Rural West Whangarei, Maungakaramea

2192 days ago

Poll: Do you support having a non-traditional Santa?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Nelson's bi-cultural Christmas parade has caused a stir and some confusion among Santa's young fans. The traditional white-bearded, jolly man was replaced in the parade by a Māori man representing Santa Claus. Read the full story here.

Although many people were for the idea, some … View more
Nelson's bi-cultural Christmas parade has caused a stir and some confusion among Santa's young fans. The traditional white-bearded, jolly man was replaced in the parade by a Māori man representing Santa Claus. Read the full story here.

Although many people were for the idea, some parents felt "blindsided" that they weren't forewarned that Hana Kōkō would be stepping in for Santa Claus. The parade's organisers have since apologised.

So we want to know your view on this topic. Are you in support of modernising Christmas, or do you prefer a traditional Santa? Take part in our poll below!

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Do you support having a non-traditional Santa?
  • 8.9% Yes, I'm all for it
    8.9% Complete
  • 80.9% No, I prefer the traditional Santa
    80.9% Complete
  • 10.2% I don't mind either way
    10.2% Complete
3284 votes
2202 days ago

*WIN* a hamper for a special elder in your life

Te Wananga o Aotearoa

Share the aroha! To celebrate the success of our Te Kumanu Raeroa (elderly care) course, we're giving away four amazing Christmas hampers to a special kuia or koroua in your life. It could be your elderly family member, friend or neighbour.

Simply post a reply telling us why your kuia or … View more
Share the aroha! To celebrate the success of our Te Kumanu Raeroa (elderly care) course, we're giving away four amazing Christmas hampers to a special kuia or koroua in your life. It could be your elderly family member, friend or neighbour.

Simply post a reply telling us why your kuia or koroua should win. Entries close 3 December 9am.

So what's in the Xmas hamper? A range of delicious Christmas treats, plus a tea-set, tea & kiwiana tea-towel - all delivered in a harakeke (flax) basket, handwoven by our resident weaver. Value: $300.
Ts & Cs apply

Best of luck from your local Te Wānanga o Aotearoa whānau
Course info here

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2192 days ago

Who's ready for our December National Campaign?! 😁🎁

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

This month, we want to challenge everyone to come together and help those in need this holiday season. With so much going on this time of year it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities and forget about those having a difficult time.

From elderly neighbours with no one to celebrate with to … View more
This month, we want to challenge everyone to come together and help those in need this holiday season. With so much going on this time of year it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities and forget about those having a difficult time.

From elderly neighbours with no one to celebrate with to homeless families and those with disabilities struggling to just get by, reach out to someone who could use a helping hand and remind them what the holiday spirit is all about!

Share your photos and experiences using the following hashtag so we can see what you got up to.

#NSNZhelpinghands

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2197 days ago

Helen McGregor Memorial trophy evening

Reporter Whangārei Leader

A fantastic new year evening's entertainment at the Waipu Celtic Barn is promised for those interested in highland pipes or music in general.
Whangarei's Helen McGregor's dying wish back in 2003 was that a special piping competition be established to enable top class pipers to … View more
A fantastic new year evening's entertainment at the Waipu Celtic Barn is promised for those interested in highland pipes or music in general.
Whangarei's Helen McGregor's dying wish back in 2003 was that a special piping competition be established to enable top class pipers to compete in a special event where they could be creative and innovative.
Each entrant plays his/her own piece for eight minutes. There are normally around eight competitors.
A top level piper will judge the event this year along with an audience vote.
Whangarei piper Bain McGregor met his wife Helen at Blair Atholl Castle in Scotland. Bain was the piper in residence for the 10th Duke of Atholl, Ian Murray and Helen was a tour guide at the castle.
She was not a piper, but played a French Horn and tenor horn in the Whangarei Brass Band and tenor drum in both the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band, Scotland and the Whangarei Pipe Band.
Even though she didn't play the pipes she had a strong love and passion for the instrument.
Starting at 7 pm on the December 31 , tickets are available at the door for $10.

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2193 days ago

Beware of the tiny homes scam

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Keep your eyes peeled for the latest scam to be fooling Kiwis. Scammers are taking advantage of people looking for a home to call their own, creating fake competitions and giveaways to win a tiny home.

A recent scam asked people to sign up on their page which went through a process… View more
Hi neighbours,

Keep your eyes peeled for the latest scam to be fooling Kiwis. Scammers are taking advantage of people looking for a home to call their own, creating fake competitions and giveaways to win a tiny home.

A recent scam asked people to sign up on their page which went through a process of multiple surveys so the scammers can collect more information about the Facebook user in the hope of collecting personal details, including bank accounts. To read all about the scam, click here.

A fraud education manager says:
- People are helping the scammers by liking and sharing the post as it spreads the virus
- As soon as you like the Facebook post it gives scammers access to information
- If unsure whether it's a scam or not, look for terms and conditions - often these scams do not have them
- If you think you've been made a victim of an online scam, contact Netsafe and report it immediately. You can access Netsafe's page here.

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2198 days ago

Relay For Life 2019 Early Bird Registrations

Natasha Judd from Cancer Society Northland

Early Bird registrations are OPEN till FRIDAY come onboard and MAKE A DIFFERENCE WWW.RELAYFORLIFE.ORG.NZ

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2193 days ago

Stay independent and confident

The Team from ACC New Zealand

"Staying independent, confident and healthy is important at any age, but especially if you or someone you love is over 65. Have you heard about the ‘Live Stronger for Longer’ movement? There’s a website full of practical information and advice, as well as local strength and balance … View more"Staying independent, confident and healthy is important at any age, but especially if you or someone you love is over 65. Have you heard about the ‘Live Stronger for Longer’ movement? There’s a website full of practical information and advice, as well as local strength and balance classes to keep you steady on your feet.

Go to livestronger.org.nz to find out more and keep loving your independence. Brought to you by ACC, Ministry of Health and Health Quality and Safety Commission."
Learn more

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2194 days ago

Dish TV F SNT 7070 Freeview Decoder

Julie from Kamo

Only about 6 weeks or 2 months old. Genuine sale, all books, cords remote etc. Discovered after I bought it, it didn't do what I expected. Initial price was $120 I will sell for $60. Please phone Julie 09) 459 1453 or 027 450 3456

Negotiable

2194 days ago

Supporting kiwi kids and learning

The Warehouse New Zealand

The Zoofari programme helps Kiwi kids enjoy a day of learning at their local zoo because we believe that teaching children today can lead to a lifetime of love for animals and the environment.

Show your support before the 18th December by donating in your local store today!

The Warehouse, … View more
The Zoofari programme helps Kiwi kids enjoy a day of learning at their local zoo because we believe that teaching children today can lead to a lifetime of love for animals and the environment.

Show your support before the 18th December by donating in your local store today!

The Warehouse, partnering with you for a better community.

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2194 days ago

Givealittle’s Celebration with the Nation

The Team from Givealittle

We’re so grateful to all the generous sorts who’ve chipped in to get us here. So, let’s lose the gifts… and turn our big day into a celebration with the nation.

For every $10 donated from you, Spark Foundation will give $10 too – up to a grand total of $10,000 across all 10 charities.
Give here

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2196 days ago

Northland Chamber of Commerce appoints new chief executive

Reporter Whangārei Leader

The Northland Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Stephen Smith as its new chief executive, following the resignation of Tony Collins who has taken a new position at the Whangarei District Council.
Smith has a business background, both in New Zealand, and abroad, working with … View more
The Northland Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Stephen Smith as its new chief executive, following the resignation of Tony Collins who has taken a new position at the Whangarei District Council.
Smith has a business background, both in New Zealand, and abroad, working with companies in both start-up and operational mode. He brings commercial acumen and a passion for seeing business grow and prosper, with an eye on a succession plan for the future.
Smith says, “I am very excited to be joining the Northland Chamber team and adding my energy to an already strong organisation.
"If you are also passionate about business affairs and the necessary infrastructure to drive the North forward I can’t wait to meet with you. Let's make some real noise that can't be ignored.”
A spokesperson says the chamber looks forward to continuing to promote a better business environment for Northland, and is delighted to have Smith on board to enhance this work.

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2195 days ago

Poll: Do you think Santa can be a woman?

Neighbourly from Neighbourly.co.nz

There have been a lot of discussions lately about whether Santa could be a woman. Even National Party Leader Simon Bridges joined the debate saying "just as Mary Poppins is a woman, Santa Claus is a man". What do you think? Can Santa be a woman? Read more here.

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Do you think Santa can be a woman?
  • 11.2% Yes
    11.2% Complete
  • 75.7% No
    75.7% Complete
  • 1.3% I'm not sure
    1.3% Complete
  • 11.8% I don't care
    11.8% Complete
3749 votes
2199 days ago

Spa pool needs moving

Meryn from Kamo

Anyone know of a firm the specialises in moving spa pools in the Whangarei area? Tried a few with no luck.

2197 days ago

Nominate your neighbour's letterbox!

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

We've seen some pretty imaginative postboxes on our NZ travels (these are just a taster) and it got us wondering what novelty letterboxes might be lining the streets in your neighbourhood.

So have you pimped up your postbox? If so, we'd love to see a picture and hear the story behind … View more
We've seen some pretty imaginative postboxes on our NZ travels (these are just a taster) and it got us wondering what novelty letterboxes might be lining the streets in your neighbourhood.

So have you pimped up your postbox? If so, we'd love to see a picture and hear the story behind it for a feature on Homed... Did you create it from scratch or repurpose a household item? What was the inspiration for your design? And how have people reacted to it?

You can email your letterbox photos to homed@stuff.co.nz and someone will be in touch - and thanks in advance!

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2197 days ago

Make your best Split Second Decision

The Team from ACC New Zealand

No matter how long you’ve been riding, the unexpected can always happen. Be an even better rider with Ride Forever coaching. Find out more!

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