Wasp wipeout - can you help?
Wasps are a serious problem for people on picnics, but their effects on native insect populations are devastating. Last summer we embarked on an ambitious project to make a dent in the wasp population in the Nelson region. We fundraised and were able to lay 390km of bait lines in some of the region's most popular recreational areas, effectively making 10,000 hectares wasp free.
This summer we are delighted to announce we are expanding the programme to other parts of the country which are also affected by high wasp numbers. Vespex is laid in bait stations in late January and February when wasps change to a protein-based diet. It is of low toxicity and safe for bees. Results from last summer showed it has a 95%-99% success rate.
While a small amount of work is Government funded, we're going to raise more funds to get as many areas baited as possible, and we need your help. Go to our Popshop page to contribute to a wasp-free region
So join us in the battle. The more we raise the more areas we can cover.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.5% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.6% No, I enjoy it
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1.9% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
Happy Anniversary to Nancy and John!
Nancy and John Lawrence are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this weekend in Timaru.
Meeting by chance at a dance, the couple married in Oāmaru in 1966 and have lived in 14 houses over that time in both Ōamaru and Timaru.
John trained as an electrician while Nancy trained as a primary school teacher and did several jobs before going on to manage the South Canterbury Community College for 17 years.
They raised five children, ran the Rangitata Store in the early 1980s and John has also been a farmer. They now co-own Matai Nurseries in Waimate with their daughter and son-in-law and are kept busy travelling around and delivering plants.
“And when we said ‘til death do us part’, we meant it,’’ Nancy said.
You can read more about them in the article on The Press here.
Those are some great innings and we love to hear stories like these at Neighbourly!
Have you come across Nancy and John over the years, or are you nearing a big milestone like this?
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