278 days ago

Amberley Fire Brigade taking the plunge to support mental health

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

The Amberley Fire Brigade is diving headfirst into a 24-hour swimming challenge to support those battling mental health struggles.

This weekend - February 24 and 25 - the team will brave the waters of Amberley Pool, symbolising the resilience required to navigate mental health challenges.

"As frontline responders, we witness the toll that mental health challenges take on individuals and families. We wanted to do something physically demanding to symbolise the strength needed to overcome these struggles,” Chris Reeves, one of the organising firefighters participating in the swim, said.

To kick off the fundraising initiative, the brigade will host a Gala Dinner on Friday, February 23.

Hosted by league star Richie Barnett, the event promises live music, delectable cuisine, and a live auction featuring exclusive items.

The Gala aims to raise funds for youth mental health charity I Am Hope, which currently needs $500,000 monthly to provide essential counselling services through its Gumboot Friday platform.

“The commitment and determination shown by the Amberley Fire Brigade in organising this event and taking on a gruelling challenge and organising this massive dinner is legendary. Their efforts will make a huge difference in supporting our mission to provide free counselling and mental health support to young people across New Zealand," I Am Hope founder Mike King said.

“We owe it to these amazing people in our community, like the Amberley Fire Brigade, for keeping our support going strong for kids who need it most."

Reeves encouraged local businesses and individuals to show their support by booking tables or sponsoring the event.

"This glamorous evening promises to be the highlight of the calendar, and we urge the community to join us in our mission to support mental health," he said.

KEY INFORMATION
Gala dinner: February 23, 6p, at the Amberley Tin Shed, Amberley Domain
Swim date: 12pm Saturday, February 24 to 12pm on Sunday, February 25 at Amberley Pool
Price: Table of 10 - $1500
Book your table now by emailing hamish@hpa.co.nz
Sponsorships: Gold - $4000 / Bronze - $2500
Donate: givealittle.co.nz...

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2 hours ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

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6 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 4.7% Second half of November
    4.7% Complete
  • 43.6% 1st December
    43.6% Complete
  • 17.4% A week before Christmas
    17.4% Complete
  • 33.2% Whenever you wish
    33.2% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
2322 votes
5 days ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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