South Waikato District, Tokoroa

105 days ago

What skill have you learned as an adult?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Day three of swimming school hit differently. The excitement and adrenaline I’d ridden through my first two classes were fading, replaced with the sobering reality: learning to swim as an adult is hard.

Three classes in, and while my instructor Ella keeps telling me, “You are doing so … View more
Day three of swimming school hit differently. The excitement and adrenaline I’d ridden through my first two classes were fading, replaced with the sobering reality: learning to swim as an adult is hard.

Three classes in, and while my instructor Ella keeps telling me, “You are doing so well,” the fact I still can’t swim, or that my limbs refuse to follow instructions, was starting to erode my confidence.

What skill have you learned as an adult? Tell us in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

Image
119 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: 90% of new renewable energy is now cheaper than fossil fuels

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

We’ve hit a tipping point, where choosing clean energy is the smart choice, and not just because we want to reduce our carbon emissions 🌍⚡💸

Thanks to major tech improvements and mass production over the past decade, the cost of wind, solar, and other renewables has dropped fast. As a … View more
We’ve hit a tipping point, where choosing clean energy is the smart choice, and not just because we want to reduce our carbon emissions 🌍⚡💸

Thanks to major tech improvements and mass production over the past decade, the cost of wind, solar, and other renewables has dropped fast. As a result, most new power capacity built around the world came from renewables, and every continent added more clean energy than fossil fuels.

Money — the ultimate decision-maker in politics and business — is finally lining up with climate action. A big win for the planet (and maybe our wallets?)

We hope this news brings a smile!

Image
105 days ago

'A Museum of Humanity'

The Team from Momentum Waikato

'A Museum of Humanity' is the new film celebrating the Hamilton Gardens.

Produced by the Hamilton Gardens Development Trust with sponsorship from The Donny Fund that we manage, it is the movie version of 'The Time Travellers Guide to the Hamilton Gardens' book.

You can … View more
'A Museum of Humanity' is the new film celebrating the Hamilton Gardens.

Produced by the Hamilton Gardens Development Trust with sponsorship from The Donny Fund that we manage, it is the movie version of 'The Time Travellers Guide to the Hamilton Gardens' book.

You can check out its trailer at the bottom of the Donny Fund page on the Momentum Waikato website at the link below.

Image
105 days ago

Where do you buy your veges?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

From Turangi to Te Awamutu, a bright red truck brimming with farm-fresh vegetables has been turning heads — and filling shopping bags.

Behind the project are Emma and Kim Young, a husband-and-wife team whose love for growing vegetables has transformed a decades-old family farm into a mobile … View more
From Turangi to Te Awamutu, a bright red truck brimming with farm-fresh vegetables has been turning heads — and filling shopping bags.

Behind the project are Emma and Kim Young, a husband-and-wife team whose love for growing vegetables has transformed a decades-old family farm into a mobile veggie sensation.

Where do you buy your veges? Tell us in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

Image
106 days ago

Poll: Do you like the idea of houses here?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

A proposed 66-lot subdivision at a quiet South Waikato lakeside has stirred up debate on whether the land should remain a rural retreat or be used to grow the community.

The patch of land in question is beside Lake Whakamaru, between State Highway 30 and Lake Whakamaru Reserve, a popular spot … View more
A proposed 66-lot subdivision at a quiet South Waikato lakeside has stirred up debate on whether the land should remain a rural retreat or be used to grow the community.

The patch of land in question is beside Lake Whakamaru, between State Highway 30 and Lake Whakamaru Reserve, a popular spot for camping, boating and the Waikato River Trail.

Do you like the idea of houses here? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

Image
Do you like the idea of houses here?
  • 38.5% Yes
    38.5% Complete
  • 61.5% No
    61.5% Complete
13 votes
113 days ago

When things get overwhelming, what do you do to reset?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It’s been a little full-on at the office lately, and the Neighbourly team found ourselves chatting about something we all experience: stress.

We got talking about the power of nature — green spaces like parks, bush walks, or even just sitting under a tree, and blue spaces like the ocean, … View more
It’s been a little full-on at the office lately, and the Neighbourly team found ourselves chatting about something we all experience: stress.

We got talking about the power of nature — green spaces like parks, bush walks, or even just sitting under a tree, and blue spaces like the ocean, lakes, or rivers. Research agrees: being in nature really does help calm the mind. We’re lucky here in Aotearoa to have such beautiful spots right on our doorstep!

But sometimes, getting out for a walk or escaping to the beach isn’t an option. So we’re curious...

We want to know: What do you do to find a moment of calm when life gets a bit too much?
A hot cuppa? A good playlist? Staring out the window?

Let us know ... your go-to might help someone else breathe a little easier, too.

Image
106 days ago

Working Bee

David Irwin from Matamata Centennial Drive.

Hi there, on this Tuesday 26th August 2025 the Centennial Drive volunteers will be doing their working bee, starting at 9am and finishing at 10.30am with homemade morning tea. If you would like to join our dedicated volunteers on Tuesday or in the future, please give either Dave, 021 916 158 or … View moreHi there, on this Tuesday 26th August 2025 the Centennial Drive volunteers will be doing their working bee, starting at 9am and finishing at 10.30am with homemade morning tea. If you would like to join our dedicated volunteers on Tuesday or in the future, please give either Dave, 021 916 158 or Gaylene, 027 387 4036 a call.

Image
H
113 days ago

Pie Melon Seeds

Heather from Matamata

My parents grew these many years ago and I am trying to obtain some seeds for myself. Can any one help with some?? The fruit is like a round watermelon in size with similar styrated colouring, the inside is a pale greyish green in colour from memory. Would very much appreciate some seeds.

110 days ago

Poll: Did you know about this Melville project?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

New giant “poo tanks”, each longer than three city buses and designed to hold two million litres of wastewater, are sitting empty at the Pukete waste water treatment plant after a major Hamilton City Council project blew its budget and timeline.

The city’s first underground bulk wastewater… View more
New giant “poo tanks”, each longer than three city buses and designed to hold two million litres of wastewater, are sitting empty at the Pukete waste water treatment plant after a major Hamilton City Council project blew its budget and timeline.

The city’s first underground bulk wastewater storage system set to go in Melville’s Collins Road opposite Deanwell Park has cost an extra $2.9 million, with the project completion delayed over a year after contractors discovered higher groundwater during excavations than anticipated.

Did you know about this Melville project? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

Image
Did you know about this Melville project?
  • 8.3% Yes
    8.3% Complete
  • 91.7% No
    91.7% Complete
24 votes
109 days ago

Hundreds of local NZEI members met on Tuesday

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Primary school teachers across the Waikato have indicated they are keen to follow their secondary school counterparts and go on strike.

About 600 teachers and learning support staff belonging to union NZEI packed the Te Rapa racecourse’s centennial lounge on Tuesday.

Image
110 days ago

For Sale. Kayak Carriers.

Susan from Springfield - Tihiotonga

Rhino Rack Nautic 570. Set of 4 pads. Includes 2 x tie down straps and
2 x rapid straps. New condition
$150.00.

110 days ago

Poll: Are you a hot chocolate fan?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Monika Suchecka’s love affair with chocolate began with crime. As a little girl in Poland, she was a repeat offender — caught stealing chocolates from markets and shops, even marched to the police station more than once.

Today, that same craving fuels something very different: … View more
Monika Suchecka’s love affair with chocolate began with crime. As a little girl in Poland, she was a repeat offender — caught stealing chocolates from markets and shops, even marched to the police station more than once.

Today, that same craving fuels something very different: La La Land, Raglan’s whimsical chocolate café where thick, velvety hot chocolates and handmade cakes have become a local institution.

Are you a hot chocolate fan?

Image
Are you a hot chocolate fan?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 0% Sometimes
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
0 votes
110 days ago

Receive 10,000 New World Dollars on Ryman!*

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Some of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*

We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more … View more
Some of the best moments are shared over food. That’s why we’re giving you 10,000 New World Dollars when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2025.*

We’ll cover the grocery bills, so you can spend less time worrying about what’s in the trolley and more time enjoying who’s around the table.

And because life at Ryman means less home maintenance, you’ll have even more time for the things you love.

*Participating villages only, promotion terms and Clubcard terms and conditions apply.
Find out more

Image
110 days ago

Poll: What do you reckon? Fast food in Tīrau, or not?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Citizens of Tīrau have a nervous wait to see if jobs, growth and roadside refreshments will trump the town’s village vibe and corrugated-iron character.

Hearings into a controversial plan to bring two fast-food giants to the main street of the small Waikato town have been adjourned with a … View more
Citizens of Tīrau have a nervous wait to see if jobs, growth and roadside refreshments will trump the town’s village vibe and corrugated-iron character.

Hearings into a controversial plan to bring two fast-food giants to the main street of the small Waikato town have been adjourned with a decision on whether the town will have to bend the knee to Burger King expected before the end of the year.

What do you reckon? Fast food in Tīrau, or not?

Image
What do you reckon? Fast food in Tīrau, or not?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
0 votes
112 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Our celebrity albatross is due for its first flight soon!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

The only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world can be found at Dunedin's Taiaroa Head. The Albatross are largest (and arguably the prettiest) seabird and is a taonga species to Māori.

Keen to see a fluffy royal albatross live? Head to the Royal Cam - a 24-hour live stream … View more
The only mainland Royal Albatross breeding colony in the world can be found at Dunedin's Taiaroa Head. The Albatross are largest (and arguably the prettiest) seabird and is a taonga species to Māori.

Keen to see a fluffy royal albatross live? Head to the Royal Cam - a 24-hour live stream of an albatross nest.

Why the live feed? Well, the royal albatross are slow-breeding birds, and lay only one egg every two years.
Currently the chick in the feed is in its post-guard period, and is left alone. The parents are only returning with food every few days. This little chick will be hitting a milestone really soon - it will finally take their first flight in September! Keep an eye on our little celebrity here.

We hope this link brings a smile!

Image
Top