South Taupo, Taupo

1470 days ago

We Say, You Say: Fire burns in Waikato landfill since August

Neighbourly.co.nz

The Waikato District Council has issued a health notice to residents living within three kilometres of Puke Coal’s construction and demolition landfill in Pukemiro, where a fire has been burning since August.

The dioxin warning is a precautionary measure and the number of people the notice … View more
The Waikato District Council has issued a health notice to residents living within three kilometres of Puke Coal’s construction and demolition landfill in Pukemiro, where a fire has been burning since August.

The dioxin warning is a precautionary measure and the number of people the notice affects is low, with a total of 212 households within the buffer zone. Abatement notices have been issued to the landfill owner in relation to breaches of the Resource Management Act.

What extra precautions do you think should be introduced to prevent another environmental incident like this happening again?

*Please type NFP if you do not want your comment printed in our conversations section.

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1470 days ago

Fraud Awareness Week

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.

New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.

HOW TO AVOID… View more
This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.

New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.

HOW TO AVOID A SCAM:

+ A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you to ask for your PIN, password or to move money to another account.

+ Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text – you could be giving access to your personal and financial details.

+ Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.

+ Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic – just because someone knows your basic details (name and address, or mother’s maiden name) it doesn’t mean they are genuine.

+ Don’t be rushed into making a decision or financial transaction on the spot – a genuine bank or trusted organisation would never do this.

+ Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it generally is.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam you can contact Police and report the matter via 105.

For more info on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed, visit:

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1475 days ago

First home buyer burned by sunset clause finally secures dream house in Lower Hutt

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

Remember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. … View more
Remember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. She ended up giving me a bit of a masterclass in tenacity and not giving up on your home owning dreams.
Find out how Bailey found her first home, and what it means to her after such a big let down.

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1470 days ago

Watch Stuff Circuit’s new documentary, Emma

The Team Reporter from Stuff

At two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her… View moreAt two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her became a nightmare, and it ended in tragedy.

Emma has faced more challenges and rejections than most people could cope with. And now, she wants to take on the biggest challenge of her life - finding answers to those most fundamental questions: who am I? Where did I come from?
Watch now

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1472 days ago

Happy Diwali to New Zealand!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Diwali has different meanings worldwide depending where you live but primarily it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Whether you are celebrating at home by lighting lamps & eating treats, or you are going to a nearby festival, we'd love to hear about your Diwali celebrations. Feel … View moreDiwali has different meanings worldwide depending where you live but primarily it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Whether you are celebrating at home by lighting lamps & eating treats, or you are going to a nearby festival, we'd love to hear about your Diwali celebrations. Feel free to share your photos and best wishes to your community below.

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1471 days ago

Experience NZ like never before

Stuff Travel

Save up to 25% off 5 / 7 / 9 or 13 day tours of North and South Islands, exclusive to Stuff Travel.

From renowned operator Kirra Tours, these land cruising packages will leave you in awe of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, heritage and culture, impressing even the most discerning … View more
Save up to 25% off 5 / 7 / 9 or 13 day tours of North and South Islands, exclusive to Stuff Travel.

From renowned operator Kirra Tours, these land cruising packages will leave you in awe of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, heritage and culture, impressing even the most discerning traveller, and creating plenty of memories and stories to share for years to come.

Tours include a private luxury coach, rail tickets, tour guide, some meals and more.

Buy now, book dates later with a NZ based travel concierge.
Find out more

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1471 days ago

Get deck-orating with Resene!

Resene

Get your place in shape for the holidays and summer. One of the easiest jobs to get done quickly is to clean and rejuvenate your deck and outdoor furniture. Simply wash down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash then finish with the Resene Woodsman range of wood stains. Choose from a wide range of … View moreGet your place in shape for the holidays and summer. One of the easiest jobs to get done quickly is to clean and rejuvenate your deck and outdoor furniture. Simply wash down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash then finish with the Resene Woodsman range of wood stains. Choose from a wide range of colours, from traditional wood stains to a beachy whitewashed finish. Or go for the natural look with Resene Furniture and Decking Oil.

If you’re planning on a dark colour, remember to choose a Resene CoolColour version of your colour. This will help to reflect more heat to keep your deck and furniture cooler and more comfortable to walk or sit on.

Visit your local Resene ColorShop and see the huge range of options on their woodcare stand to help you bring out the best in your home.
Find your Resene ColorShop

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1473 days ago

First Rung: Debt Free Diva saves deposit for first home in 12 months

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's … View more
One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's talking about, too. Not only did she smash more than $90k of debt in three years, but in the year since she paid it off, she's saved enough, on top of her Kiwisaver, to pay the deposit on a home of her own.
It wasn't easy, and Tracy would be the first person to tell you that! But it is doable. Check out how, and have a listen to our episode of First Rung about Settlement day, on this link below. It includes some tips from Tracy on setting up a budget to manage your finance when you have a mortgage to pay.

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1477 days ago

Reno blogging saved one couple $35k... but it didn't come cheap

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

I've always thought of reno blogging as a way to document a difficult process in a fun, relatable way. The benefit? Emotional support and maybe advice from folks following your journey - and maybe a little ego bump from showing off your mad wallpapering skills.
If you're lucky, and good,… View more
I've always thought of reno blogging as a way to document a difficult process in a fun, relatable way. The benefit? Emotional support and maybe advice from folks following your journey - and maybe a little ego bump from showing off your mad wallpapering skills.
If you're lucky, and good, you might be given a couple of cans of paint from your local hardware store, to help you on the way - but that would be the icing on the tip of the social media cake.
Few of us would have the energy or knowhow to turn their reno into a part time side hustle that's both creatively fulfilling, and engaging.
But that's exactly what Moochstyle's Shayden and Georgia Whipps have done - with some pawsome help from their gorgeous dog Frankie. They've been blogging their Christchurch villa reno since they bought their home and Shayden shared their story with us for the final episode of First Rung, our podcast. A first time homeowner and renovator, Shayden is such an inspiring guy to chat with. He makes you want to jump in and give it go. Check out his story and let us know what you think.

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1474 days ago

Let's work together to make Aotearoa New Zealand a more compassionate place.

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

To address any issue in our community we need to know what we're up against.

Here's some simple ways you can help to end family violence:

+ Learn! The first step to change is awareness

+ Share facts, resources and helplines
View more
To address any issue in our community we need to know what we're up against.

Here's some simple ways you can help to end family violence:

+ Learn! The first step to change is awareness

+ Share facts, resources and helplines

+ Know the signs. Family violence can affect anyone

+ When you see it, report it to New Zealand Police

+ Support victims: check-in regularly, listen, refer

+ Volunteer / make a donation to a relevant charity

1476 days ago

Banking

Michael from South Taupo

Well very very annoyed went to the Cooperative Bank in Taupo this morning only to be told by a security guard on the door that it will be by appointment only now for everything, including depositing money. Well thats customer service well out the door with this bank.How much lower is the banking … View moreWell very very annoyed went to the Cooperative Bank in Taupo this morning only to be told by a security guard on the door that it will be by appointment only now for everything, including depositing money. Well thats customer service well out the door with this bank.How much lower is the banking system going to sink. It seem to me there ulterior motive is less service and more profit.To hell with the customer service.My wife and i have banked with them since 1980 when they were the Psis.and we have been loyal customers ever since.And being a kiwi bank it was a easy decision. Profits stayed in N.Z. But this latest announcement as really dented our loyalty. Which to me should work both ways,seems not well we are looking to change banks but there is not much alternative out there. considering most are overseas owned. Cooperative Bank the Bank of the people Yeah right they suck.

1474 days ago

Respite care when you need it

Time spent in respite care lets you experience Ryman’s dedicated care teams and the togetherness of village communities. Whether you need rehabilitation or support for family during the holidays.

Respite care is offered in rest-home, hospital and dementia-level care. Being there is just one … View more
Time spent in respite care lets you experience Ryman’s dedicated care teams and the togetherness of village communities. Whether you need rehabilitation or support for family during the holidays.

Respite care is offered in rest-home, hospital and dementia-level care. Being there is just one of the ways we’re pioneering a new way of living for a new retirement generation.
Learn more

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1475 days ago

The one-stop-shop for boosting your business online.

Rocket Spark

Get hands-on help from friendly local business experts. Whether you're just starting out on your business journey, or you want to grow your business, there'll be a seminar or workshop for you.

Walk away with a new plan, and a new mindset for your future.

The Digital Pop-up Shop is … View more
Get hands-on help from friendly local business experts. Whether you're just starting out on your business journey, or you want to grow your business, there'll be a seminar or workshop for you.

Walk away with a new plan, and a new mindset for your future.

The Digital Pop-up Shop is conveniently located in Garden Place from Monday November 23rd - Friday 27th.

With sessions across the week, find a time and topic that suits you.
FIND OUT MORE

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1475 days ago

This week's latest Blueprint

Hamilton Harcourts

View Hamilton Harcourts' latest interactive Blueprint.

If you'd like to receive Blueprint in your inbox each week, subscribe here.
Read now

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1477 days ago

Street display puts focus on road safety

Darren Petry from Taupō District Council

Ungiven gifts are adorning Heuheu Street in Taupō this week, as a sign of remembrance for those who lost their lives on our district’s roads last year.

The display is part of the annual Road Safety Week and features 22 plinths, representing people aged between eight and 59, with each plinth … View more
Ungiven gifts are adorning Heuheu Street in Taupō this week, as a sign of remembrance for those who lost their lives on our district’s roads last year.

The display is part of the annual Road Safety Week and features 22 plinths, representing people aged between eight and 59, with each plinth featuring an ungiven gift atop it.

Taupō District Council road safety coordinator Sarah Wraight said the display symbolises the gifts family and friends would not be able to give to their loved ones.

“We wanted to create something visual that really spoke to people about the crashes on our local roads and create conversations within the Taupō District community,” she said. “This display shows both the number of lives lost and gives a personal reminder of their age, gender and a gift they can never be given.”

Road Safety Week was a national initiative and a time to reflect on our own behaviour on the road and how we could make our roads safer, she said. This year the theme for the week was “Step Up for Safe Streets”.

Ms Wraight said to save lives on the road everyone needed to take responsibility.

“The victims of road crashes represented in Ungiven Gifts were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, colleagues and friends,” she said. “It’s important to see how our driving behaviour can impact on the lives of so many.”

Alcohol and drugs were the main contributing factors in the crashes that claimed the 22 lives. All drivers needed to be responsible for themselves and their passengers which meant driving safe, sober and not under the influence of drugs, she said.

“We all need to pitch in and be part of the solution.”

The display was created with support from local businesses and people who gave up their own time to support the initiative.

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