South Waikato District, Tokoroa

133 days ago

Poll: Have you ever started a petition?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

A barber says she’s “shocked” her 500-signature petition calling for a return to two hours of free parking in the CBD won’t lead to a formal city council report, even though general information on it will be passed on.

Barber on Barton owner Gini Berggren’s petition was handed over to … View more
A barber says she’s “shocked” her 500-signature petition calling for a return to two hours of free parking in the CBD won’t lead to a formal city council report, even though general information on it will be passed on.

Barber on Barton owner Gini Berggren’s petition was handed over to the council in late May by councillor Tim Macindoe, who’s campaigning for going back to two hours free.

Have you ever started a petition? 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 ever started a petition?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
0 votes
138 days ago

Poll: Are the guidelines around when a child is too sick for school clear?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A few weeks ago, the Neighbourly team shared a round of complaints over our morning cuppa about the challenges of juggling runny noses and work commitments.

After reading Flip Grater's opinion piece, Playing germ roulette with our kids’ health, we felt a collective sense of relief - … View more
A few weeks ago, the Neighbourly team shared a round of complaints over our morning cuppa about the challenges of juggling runny noses and work commitments.

After reading Flip Grater's opinion piece, Playing germ roulette with our kids’ health, we felt a collective sense of relief - another parent shares our niggling worries.

We wanted to check in with our online neighbours: do you feel the same way? We are all busy, and keeping children home from school is sometimes impossible given other responsibilities. Busy lives and the apparent loss of collective energy around monitoring cold symptoms have led to more students and staff in shared spaces with sniffles and coughs.
But what do you think? Is this a concern?

We want to know: Are there clear Guidelines on when to keep kids off of school?
Should we be having a nuanced conversation about risk management, and how to better support working families?
Share your opinion with us below!

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Are the guidelines around when a child is too sick for school clear?
  • 55.8% Yes - The messaging about when to keep kids home is consistent.
    55.8% Complete
  • 35.4% No - I want guidance. An illness response flowchart for my fridge would be handy
    35.4% Complete
  • 8.8% It is more complicated - share your thoughts below.
    8.8% Complete
387 votes
133 days ago

Te Rapa Rd crash

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

A car crashed into a power pole on Te Rapa Road in Hamilton on Monday morning, closing part of the road.

The single-car crash occurred around 7.30am, bringing down the pole and causing sagging power lines.

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140 days ago

Choice News Tuesday: Little spotted kiwi rediscovered on mainland Aotearoa

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Kiwi pukupuku (the little spotted kiwi) have been rediscovered in the wild on mainland Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time in five decades!

The pukupuku is the smallest and one of the most vulnerable kiwi species. Only around 2000 birds remain on offshore islands and predator-free … View more
Kiwi pukupuku (the little spotted kiwi) have been rediscovered in the wild on mainland Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time in five decades!

The pukupuku is the smallest and one of the most vulnerable kiwi species. Only around 2000 birds remain on offshore islands and predator-free sanctuaries, and are the descendants of just 5 birds which had been translocated to Kapiti Island from South Westland in 1912.

The March discovery in the remote Adams Wilderness Area, on the West Coast, is definitely choice news.

Ka pai to the amazing investigation team: DOC biodiversity ranger Iain Graham and his conservation dog, Brew!

We hope this news brings a smile!

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138 days ago

Who do you think will be helping to fund the new med school?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

There’s little doubt that Waikato University will come up with its share of the cash for a new medical school, says its top boss.

The university will contribute $150 million towards the expected $230m cost, and Vice-Chancellor Neil Quigley says work is well underway to raise it.

Who do you … View more
There’s little doubt that Waikato University will come up with its share of the cash for a new medical school, says its top boss.

The university will contribute $150 million towards the expected $230m cost, and Vice-Chancellor Neil Quigley says work is well underway to raise it.

Who do you think will be helping to fund the new med school? Tell us in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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136 days ago

Poll: Did you know NZTA was taking over speed camera operations?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Waikato’s fixed speed camera network — a system that has pulled in more than $16.5 million in fines over the past five years - is no longer in the hands of police.

The seven-camera system, which issued over 205,000 tickets between 2020 and 2024, is … View more
Waikato’s fixed speed camera network — a system that has pulled in more than $16.5 million in fines over the past five years - is no longer in the hands of police.

The seven-camera system, which issued over 205,000 tickets between 2020 and 2024, is now managed by the New Zealand Transport Agency as part of a national shift in enforcement operations from New Zealand Police.

Did you know NZTA was taking over speed camera operations?

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Did you know NZTA was taking over speed camera operations?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 100% No
    100% Complete
1 vote
136 days ago

What would you do if you won?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

A Hamilton man says he’s still floating on air after waking up to find he’d won $1 million in the weekend’s Lotto draw.

“I don’t think I’ve come down yet – it’s just unbelievable, isn’t it,” said the winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous.

What would you do if you won?… View more
A Hamilton man says he’s still floating on air after waking up to find he’d won $1 million in the weekend’s Lotto draw.

“I don’t think I’ve come down yet – it’s just unbelievable, isn’t it,” said the winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous.

What would you do if you won? Tell us in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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145 days ago

Poll: Whether young or experienced, has age been a barrier to opportunity?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Neighbourly Team came across the third installment of 'Work, Interrupted', an article series looking at the job struggles different generations face, and we thought it would resonate with our Neighbourly community.

In this article, Amelia Wade reports on what it’s like to seek … View more
The Neighbourly Team came across the third installment of 'Work, Interrupted', an article series looking at the job struggles different generations face, and we thought it would resonate with our Neighbourly community.

In this article, Amelia Wade reports on what it’s like to seek employment when you’re 50+. Many factors - from financial to social pressures - are keeping people in the workforce longer. The reality is that times are tough, even for our most experienced workers: of those receiving Jobseeker benefit, a third are 50-64 years old.

We want to know: Have you felt overlooked in the job market?
Do you have advice for your community on how to stand out in an increasingly crowded job seeker market?
Share your experience below!

📖 Want to read more from the 'Work, Interrupted' series?
Work, Interrupted: The kids, the mortgage, but no job. What next?
Young and shut out: Gen Z face the harshest job market in years
Work, Interrupted: Is 50 the new 60? Older workers battling algorithms to get CVs seen

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Whether young or experienced, has age been a barrier to opportunity?
  • 67.2% Yes - In my experience, age has been a factor.
    67.2% Complete
  • 29.5% No - In my experience, age has had little to do with my employment opportunities
    29.5% Complete
  • 2.4% As an employer, age is not a factor.
    2.4% Complete
  • 1% Other - I will share below.
    1% Complete
808 votes
137 days ago

Rankings to rise as cashed-up Kiwis chip in for Waikato medical school

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Waikato University’s international rankings are expected to climb when its new medical school opens, and will be further boosted by the generosity of wealthy benefactors.

Vice-chancellor Neil Quigley said a combination of factors, including the addition of a new medical school, rising student … View more
Waikato University’s international rankings are expected to climb when its new medical school opens, and will be further boosted by the generosity of wealthy benefactors.

Vice-chancellor Neil Quigley said a combination of factors, including the addition of a new medical school, rising student numbers, and substantial donations from philanthropic trusts and individuals would help boost the university’s global status in the coming years.

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137 days ago

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Award – Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau!

The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

This is a great way to celebrate our seniors who are leaving an amazing legacy for future generations. Let’s give a shoutout to those who have made a positive contribution to Aotearoa later in life, and who are still actively making the world around them a better place, following their careers in… View moreThis is a great way to celebrate our seniors who are leaving an amazing legacy for future generations. Let’s give a shoutout to those who have made a positive contribution to Aotearoa later in life, and who are still actively making the world around them a better place, following their careers in any service, sector or field.

Take a moment to nominate the deserving individuals in your life who are making a difference every day, either in our villages or in the wider community.

Follow the link below, and let’s make their stories known!

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137 days ago

Passing through Tirau or a local? 🐏

The Team from SPCA Tirau & Matamata - Op Shop

We’ve got a truly baa-rilliant SPCA Op Shop to add to your road trip or weekend to-do list 🚗🗺️

Our store is nestled inside the giant corrugated iron Ram — one stop you wool not want to miss! Next door is a giant Sheep, and just around the corner you'll find the Sheepdog i-SITE … View more
We’ve got a truly baa-rilliant SPCA Op Shop to add to your road trip or weekend to-do list 🚗🗺️

Our store is nestled inside the giant corrugated iron Ram — one stop you wool not want to miss! Next door is a giant Sheep, and just around the corner you'll find the Sheepdog i-SITE 🐶 It's an iconic trio you won’t want to miss.

📍 61 Main Road, Tirau 3410
Did ewe enjoy our puns? 😜

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M
137 days ago

Have a look

Maria from Matamata

If you are looking for a rental, check out my listing on Rent, hire or borrow🙂

137 days ago

The latest development for the car park campers

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Residents of the Classics Museum car park in Frankton have been granted permission to stay — but under new rules.

A meeting between a museum representative and Hamilton City Council was due to go ahead last week.

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138 days ago

Poll: What do you think, do some kōwhai need to go?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

The suggestion of stoned honey bees weaving their way around Hamilton after cracking on at the city’s kōwhai trees had a city council hearing abuzz.

Expert advice is being sought on just how toxic the nectar is to honey bees after a hobby beekeeper’s submission on the council’s draft tree… View more
The suggestion of stoned honey bees weaving their way around Hamilton after cracking on at the city’s kōwhai trees had a city council hearing abuzz.

Expert advice is being sought on just how toxic the nectar is to honey bees after a hobby beekeeper’s submission on the council’s draft tree policy on Tuesday.

What do you think, do some kōwhai need to go? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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What do you think, do some kōwhai need to go?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
0 votes
M
138 days ago

House to Rent

Maria from Matamata

House to rent:
In Matamata township, very tidy brick home, has had very recent renovations. Three bedrooms, one bathroom, separate toilet. New double glazed aluminum windows put in, slightly elevated with lovely new timber deck and built in planters. New heat pump, painted areas freshly plastered … View more
House to rent:
In Matamata township, very tidy brick home, has had very recent renovations. Three bedrooms, one bathroom, separate toilet. New double glazed aluminum windows put in, slightly elevated with lovely new timber deck and built in planters. New heat pump, painted areas freshly plastered and painted. Double garage, plus one single, plus carport. Lovely, tidy grounds, close to schools and town CBD, quiet, nice street. Long term rental, would likely suit couple or family. We have tenants in at the moment who are moving towns so I will post photos when I am able to get in there, we are taking expressions of interest in this property. It will be available from Monday 11 August for move in.
Rent: $590 per week

Two weeks rent in advance, two weeks bond.
Please phone or text Maria 0211078822 for more information or to discuss this rental.

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