45 days

Julie Neighbourly Lead from Havelock North

I realised, driving to Taradale yesterday (Sunday), in 45 days it will be 1 year since Cyclone Gabrielle wrought such devastation on the Bay and beyond.

There is still so much to be done, but looking around, I can see so much that has been accomplished in bringing Hawke’s Bay back to the fruit bowl it was before.

There is so much new growth, so much new life, and so many new opportunities, that, while it isn’t all hearts and flowers, it’s a new beginning.

Here’s to new beginnings and old dreams finding new chances. Here’s to you, to me, to 2023, and to the future. May it be bright, beautiful and blessed. And may we never achieve everything we seek. May we always dream.

Happy New Year. However you choose to celebrate it and the old. I highly recommend the Fiesta of Lights as a great way.

And goodnight.

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.