Stewart Island/Rakiura, Stewart Island

Last chance for tickets!

Last chance for tickets!

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

2255 days ago

Is one hour enough?

Georgia Weaver Reporter from Southland Times

The ILT is turning off its pokie machines for an hour today to mark Gambling Harm Awareness Week, but the Mataura Licensing Trust has decided not to follow suit.

What are your thoughts?

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2234 days ago

Have you been opening OXO cubes the wrong way?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Have you heard this trick before? A handy hack on how to open OXO cubes is causing a stir online, as it seems many of us have been doing it all wrong.

Forget crumbling up the cube after opening the silver foil packaging - it seems that packaging was actually designed to be … View more
Hi neighbours,

Have you heard this trick before? A handy hack on how to open OXO cubes is causing a stir online, as it seems many of us have been doing it all wrong.

Forget crumbling up the cube after opening the silver foil packaging - it seems that packaging was actually designed to be flattened. To read more click here.

Simply open up the flaps on the side, flatten them out and then crumble the cube inside the package, turning it into a powder that's a heck of a lot easier to add to your dish.

Did you know this handy trick? Have you been opening the cubes the wrong way your whole life like the rest of us? Will this make cooking for your family a little easier? Share your thoughts in the replies below!

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2227 days ago

Poll: Should plastic straws be removed from all NZ supermarkets?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

You won't be able to find plastic straws in Countdown stores from October 1 - they're off the shelves! To read more, click here.

Countdown is removing them from all stores and replacing them with a range of alternatives including bamboo, metal and paper straws.

The … View more
Hi neighbours,

You won't be able to find plastic straws in Countdown stores from October 1 - they're off the shelves! To read more, click here.

Countdown is removing them from all stores and replacing them with a range of alternatives including bamboo, metal and paper straws.

The supermarket's move is expected to remove 11.6 million straws from circulation and the waste stream each year. WOW.

Do you think other NZ supermarkets should follow suit?

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Should plastic straws be removed from all NZ supermarkets?
  • 77.6% Yes, let's get rid of them
    77.6% Complete
  • 22.4% No, plastic straws are useful
    22.4% Complete
2774 votes
2227 days ago

If the warranty has ended, it doesn't mean your rights have!

Sacha Green from Citizens Advice Bureau New Zealand

When you buy goods you have rights that protect you even if the warranty has expired. A warranty is extra to the protections in the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) and can’t override or replace these. This means a retailer can't just say you're out of luck because the warranty period has … View moreWhen you buy goods you have rights that protect you even if the warranty has expired. A warranty is extra to the protections in the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) and can’t override or replace these. This means a retailer can't just say you're out of luck because the warranty period has ended.

The CGA says that products have to be of an acceptable quality which means they must be fit for purpose (or do what they're made to do), last for a reasonable amount of time, be safe, and be free from any minor defects. What is “acceptable quality” is based on what you could reasonably expect taking into account things like the nature of the goods, what you paid for them, and any particular statements made about the goods.

If you have a problem with something you’ve bought and the warranty period has ended, you might still be entitled to have it repaired or replaced. Check out our information on your rights as a consumer or phone CAB on 0800 367 222.

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2227 days ago

We're hitting the road!

The Team from Neighbours Aotearoa

Our road trip is happening soon! We're hitting the road in the lead-up to our 10th celebration of Neighbours Day (March 22 - 31 2019: Celebrating 10 years with 10 days of celebrations) and are on the hunt for organisations, places and people who would like to host us along the way, chat about … View moreOur road trip is happening soon! We're hitting the road in the lead-up to our 10th celebration of Neighbours Day (March 22 - 31 2019: Celebrating 10 years with 10 days of celebrations) and are on the hunt for organisations, places and people who would like to host us along the way, chat about the work they’re doing, or help us run workshops.

www.facebook.com...

2228 days ago

Poll: Who did you want to win The Block NZ?

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

Hey neighbours, well that's The Block NZ over for another year... were you happy with the result?

If you missed it, you can relive all the action and drama of the auction here or check out our Block winners round-up, here.

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Who did you want to win The Block NZ?
  • 6.4% House 1 - Claire and Agni
    6.4% Complete
  • 42.2% House 2 - Ben and Tom
    42.2% Complete
  • 15.7% House 3 - Chlo and Em
    15.7% Complete
  • 35.7% House 4 - Amy and Stu
    35.7% Complete
1227 votes
2228 days ago

Drivers might pay more, learn why.

The Team from ACC New Zealand

At ACC, we’re proposing to increase the levies collected from road users to pay for the rising cost of road injuries. If you’re a road user, these proposals could affect you.

Learn about all the proposals and have your say at our site by October 25.
Learn more

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2229 days ago

Progress continues at Maniototo Health Services!

Maniototo Health Services

The recent open day was extremely well attended and interest from the community is greatly appreciated. Feedback from those attending was excellent.

We were able to show off the features of the building with sizeable lounges, including the glassed in areas at the ends of the wings, which will … View more
The recent open day was extremely well attended and interest from the community is greatly appreciated. Feedback from those attending was excellent.

We were able to show off the features of the building with sizeable lounges, including the glassed in areas at the ends of the wings, which will offer options for residents to be in different locations and incorporating impressive views as well as good sized bedrooms with en suites.

Pop in and see us at 51 Tyrone St, Maniototo District, Central Otago or give us a call on (03) 444 9420 for more information.
Learn more

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2231 days ago

Keeping you and your money safe - October seminar series

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

ASB Bank and Age Concern New Zealand have partnered to run free “Keeping you and your money safe” seminars during October. We will be discussing issues around financial abuse, scams and online safety with time to ask questions and join us for refreshments.

So why not get some friends … View more
ASB Bank and Age Concern New Zealand have partnered to run free “Keeping you and your money safe” seminars during October. We will be discussing issues around financial abuse, scams and online safety with time to ask questions and join us for refreshments.

So why not get some friends together and come along - We would love to see you there! Please register at the seminar nearest to you

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2231 days ago

Plan ahead and stay safe on our roads

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Police and the NZ Transport Agency are asking everybody traveling these school holidays to plan ahead, take regular breaks, and stay safe on our roads.

During five days over the school holidays last year, 6-10 October 2017, 15 lives were lost on our roads. The total deaths for the whole month … View more
Police and the NZ Transport Agency are asking everybody traveling these school holidays to plan ahead, take regular breaks, and stay safe on our roads.

During five days over the school holidays last year, 6-10 October 2017, 15 lives were lost on our roads. The total deaths for the whole month was 32. “If the same thing happens this year, we are going to have 32 people die in October. Who is it going to be, you, a member of your family, a friend, or one of your colleagues?” says Sandra Venables, Assistant Commissioner for Road Policing.

NZ Transport Agency acting Director Safety and Environment Lisa Rossiter agrees. “If you’re going away with your family these school holidays, ensure you are well rested before you set off, and ensure your focus is driving safely on the roads.

“Watch your speed and following distances, make sure you’re driving fresh and alert, don’t get distracted by the kids in the back or by your phone, and make sure everyone is wearing their seatbelt"

Read the full message on the NZ Police website here.
Image: Stuff

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2232 days ago

Resene Colour your Community is back!! *WIN*

Resene

For a second year, Neighbourly and Resene are challenging you to Colour your Community! This is a chance to make a positive difference in your neighbourhood by transforming an area that needs a little love. There's six prizes of up to $1000 worth of Resene paints, wood stains and accessories … View moreFor a second year, Neighbourly and Resene are challenging you to Colour your Community! This is a chance to make a positive difference in your neighbourhood by transforming an area that needs a little love. There's six prizes of up to $1000 worth of Resene paints, wood stains and accessories up for grabs!

Whether it's a new mural for your community hall, a graffiti clean up or a local playground paint job, Colour Your Community lets you paint the town red (or green or blue). Apply now on behalf of your organisation, business, or for your own community project.
Enter now

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2233 days ago

UPDATED: Your colour questions answered by Resene

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

Hey neighbours,

Spring has well and truly sprung but if you're still stuck in a colour rut at home, check out the recap of our live chat with Resene colour experts Sarah Gregory and Brenda Ngatai where they answered your questions and decorating dilemmas.

Whether you want to know about … View more
Hey neighbours,

Spring has well and truly sprung but if you're still stuck in a colour rut at home, check out the recap of our live chat with Resene colour experts Sarah Gregory and Brenda Ngatai where they answered your questions and decorating dilemmas.

Whether you want to know about colour trends, paint effects, interior decor, exterior treatments, or anything else colour and paint-related you're to find something to inspire you, here.

2233 days ago

International Day of Older Persons 2018 - We can all Champion Human Rights and be Human Rights Champions – Take the Pledge!

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

International Day of Older Persons is a day to celebrate all older people – to highlight the value of all older people and to promote dignity and respect. The 2018 international theme is “Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions“.


This year Age Concern New Zealand want all New Zealanders… View more
International Day of Older Persons is a day to celebrate all older people – to highlight the value of all older people and to promote dignity and respect. The 2018 international theme is “Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions“.


This year Age Concern New Zealand want all New Zealanders to sign up as Age Concern Dignity Champions and stand up for the human rights of older Kiwis.


“There is no excuse for elder abuse, says Stephanie Clare, Age Concern New Zealand Chief Executive. I am appalled that we are still having to deal with cases each day where older people are taken advantage of.


“Just because someone is older it doesn’t mean they are less valuable, have less purpose or should lose basic human rights, the right to make their own choices and respect from those around them.

“Of the cases we see, 75% of alleged abusers are family members, either adult children or partners of adult children and that needs to stop!

“So come on Kiwis we all have a part to play. You can take a stand against ageism and join me by signing up today!” says Stephanie.

An Age Concern Dignity Champion pledges to:
• Reject stereotypes and focus on the uniqueness of every individual
• Speak up when they hear people speaking negatively about growing old
• Have the courage to question practices they feel are disrespectful to older people
• Not patronise older people
• Be patient, polite and friendly
• Have zero tolerance for abuse or neglect
• Build relationships – they combat isolation and loneliness by getting to know the older people in their lives.

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2233 days ago

What do you think of tripling Stewart Island levy?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

At a Southland District Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors will discuss its draft policy for the Stewart Island Visitor Levy, which would bring in several changes, including increasing the visitor levy from $5 to $15.

The committee identified that the small rating base on the island could … View more
At a Southland District Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors will discuss its draft policy for the Stewart Island Visitor Levy, which would bring in several changes, including increasing the visitor levy from $5 to $15.

The committee identified that the small rating base on the island could not meet the increasing demands that tourism was placing on island infrastructure, the report says. However, on Sunday, Stewart Island Community Board chairman Jon Spraggon said increasing the levy was "bloody stupid". In the financial year ending in June 2018, 44,423 people visited the island paying $193,143 in levies.

If the same amount of people visited the island paying a levy of $15, it would generate more than $660,000.

While the $5 levy did not generate huge amounts of money, people on the island were happy with the amount, Spraggon said. While the council would consult the public if they approved the draft, Spraggon had his doubts about the process.

Read the full story here.
Image: Stuff

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2234 days ago

Subscribe to NZ Gardener's weekly ezine Get Growing and get free herb seeds!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

September is Bee Aware month, as we're calling on gardeners to make sure they plant pollen- and nectar-rich plants. We have 500 packets of bee-friendly edible herb seeds to give away to the first 500 people to sign up to Get Growing. Get Growing digital magazine is delivered every Friday to … View moreSeptember is Bee Aware month, as we're calling on gardeners to make sure they plant pollen- and nectar-rich plants. We have 500 packets of bee-friendly edible herb seeds to give away to the first 500 people to sign up to Get Growing. Get Growing digital magazine is delivered every Friday to your email inbox, completely free! (Offer is valid until Sept 30)

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