Merry Christmas

Julie Neighbourly Lead from Havelock North

To each and every one of you wonderful neighbours,
Merry Christmas, Chag Hanukkah Sameach, Nollaig Chridheil, Nollaig Shona, Joyeux Noël, Frohe Weihnachten, Felix Navidad, Vrolijk Kerstfeest, メリークリスマス, 圣诞节快乐, З Різдвом Христовим, Счастливого Рождества, 3īd mīlād majīd, Khag Molad Sameakh, seasons greetings and peace to us all, throughout the years.
And humblest apologies to all I may have missed. So many languages, such big fingertips, and such small keypad.

We only have a tiny little live tree (it’s taken about 4 years to reach approximately 50cm) but it’s the meaning, for us, that makes it special. It’s a little tree that symbolises surviving against the odds and even thriving, in its own quiet, understated way, just like us. And my son put a lot of effort into decorating it, just right, and it’s beautiful.

So, if you feel your year has been nothing but struggle and stress, as many do, remember, you survived it, and that matters. From all, you will learn and grow, and, realise it or not, thrive, in your own way.

Peace, love, and a tipple. I shall raise a glass to you all.

More messages from your neighbours

Local Highlight

1 day ago

Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑

Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.

We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

Want to read more? The Press has you covered!

🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

54.3% Human-centred experience and communication

54.3% Complete
13.8% Critical thinking

13.8% Complete
29.3% Resilience and adaptability

29.3% Complete
2.6% Other - I will share below!

2.6% Complete

341 votes

16 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.