The roofless and lonely house that was once a warm and much-loved home
Check out this lovely story from Marty Sharpe.
For many years Haumiata Lucas would raise a hand to block her view as she passed the old villa on the approach to Waimarama, Hawke’s Bay.
Once a much-loved and majestic home with a wide verandah and large sash windows, today it sits roofless and lonely, and very near collapse, in the middle of a maize field.
Lucas was 18 when she last lived here.
Now 86, she walks cautiously across the rows of young maize towards the house. The ground is rough, and she takes a supporting hand now and then. That allows her to lift her gaze from the dirt to the house.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.5% I want to be able to choose.
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47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
Neighbourhood Posts
Would it be possible for people / or admin to remove posts? as some stay there for weeks, and nborly becomes rather static and boring!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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