yes!
    11.9% Complete
160 votes
6 days ago

A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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8 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 52.9% Yes
    52.9% Complete
  • 47.1% No
    47.1% Complete
2167 votes