South Waikato District, Tokoroa

126 days ago

Have you noticed some changes around the CBD?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

If you’ve headed down Hood St recently, you’ve probably wondered what’s with the big white towers around the light poles.

It’s part of a project to spruce up the central city, which the council says “needs some love”.

Have you noticed some changes around the CBD? Tell us more in … View more
If you’ve headed down Hood St recently, you’ve probably wondered what’s with the big white towers around the light poles.

It’s part of a project to spruce up the central city, which the council says “needs some love”.

Have you noticed some changes around the CBD? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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126 days ago

Poll: Do you think it's time for a new system?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

The Government will move to replace the National Certificate of Educational Achievement, NCEA, with new qualifications, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced in Auckland on Monday morning.

The new system - which will go out for feedback - would replace NCEA’s complex system of credits … View more
The Government will move to replace the National Certificate of Educational Achievement, NCEA, with new qualifications, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced in Auckland on Monday morning.

The new system - which will go out for feedback - would replace NCEA’s complex system of credits with scores from 0-100 and a reversion to grade scales such as A through E.

Do you think it's time for a new system? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think it's time for a new system?
  • 90.5% Yes
    90.5% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
  • 9.5% I never understood NCEA anyway
    9.5% Complete
21 votes
133 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Dog adoption numbers rise

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Have you seen James Gunn's 'Superman' yet?

The new movie stars Krypto, Superman's capable and floofy sidekick. Following the movie release, online searches for dog adoption surged globally! Krypto is based on Gunn's own rescue dog, Ozu. The Neighbourly team is sure that … View more
Have you seen James Gunn's 'Superman' yet?

The new movie stars Krypto, Superman's capable and floofy sidekick. Following the movie release, online searches for dog adoption surged globally! Krypto is based on Gunn's own rescue dog, Ozu. The Neighbourly team is sure that Gunn is pleased that his own rescue pup may lead to more fluffy adoptions!

Looking to match with your own super pet? The SPCA is spotlighting animals waiting for their new and committed families.

We hope this news brings a smile!

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134 days ago

Poll: What do you do with your stuff when you get the urge to declutter?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Life gets busy—really busy. Between work, family, appointments, and a never-ending to-do list, it’s easy for things to pile up. Add fast fashion, online sales, and homewares aisles that whisper “just one more basket won’t hurt”, and suddenly we’re swimming in stuff and tat.

View more
Life gets busy—really busy. Between work, family, appointments, and a never-ending to-do list, it’s easy for things to pile up. Add fast fashion, online sales, and homewares aisles that whisper “just one more basket won’t hurt”, and suddenly we’re swimming in stuff and tat.

Sometimes, that stuff is cozy and familiar. But other times, after a long day, you walk through the door, look around, and think: “Okay. Something’s got to go.”

And when that urge to declutter hits, the question is—where does it all go? We're not talking about broken bits and pieces, but those perfectly good things that simply no longer fit your life or your space.

In her piece When decluttering can’t be avoided much longer, Joanna Davis shares the everyday items she's finally ready to part with—and it might just inspire your own clear-out mission.

We want to know:
🧹 How often do you get the urge to declutter?
🎯 Are there certain things you’ve got your eye on to donate or rehome?
💛 Do you have any favourite charities, op-shops, or community organisations you support with your preloved items?

Let’s swap stories, share ideas, and help great stuff find a second life—outside our closets and shelves.

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What do you do with your stuff when you get the urge to declutter?
  • 74.1% Op-shops!
    74.1% Complete
  • 10.3% I pop items on the local online Market.
    10.3% Complete
  • 4.9% Friends and family - I buy with care, and so I give with care.
    4.9% Complete
  • 4.4% The tip - if I don't want it, others won't either.
    4.4% Complete
  • 2.3% I love an old fashioned Garage Sale or a local car-boot market.
    2.3% Complete
  • 2.3% I repurpose - I craft, rework, and give things new life.
    2.3% Complete
  • 1.6% Other - share your secrets below.
    1.6% Complete
1600 votes
127 days ago

Keep yourself protected against Covid

Ministry of Health

It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.

The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you … View more
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.

The good news is, the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free, and recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.

To book your vaccination, or talk to your healthcare provider.
Find out more

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153 days ago

Poll: Do you think rates should be capped?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Waikato mayors have hit back at suggestions of “rates capping” to control council spending, saying capping councils’ main source of income could be a recipe for disaster.

Hamilton City mayor Paula Southgate and Ōtorohanga District mayor Max Baxter will end their careers in local … View more
Waikato mayors have hit back at suggestions of “rates capping” to control council spending, saying capping councils’ main source of income could be a recipe for disaster.

Hamilton City mayor Paula Southgate and Ōtorohanga District mayor Max Baxter will end their careers in local government this year, and while Southgate said capping would lead to lower levels of service for ratepayers, Baxter said it was simply a distraction, and a “blunt tool” being used to put even more pressure on councils.

Do you think rates should be capped? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think rates should be capped?
  • 95.1% Yes
    95.1% Complete
  • 4.9% No
    4.9% Complete
61 votes
129 days ago

Savour the moments that matter with Ryman

The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

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.

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131 days ago

What do you think about a play space in this city park?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

A new play space is being planned for central Hamilton, in the same park where Founders Theatre once stood.

Hamilton City Council is asking residents what they want in the proposed Boyes Park play space. So far responses have been mixed, with some sharing ideas and others saying the city can’t… View more
A new play space is being planned for central Hamilton, in the same park where Founders Theatre once stood.

Hamilton City Council is asking residents what they want in the proposed Boyes Park play space. So far responses have been mixed, with some sharing ideas and others saying the city can’t afford it.

What do you think about a play space in this city park? Tell us your ideas and reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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131 days ago

Live stronger for longer

ACC New Zealand

Stay active and keep doing the things you love.
Join a strength and balance class near you. With classes to suit every pace and ability, and trained instructors to guide you through, it’s a great way to keep healthy and make new friends. So you can live stronger for longer, and keep living the … View more
Stay active and keep doing the things you love.
Join a strength and balance class near you. With classes to suit every pace and ability, and trained instructors to guide you through, it’s a great way to keep healthy and make new friends. So you can live stronger for longer, and keep living the life you want. Find a class near you today.
Find out more

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131 days ago

Poll: Have you been to Hamilton Gardens lately?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Tens of thousands more people visited Hamilton Gardens than city bosses expected in the last financial year, despite a new gate charge.

And it seems publicity around the charge might have even brought more people in, with fears of punters being driven away being finally composted.

Have you … View more
Tens of thousands more people visited Hamilton Gardens than city bosses expected in the last financial year, despite a new gate charge.

And it seems publicity around the charge might have even brought more people in, with fears of punters being driven away being finally composted.

Have you been to Hamilton Gardens lately? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Have you been to Hamilton Gardens lately?
  • 20% Yes
    20% Complete
  • 80% No
    80% Complete
50 votes
131 days ago

National Advisory: Tsunami activity – expect strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

New Zealand may experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following a magnitude 8.7 earthquake off the East Coast of Russia at 2025-07-30 11:25 AM.

Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, … View more
New Zealand may experience strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore following a magnitude 8.7 earthquake off the East Coast of Russia at 2025-07-30 11:25 AM.

Strong currents and surges can injure and drown people. There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore.

People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.

AREAS UNDER THREAT:
ALL COASTAL AREAS OF THE NORTH ISLAND, GREAT BARRIER ISLAND, THE SOUTH ISLAND, STEWART ISLAND, and the CHATHAM ISLANDS (updated: 3.02pm, 30/07/2025)

ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN AREAS UNDER THREAT:
STAY OFF THE BEACHES AND SHORE AREAS

People on boats, live-aboards and at marinas should leave their boats/vessels and move onto shore. Do not return to boats unless instructed by officials.

There is no need to evacuate other areas unless directly advised by local civil defence authorities. Coastal inundation (flooding of land areas near the shore) is not expected as a result of this event. We are advising people to:
- Move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.
- Do not go to the coast to watch the unusual wave activity as there may be dangerous and unpredictable surges.
- Listen to local civil defence authorities and follow any instructions.
- Share this information with family, neighbours and friends.
- Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges will continue for several hours and the threat must be regarded as real until the Civil Defence states otherwise.

The situation may change as new information becomes available. Listen to the radio or TV for updates, or check www.civildefence.govt.nz...

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132 days ago

Poll: Have you used medicinal cannabis - or would you?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

A dedicated van delivering medicinal cannabis directly to Waikato homes has been launched by a supplier in response to rising demand for legal cannabis products.

"We're getting so many people from the region," said Dr Waseem Alzaher, co-founder and CEO of Cannabis Clinic. "We… View more
A dedicated van delivering medicinal cannabis directly to Waikato homes has been launched by a supplier in response to rising demand for legal cannabis products.

"We're getting so many people from the region," said Dr Waseem Alzaher, co-founder and CEO of Cannabis Clinic. "We don’t want people running out of their medicines."

Have you used medicinal cannabis - or would you? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Have you used medicinal cannabis - or would you?
  • 0% Yes, I have
    0% Complete
  • 0% Yes, I would
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
0 votes
132 days ago

Poll: Have you ever seen a white tūī?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

When John Parker spotted the rare white tūī, it was like a ghost emerging from the bush.

“I stood there for a number of hours, and then out of the blue, like a ghost coming out of the bush, it flew in and landed.”

Have you ever seen a white tūī? Tell us more in the comments (adding … View more
When John Parker spotted the rare white tūī, it was like a ghost emerging from the bush.

“I stood there for a number of hours, and then out of the blue, like a ghost coming out of the bush, it flew in and landed.”

Have you ever seen a white tūī? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Have you ever seen a white tūī?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 100% No
    100% Complete
33 votes
133 days ago

Volunteers

David Irwin from Matamata Centennial Drive.

If you have ever wondered why Centennial Drive is rated the best park In MPDC and always looks tidy it is because the Centennial Drive Development Societies volunteers on every 3rd Tuesday of the month, between 9am and 10.30am, weed, prune, plant, spray, clean and tidy and maintain the two … View moreIf you have ever wondered why Centennial Drive is rated the best park In MPDC and always looks tidy it is because the Centennial Drive Development Societies volunteers on every 3rd Tuesday of the month, between 9am and 10.30am, weed, prune, plant, spray, clean and tidy and maintain the two fountains. We make our piles for KVS to take away. At 10.30am we are rewarded with morning tea with homemade savories and cakes and a catch-up natter. If you would like to join us and help keep our park looking good, please contact David mobile 021 1221384

141 days ago

On July 22 1987, New Zealand's first Lotto went on sale 🎉🎉

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Imagine checking your ticket and realising that you have won big ...

Tell us your dreams - what is the very first thing you would do with the winnings?

Would you make that silly purchase you have always wanted, but could never justify?
Call the bank and immediately pay off your mortgage? … View more
Imagine checking your ticket and realising that you have won big ...

Tell us your dreams - what is the very first thing you would do with the winnings?

Would you make that silly purchase you have always wanted, but could never justify?
Call the bank and immediately pay off your mortgage?
Stop by the SPCA on the way home and make a donation?
Buy a captain's hat, open up Trade Me and browse "boats for sale"?

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