Rural West Whangarei news is brought to you by the team at Whangārei Leader
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Neighbourly members LOVE their pets, whether it's a smoochy cat, a trusty pup or even a feathered friend.
We'd like to know how many of you who see this post actually have a pet at home. Let us know in the poll below!
We hope you've been enjoying the Neighbourly Backyard Awards so far, we know we have!
It is time for our last award. And the category is....Most creative backyard build
It could be a planter box, an outdoor table or even a backyard bar. We just want to see the sanctuary you've … View moreWe hope you've been enjoying the Neighbourly Backyard Awards so far, we know we have!
It is time for our last award. And the category is....Most creative backyard build
It could be a planter box, an outdoor table or even a backyard bar. We just want to see the sanctuary you've created in your backyard.
So share a photo, or two, in a comment below of your creation or backyard set up a to be in to win a $100 Mitre10 voucher. Winner will be announced next Monday 🛝🪴🛖
Here are three top safety tips for using woodfires:
Regular Chimney Maintenance:
Ensure your chimney is cleaned and inspected at least once a year by a professional. This helps prevent creosote buildup, which can cause chimney fires
Use the Right Wood:
Burn only dry wood. Avoid burning … View moreHere are three top safety tips for using woodfires:
Regular Chimney Maintenance:
Ensure your chimney is cleaned and inspected at least once a year by a professional. This helps prevent creosote buildup, which can cause chimney fires
Use the Right Wood:
Burn only dry wood. Avoid burning green or wet wood, as it produces more creosote and smoke
Install Safety Alarms:
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Make sure these detectors are tested regularly and have fresh batteries
Still have questions? Reach out to us on 09 439 6123
Don't miss out! 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 … View moreDon't miss out! 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
On Wed 5 March an IRD representative will be holding a clinic at the Community Room, Procter Library, Kerikeri, from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. to help you with TAX ISSUES, filling out forms and any IRD related matters.
The clinic will be by appointment only. Appointments will be on the half hour.… View moreOn Wed 5 March an IRD representative will be holding a clinic at the Community Room, Procter Library, Kerikeri, from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. to help you with TAX ISSUES, filling out forms and any IRD related matters.
The clinic will be by appointment only. Appointments will be on the half hour.
To make an appointment please call CAB Far North on 09 407 9829 or see us at 6 Cobham Road, Kerikeri.
We're running a survey for newcomers* to help us create a Welcoming Plan:
🌏 www.wdc.govt.nz...
And we're inviting migrants, ethnic communities and relevant to a series of hui to discuss community, access, opportunities, and connection - the first meeting is at 3:30pm on Thursday … View moreWe're running a survey for newcomers* to help us create a Welcoming Plan:
🌏 www.wdc.govt.nz...
And we're inviting migrants, ethnic communities and relevant to a series of hui to discuss community, access, opportunities, and connection - the first meeting is at 3:30pm on Thursday 20 February 2025.
Whangārei is renowned for its strong community spirit and this continues to grow into something even more special as we expand our cultural diversity. Migrants and newcomers bring skills and unique viewpoints that diversify and enrich our whole District, and we want everyone to feel at home and love it here.
* What's a "newcomer"? If you think this survey is for you then it's probably for you! And if you've lived in Whangārei District for less than 5 years then it's definitely for you.
💧 Whangarei District Council has continued its position against putting fluoride into the district’s water supply.
At an extra-ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, the Council voted to seek a declaration proceeding, which is a hearing where the court would be presented with evidence on the… View more💧 Whangarei District Council has continued its position against putting fluoride into the district’s water supply.
At an extra-ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, the Council voted to seek a declaration proceeding, which is a hearing where the court would be presented with evidence on the safety or otherwise of fluoride, from scientific experts, and make a judgement.
Council voted to ‘seek urgent interim relief’ so that it can delay its preparations for full fluoridation of the public water system by the 28 March 2025 deadline.
Chief Executive Simon Weston said council also resolved to apply for a judicial review of the Director General of Health’s directive to fluoridate the council water supply.
We have more information about water fluoridation on our 'Water quality' webpage:
www.wdc.govt.nz...
FRIDAY 14 & SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY, 10AM - 2PM
Discover the award-winning lifestyle at Ryman.
Join us at our open days and explore our living and care options, tour our show homes and see the amenities on offer. Plus, attend our open days and you could win a $500 travel voucher* — perfect… View moreFRIDAY 14 & SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY, 10AM - 2PM
Discover the award-winning lifestyle at Ryman.
Join us at our open days and explore our living and care options, tour our show homes and see the amenities on offer. Plus, attend our open days and you could win a $500 travel voucher* — perfect for embracing new adventures.
*Participating villages only, Ts and Cs apply
Click learn more for more information
Cost of Living is the No. 1 issue, not only in NZ., but worldwide.
Sorted has an extremely useful guide on steps to take to help you get through your cost of living issues. We hope this link will help - sorted.org.nz...
Our CAB is also here to help. We're open Monday to Thursday … View moreCost of Living is the No. 1 issue, not only in NZ., but worldwide.
Sorted has an extremely useful guide on steps to take to help you get through your cost of living issues. We hope this link will help - sorted.org.nz...
Our CAB is also here to help. We're open Monday to Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. and Friday 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Give us a call 09 407 9829 or 0800 367 222. Email us farnorth@cab.org.nz. Or pop in & have a chat at 6 Cobham Rd., Procter Library Building, Kerikeri."
Desparately wanted - 4 floor tiles needed for minor renovation project. 600x600 - see photo - bought from Carpet Court in 2015, but now discontinued.
New Zealand Police is urging parents to be alert to the potential risks facing children and young people online.
Today is Safer Internet Day – a global event to promote safe and positive online experiences.To ensure a collaborative approach to internet safety, Police works closely with our … View moreNew Zealand Police is urging parents to be alert to the potential risks facing children and young people online.
Today is Safer Internet Day – a global event to promote safe and positive online experiences.To ensure a collaborative approach to internet safety, Police works closely with our partner agencies, including the Department of Internal Affairs, Netsafe, and New Zealand Customs.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kepal Richards, officer in charge of New Zealand Police Online Child Exploitation Across New Zealand Team (OCEANZ), says supervising children and young people online is the best way to keep them safe.
“The internet opens up a world of opportunity but there are offenders online looking to exploit people, and they target the most vulnerable.
“In the worst-case scenario, we see online extortion groups trying to persuade children and young people to record self-harm and sexually explicit acts, alongside other violent crimes.
“The footage is then circulated among members of the extortion group to gain notoriety and further extort victims.
“Offenders may also threaten to share these videos or images online or with the victim’s family and friends.
“While we’re not seeing a large number of this type of offending here in New Zealand at this time, we know this is having a significant impact overseas.
“We want parents to be alert to the possible risks, but not alarmed.”
Police urge parents and caregivers to educate themselves on this topic and have conversations with their young people about the dangers of having an online presence.
“Having open and regular conversations is the most important tip we can give any parent or caregiver,” Detective Senior Sergeant Richards says.
"This ensures their young children feel comfortable to come forward about any online issues that may arise.”
For parents and caregivers:
- Supervision is essential. This means knowing what your children are doing online, who they are interacting with, and what platforms, apps, or games they are using.
- Check privacy settings. We recommend parents and caregivers research and understand app settings, including privacy settings. This can include turning off location settings, setting profiles to private, or turning off chat functions.
- Long term impact. Offenders will often use tactics such as fear or shame to manipulate young people, and make them feel alienated or trapped, like they cannot escape the situation. These situations can be very distressing and can have long term impacts and need to be addressed appropriately.
- Report suspicious behaviour. Make a report and seek help and support.
For victims:
- Stop talking to the offender and avoid sending any more images or videos – even if they are threatening you.
- Once you have complied with their demands, there is nothing preventing them from targeting you again.
- Save all the online chat, immediately take screenshots. This is important for making a report to the Police, we need all the evidence that you can gather.
- Report the content and person’s profile to the platform and request the content is removed.
- Block the profile.
Where to report offending:
- To report any offending to Police, please call 111 in an emergency, and for non-emergencies, online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Make a Report” or by calling 105.
- If you have seen content online that you wish to report, make a report to the Department of Internal Affairs HERE.
- If you would like advice and support from Netsafe, text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282 or call for free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723).
- You can also report online at netsafe.org.nz/report or by email at help@netsafe.org.nz.
Bev and John are no strangers to adventure. Whether it’s overseas escapades to the Great Wall of China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, or exploring New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, this intrepid couple has seen their fair share of the world. But these days, they prefer to keep their travel plans … View moreBev and John are no strangers to adventure. Whether it’s overseas escapades to the Great Wall of China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, or exploring New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, this intrepid couple has seen their fair share of the world. But these days, they prefer to keep their travel plans closer to home - with their beloved Cavoodle, Skye, always in tow.
“We’ve done all the overseas trips we wanted to do,” says Bev. “Now, it’s all about enjoying what’s on our doorstep.”
Click read more for the full story.
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