Waiau Aparima, Riverton

Win a brand new home!

Win a brand new home!

For just $15, you could win a fully furnished home in Clarks Beach, Auckland worth over $1 million. Buy your tickets today!

2279 days ago

Share your tomato-growing tips, and win a prize!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We are looking for great tomato growing tips and/or photos of your tomato harvest from last year. Do you have a piece of tomato growing wisdom to share with other New Zealand gardeners? Maybe a variety that does well for you, a way to treat or prevent diseases, or a recipe for homemade fertiliser. … View moreWe are looking for great tomato growing tips and/or photos of your tomato harvest from last year. Do you have a piece of tomato growing wisdom to share with other New Zealand gardeners? Maybe a variety that does well for you, a way to treat or prevent diseases, or a recipe for homemade fertiliser. Or do you have an amazing photo to share ... like this one from tomato enthusiast Minette Tonoli. Email us your tip (mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz) and/or share your pic in the comments... if we publish your tip or your photo we will send you a free copy of NZ Gardener magazine!

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2279 days ago

World-class exhibition opens at Taupo Museum

Darren Petry from Taupō District Council

A world class exhibition featuring artefacts over 1000 years old has opened in Taupo.

Suzhou Faith and Life, 618AD – 1279AD features treasures from the Tang and Song dynasties dating back to 618AD.

This is the first time an exhibition of this age and significance has been hosted by Taupo … View more
A world class exhibition featuring artefacts over 1000 years old has opened in Taupo.

Suzhou Faith and Life, 618AD – 1279AD features treasures from the Tang and Song dynasties dating back to 618AD.

This is the first time an exhibition of this age and significance has been hosted by Taupo Museum. It is on loan from Suzhou Museum as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of Taupo’s sister city relationship with Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.

Mayor David Trewavas said that Suzhou Museum was one of the great international museums. “We are fortunate to have this unprecedented opportunity to share these ancient artefacts with our district through our relationship with Suzhou. Taupo’s friendship with the people of Suzhou has developed over the years to include civic exchange trips, exhibitions and the sharing of knowledge and skills. Increasing our understanding of the Chinese way of life through this relationship has helped to break down cultural barriers and bring our communities closer together” he said.

Library and museum manager Luisa Haines said visitors to the exhibition will have a glimpse of a fascinating ancient world. “Suzhou was one of China’s earliest great cities, located right at the heart of some of the world’s largest trading routes at the time – the Silk Road and Grand Canal. The exhibition features some very special items, including a replica Pearl Pillar (a Buddhist Holy Relic), carved wooden figurines from burial sites and delicately glazed celadon pottery” she said.

Four delegates from Suzhou Museum attended the opening on August 30 at Taupo Museum - Chen Ruijin (Director), Wang Juying (Senior Administrator), Zhang Fan (Senior Governance Secretary), Yan Xiao (Board Member). The event also included the unveiling of a 4.2 tonne 2.4 metre high granite archway in Taupo’s Tongariro South Domain.


ABOUT SUZHOU

The Chinese city of Suzhou is one of the great ancient cities of the world. It is located in the heart of the Silk Road and the Grand Canal - trading routes that began over a thousand years ago.

Suzhou's beautifully preserved ancient buildings, winding canals and 3,681 bridges are a drawcard for tourists. These features, along with its UNESCO World Heritage classical gardens, mean the city is commonly referred to as the Venice of the East.

INTERESTING FACTS

> During the Tang Dynasty, gunpowder, waterproofing, gas stoves, and air conditioning were invented.
> Early followers of the Chinese religion Taoism were involved in alchemy, hoping to make gold or finding an elixir of immortality.
> During the Tang Dynasty China was ruled by its only female empress in history – Empress Wu.
> Kublai Khan, one of the great leaders of Mongolia, lead an army in the 13th century that eventually took over 1/5 of the globe, including all of China.
> White porcelain was invented in China. The production process was a closely-guarded secret for hundreds of years, and it was commonly known as ‘china’ in the many countries that imported it.
> Tea originated in China, and was a highly prized trading item along with silk.

EXHIBITION

Suzhou Faith and Life, 618AD – 1279AD​ runs at Taupo Museum until November 11 and is open every day of the week. It is free to local Taupo district residents and all children, with visiting adult’s $5 and seniors and tertiary students $3.

Find out more about the Suzhou - Faith and Life exhibition, activities and events here:

2280 days ago

Does your roof need attention?

Eugene Stephens from Southland Roofing and Roof Painters

Southland Roof Painters is a locally owned and operated business servicing the Southland region for many years. Our experienced and knowledgeable team of tradesmen are your roofing specialists for restoration, re-roofing, and maintenance on:

- Concrete tile maintenance
- Lightweight metal tiles… View more
Southland Roof Painters is a locally owned and operated business servicing the Southland region for many years. Our experienced and knowledgeable team of tradesmen are your roofing specialists for restoration, re-roofing, and maintenance on:

- Concrete tile maintenance
- Lightweight metal tiles
- Long-run roofs
- Stone chipped

Call us on 0800 030 694. We can help you with onsite inspections, advice and colour consultations.
Find out more!

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2281 days ago

Spend a week in one of our holiday homes for free!

Manchester Unity Friendly Society

We're celebrating our launch on Neighbourly! Join Manchester Unity during September, October or November 2018 and take out a funeral benefit or join one of our medical schemes and be in the draw to spend a week in one of our holiday homes for free!*

Request a new member pack and start … View more
We're celebrating our launch on Neighbourly! Join Manchester Unity during September, October or November 2018 and take out a funeral benefit or join one of our medical schemes and be in the draw to spend a week in one of our holiday homes for free!*

Request a new member pack and start enjoying all the benefits of being a member of one of the oldest organisations in New Zealand.

- Enjoy kiwi holiday homes
- Meet like-minded people
- Save money
- Protect your family’s health
- Receive kids’ scholarships
- Enjoy togetherness

Use our national network of branches. We have 26 branches nationwide that we call Lodges. The Lodge is where we meet to organise projects that help local members, discuss the local and national business of Manchester Unity, learn meeting skills and get together with friends.

* dates subject to availability
Find out more

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2293 days ago

Poll: Can you taste the difference between milk brands?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi Neighbours,

Can you taste a difference between budget and premium milk? There are few things that divide the public as much as the budget versus branded milk debate.

In Stuff's new 'Milking It' investigation, we look at the difference between branded milks, the … View more
Hi Neighbours,

Can you taste a difference between budget and premium milk? There are few things that divide the public as much as the budget versus branded milk debate.

In Stuff's new 'Milking It' investigation, we look at the difference between branded milks, the current milk prices in New Zealand, as well as the comeback of glass milk bottles.

So, what are your thoughts on our country's milk? Take part in our poll, and feel free to share your thoughts in the replies!

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Can you taste the difference between milk brands?
  • 28% Yes, premium milk is nicer
    28% Complete
  • 47.4% No, they taste the same to me
    47.4% Complete
  • 13.4% No, but I prefer budget milk
    13.4% Complete
  • 11.3% I don't know/ don't drink dairy milk
    11.3% Complete
1234 votes
2283 days ago

Get in the to draw win this car!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This month we're giving away a car. Not just any car, but a brand new Suzuki Vitara worth $30,690 to one lucky member. To make sure you're in the draw just click the button below - it's that easy. Good luck! Winner

T&Cs apply.
Put me in the draw!

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2284 days ago

WATCH: Polyfest

Georgia Weaver Reporter from Southland Times

Polyfest is on again this year, check out some of the photos we got from it this week.

2285 days ago

It’s biscuit time, get yours now!

Girl Guiding New Zealand

GirlGuiding NZ is bigger than a biscuit! Your purchase goes towards providing Kiwi girls and young women with hands on experiences that allow them to discover their potential, develop confidence and skills, participate in our quality educational programmes and contribute to their communities now … View moreGirlGuiding NZ is bigger than a biscuit! Your purchase goes towards providing Kiwi girls and young women with hands on experiences that allow them to discover their potential, develop confidence and skills, participate in our quality educational programmes and contribute to their communities now and in the future.

Find out where the Girl Guides will be in Otago and Southland or buy online!

For more information on Guiding go to www.girlguidingnz.org.nz
Get your biscuits here!

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2285 days ago

WATCH: Amazing aurora

Georgia Weaver Reporter from Southland Times

Winter is the best time to view the aurora. Check out some of the amazing photos we have received of the stunning light display.

2285 days ago

Does DOC need to do more to keen endangered animals safe?

Georgia Weaver Reporter from Southland Times

The Department of Conservation will investigate putting up signage to warn motorbike riders, four-wheel drivers and dog walkers that they risk disturbing a critically endangered bird.

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2286 days ago

Motorcycle Awareness Month...refresh your riding skills.

The Team from ACC New Zealand

It's time to refresh your riding skills now for the busy and fun months to come.

Book yourself on one of the many Ride Forever courses in your region, with classes adapted to your riding level.

Join others, like Cassandra, who gained extra skills to be more confident on our roads thanks… View more
It's time to refresh your riding skills now for the busy and fun months to come.

Book yourself on one of the many Ride Forever courses in your region, with classes adapted to your riding level.

Join others, like Cassandra, who gained extra skills to be more confident on our roads thanks to Ride Forever coaching. As riders, it’s important we take the time to ensure we have the right skills to avoid crashes, so sign-up for Ride Forever coaching today - it may just save your life.
Find out more

2286 days ago

Social climbers - the comedy - is touring NZ!

Roger Halls Sparkling Comedy Social Climbers

What do you call six women stranded on a mountain in the rain: ridiculous! Or you could call them social climbers … but just not to their faces! Once at the hut, not only do they unload their packs full of food, wine, and a souvenir rock; their hang-ups get unloaded as well.

Torrential rain … View more
What do you call six women stranded on a mountain in the rain: ridiculous! Or you could call them social climbers … but just not to their faces! Once at the hut, not only do they unload their packs full of food, wine, and a souvenir rock; their hang-ups get unloaded as well.

Torrential rain and a flooded bridge keep them stranded for three days. What they get up to, to help pass the time, raises a few eyebrows and will have you laughing, tearing up and applauding enthusiastically as they bare all.

Of course, it’s not just souls that are exposed, there’s a little nudity, a cracking thunderstorm, explosions, screaming bloody murder, ghostly stories, a birthday celebration, a séance, a drunken party, confessions, meltdowns and revelations that will keep you and your friends entertained throughout.

Perfectly timed for your own social group’s ascent into summer, don’t miss this hilarious play when it comes to a town near you in November.
Buy tickets here!

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2287 days ago

BREAKING: Large fire near Dipton

Georgia Weaver Reporter from Southland Times

Fire crews are battling a 30-hectare fire west of Dipton.

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