Makomako, Te Mata

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2300 days ago

Poll: Should public holidays be scrapped in NZ?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

After debate around whether Matariki should become a public holiday, ACT leader David Seymour said he was "open" to public holidays being scrapped in New Zealand - well, all but Anzac and Waitangi.

He says people should be able to make their own holiday arrangements, rather than the … View more
After debate around whether Matariki should become a public holiday, ACT leader David Seymour said he was "open" to public holidays being scrapped in New Zealand - well, all but Anzac and Waitangi.

He says people should be able to make their own holiday arrangements, rather than the Government telling us when to take the day off.

We want to know your thoughts. Should people be able to make their own holiday arrangements? Or should we leave our holidays as is?

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Should public holidays be scrapped in NZ?
  • 4% Yes, let's scrap them
    4% Complete
  • 90.8% No, leave them as is
    90.8% Complete
  • 5.2% Let's just keep Anzac and Waitangi Day
    5.2% Complete
2405 votes
2300 days ago

Waikato DHB to reduce services during nursing strike

Andre Chivell from Waikato District Health Board

The nursing strike planned for Thursday 5 July has been cancelled and will not go ahead on that date. However Waikato DHB has received notice of a second strike on Thursday 12 July. The NZNO union and the DHBs have agreed a revised offer that will be taken to NZNO members this week and we expect to… View moreThe nursing strike planned for Thursday 5 July has been cancelled and will not go ahead on that date. However Waikato DHB has received notice of a second strike on Thursday 12 July. The NZNO union and the DHBs have agreed a revised offer that will be taken to NZNO members this week and we expect to know the outcome of that ballot on Tuesday 10 July.

We are continuing our contingency planning for the proposed strike on 12 July which will impact on a number of services provided by our hospitals.

Please refer to our web page here www.waikatodhb.health.nz... for the most updated information.....

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2301 days ago

Step-by-step grafting

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Read sustainable living expert Sheryn Clothier's how-to on grafting fruit trees.

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2301 days ago

Say thanks to our volunteers

Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Our dedicated Fire and Emergency volunteers help keep our communities safe.

So this National Volunteer Week, why not say a big thank you? Here’s how: head to our #LetsHearIt page on Neighbourly and let them know why you’re thankful for what they do.

Our Fire and Emergency New Zealand … View more
Our dedicated Fire and Emergency volunteers help keep our communities safe.

So this National Volunteer Week, why not say a big thank you? Here’s how: head to our #LetsHearIt page on Neighbourly and let them know why you’re thankful for what they do.

Our Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers are always standing by to help out when they’re needed. Thank you for letting them know how grateful you are for everything they do to keep us all safe.
Share your message now

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2302 days ago

Support workers needed in Te Kauwhata

Vision West

Be part of an award-winning organisation making a real difference in the community. Support workers are needed to assist clients in their own homes with housework, shopping, meal preparation and showering.

Full training is provided. Guaranteed hours available Saturday & Sunday. Full drivers … View more
Be part of an award-winning organisation making a real difference in the community. Support workers are needed to assist clients in their own homes with housework, shopping, meal preparation and showering.

Full training is provided. Guaranteed hours available Saturday & Sunday. Full drivers licence and reliable vehicle, good communication skills with clear spoken English and New Zealand residency or valid work permit essential. Starting rate from $19.80 per hour.

APPLY TODAY

Email midlands.recruitment@visionwest.org.nz or phone the recruitment line on 07 571 0087
Find out more!

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2303 days ago

Find your potential with a BA

Massey University

Future proof yourself. Learn to always be thinking one step ahead so that you can thrive with change. Enrol in a Bachelor of Arts at Massey today and build the skills that employers are demanding. Find out more

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2303 days ago

Become a volunteer and create change in your community

Sarah Macdonald from Volunteering New Zealand

It's National Volunteer Week!

Volunteers create positive change on many fronts – human rights, faith communities, health, education, sports and recreation, social services, arts and culture, emergency services, the environment and conservation, animal welfare, and community support … View more
It's National Volunteer Week!

Volunteers create positive change on many fronts – human rights, faith communities, health, education, sports and recreation, social services, arts and culture, emergency services, the environment and conservation, animal welfare, and community support development – the list is endless.

If you're interested in volunteering please check out the link below to find out about the different ways you can volunteer:

nationalvolunteerweek.nz...

National Volunteer Week (17 - 23 June). The NVW 2018 theme: Volunteers, The Heart of our Community – By many, the work will be completed, Mā tini, mā mano, ka rapa te whai.


#NVW2018

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2304 days ago

How to turn your home into an investment property

Lodge Real Estate - City

Not everyone chooses to sell their current home when they decide to move on. Sometimes, it’s not even an option. If you’re looking to hang on to your personal home and turn it into a rental, there are a few things to consider first.

1. Wear and tear
This is perhaps the biggest thing … View more
Not everyone chooses to sell their current home when they decide to move on. Sometimes, it’s not even an option. If you’re looking to hang on to your personal home and turn it into a rental, there are a few things to consider first.

1. Wear and tear
This is perhaps the biggest thing homeowners need to know. As a rental, your personal home will experience more wear and tear than it otherwise would if you lived in it. Your garden will probably not look as immaculate as it once did, and your walls and floors may acquire new scuff marks. So, if you can’t shake off your emotional attachment to the property, you may be better off selling it rather than renting it.

2. Location
The location of your home can have a major impact on its rentability and how easy it is to find quality tenants. If you’re close to local amenities like schools, Waikato University, Waikato Hospital or public transport routes, you have a better chance of keeping your property tenanted.

3. Maintenance
If your home is high maintenance - perhaps it has a pool, a large garden, or old appliances - know that you’ll need to keep it maintained to a reasonable condition to meet your obligations as a landlord/owner. This may involve extra ongoing costs, or costs to remedy the amount of maintenance required.

4. Family homes do best
In Hamilton, family-sized homes do particularly well on the rental market. Four-bedroom houses in Hamilton fetch, on average, between $450 and $520 per week. As for the strongest performing suburbs, Hamilton East/University, Te Kowhai/St Andrews/Queenwood, Dinsdale South/Frankton, Dinsdale North/Nawton and Flagstaff/Rototuna have recently experienced the strongest rental growth for family-sized properties with three to five (or more) bedrooms.

5. Landlord responsibilities
When you turn your personal home into a rental, you will take on the mantle of landlord, which comes with its own set of responsibilities. This includes finding and screening tenants, conducting or arranging inspections, repairs and maintenance. It’s a lot to manage—especially if you’re no longer living in the region. It’s why so many investors hire professional property managers to take care of the day-to-day running of their properties. Moreover, their fees are tax deductible.

Important note: If you’re leaving the country for more than 21 days, you’ll need to either appoint someone as your landlord in your stead or hire a property manager.

6. Tax implications
If you turn your home into a residential investment, be aware that you may not be able to make tax claims against it. It always pays to talk to a professional accountant to make sure you set up your home-turned-rental properly to avoid issues with tax, ownership and debt allocation.
Get your FREE guide to learn more

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2305 days ago

A chance to say thank you

Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Let’s hear it for the amazing Fire and Emergency volunteers who help keep our communities safe.

This National Volunteer Week, head to the LetsHearIt landing page on Neighbourly and share a few words about why you’re thankful for what our volunteers do to keep our communities safe. We’ll … View more
Let’s hear it for the amazing Fire and Emergency volunteers who help keep our communities safe.

This National Volunteer Week, head to the LetsHearIt landing page on Neighbourly and share a few words about why you’re thankful for what our volunteers do to keep our communities safe. We’ll make sure they hear your message loud and clear.

Knowing how much we value their sacrifices is part of what keeps Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers going. Thank you for letting them know how grateful you are for everything they do.
Share your message now

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2305 days ago

How eco-friendly is your home and lifestyle?

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

As more and more of us try to do our bit for the environment, we'd love to hear what habits you've changed.

Have you gone off-grid? Found a way to create an environmentally home? Maybe you've given something up or swapped it for a greener alternative...? … View more
As more and more of us try to do our bit for the environment, we'd love to hear what habits you've changed.

Have you gone off-grid? Found a way to create an environmentally home? Maybe you've given something up or swapped it for a greener alternative...? Click here to share your eco tips, tricks and experiences and we'll publish a selection of the best.

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2306 days ago

Poll: Should international visitors be charged a levy?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Tourists arriving in New Zealand may soon have to pay to enter the country under a Government proposed international visitor levy.

The proposal would impact international visitors entering New Zealand for 12 months or less and would be at a rate between $25 to $35.

Do you think international… View more
Tourists arriving in New Zealand may soon have to pay to enter the country under a Government proposed international visitor levy.

The proposal would impact international visitors entering New Zealand for 12 months or less and would be at a rate between $25 to $35.

Do you think international visitors should be charged a levy to enter New Zealand?

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Should international visitors be charged a levy?
  • 77.3% Yes
    77.3% Complete
  • 22.7% No
    22.7% Complete
2415 votes
2306 days ago

Are you doing great work in the community?

The Warehouse New Zealand

Does your community group help families and young people in your local area and need of more funds to support the great work you do? Your local The Warehouse store is now calling for applications to become a partner for our Customer Choice ‘Bags for good’ Programme. In the last financial year … View moreDoes your community group help families and young people in your local area and need of more funds to support the great work you do? Your local The Warehouse store is now calling for applications to become a partner for our Customer Choice ‘Bags for good’ Programme. In the last financial year over $529,000 was raised for 279 community partners across NZ. Curious? For more information or begin the application click here.

Applications close on the 23rd of June.
Apply now

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2307 days ago

Get INSPIRED by wallpaper

Resene

Resene has just released the latest Habitat plus, full of inspiring ideas to help you bring out the best in your home with wallpaper. Pick up your FREE copy at your local Resene ColorShop. Make sure you view the extensive wallpaper library while you're in store; there's something to suit … View moreResene has just released the latest Habitat plus, full of inspiring ideas to help you bring out the best in your home with wallpaper. Pick up your FREE copy at your local Resene ColorShop. Make sure you view the extensive wallpaper library while you're in store; there's something to suit all tastes from neutral to bold, pattern to texture, fun to traditional, striped to botanical. Find your local ColorShop

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2307 days ago

Poll: Are you able to afford your own home?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Housing affordability is getting worse for Kiwis - especially in Auckland.

About four in five people renting are unable to comfortably afford mortgage payments, recent Government statistics show. Many Kiwis are fleeing expensive cities like Auckland in search of affordable housing in the … View more
Housing affordability is getting worse for Kiwis - especially in Auckland.

About four in five people renting are unable to comfortably afford mortgage payments, recent Government statistics show. Many Kiwis are fleeing expensive cities like Auckland in search of affordable housing in the regions - and they're not looking back.

So, in your current situation are you able to afford your own home?

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Are you able to afford your own home?
  • 41% Yes, I can
    41% Complete
  • 15.9% Only with the help of Kiwisaver/ partner
    15.9% Complete
  • 6.9% In another 5-10 years I could
    6.9% Complete
  • 36.3% No, renting is my only option
    36.3% Complete
1997 votes
2308 days ago

Let’s talk about mental health and addiction services in your community

Andre Chivell from Waikato District Health Board

Kia ora neighbours, please come along to our hui to help guide the new direction of mental health and addiction services in the Waikato region. We warmly invite you to share with us your experiences, views and ideas on helping those and their whānau who experience mental health and addiction … View moreKia ora neighbours, please come along to our hui to help guide the new direction of mental health and addiction services in the Waikato region. We warmly invite you to share with us your experiences, views and ideas on helping those and their whānau who experience mental health and addiction issues to get the right support when they want and need it.

Hui will be held in Huntly at the following venues
Thursday 14 June - General public engagement
Riverside Room, Waikato District Council, 148 Main St, Huntly
Whakatau - 10am

Tuesday 19 June - Iwi Māori Hui
Miria te Kakara, Waahi Marae,
177 Harris St, Huntly
Whakatau - 10am

We want to hear from the Huntly and surrounding communities, including those who have experienced mental health and/or addiction issues and those who provide support such as whānau, friends and interested others.

We look forward to meeting you. He whakarongo tātou – we’re here to listen

RSVP to Waahi Whaanui 07 828 9695 / 0800 843 878 Email:trust@whanui.org.nz
Find out more!

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