South Waikato District, Tokoroa

48 days ago

Christmas creep: The silly season now starts in spring

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Opinion columnist Lyall Macfarlane has been shocked to see Christmas decorations start appearing - what do you think?

“Christmas comes but once a year.” But based on recent experience, the festival takes up about a quarter of it.
I saw my first Christmas retail displays last week – 3 of … View more
Opinion columnist Lyall Macfarlane has been shocked to see Christmas decorations start appearing - what do you think?

“Christmas comes but once a year.” But based on recent experience, the festival takes up about a quarter of it.
I saw my first Christmas retail displays last week – 3 of them, in early October.
A couple of days ago, my local mall’s walkways were festooned with trestle tables groaning under the weight of Yuletide novelty goods. You know the thing – archangels, elves, Christmas trees and Father Christmases/Santas in various poses. Some jolly old gents were capable of doing a wee jig while ho, ho, hoing or singing a jolly old festive ditty, far too early.

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49 days ago

Proud to be New Zealand's Best!

The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

Big news! Ryman has won Best Provider Nationwide at the 2025 Seniors New Zealand Awards - for the 6th time!
Leading the way in retirement living and aged care, again and again.

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49 days ago

How the tight election races ended up

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Close election contests have been decided for the Waikato Regional, Hamilton City, and Taupō District councils with final counts changing the results for some candidates.

With Tim Macindoe winning the Hamilton mayoralty, his position as an East Ward councillor has been won by the seventh … View more
Close election contests have been decided for the Waikato Regional, Hamilton City, and Taupō District councils with final counts changing the results for some candidates.

With Tim Macindoe winning the Hamilton mayoralty, his position as an East Ward councillor has been won by the seventh highest polling candidate Sue Moroney.

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49 days ago

The latest product recalls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!

Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.

Food and household item recalls:
View more
We are bringing you the latest list of recalled products from across the country. Make sure you aren't using these at home!

Click on the blue text to learn more about that particular product and why it was recalled.

Food and household item recalls:
Tom & Luke brand Snackaballs and Vogel's brand Cereal Products
Pams brand Mini Hash Browns
Gilmours Peanuts Chopped
FreshLife brand Chopped Peanuts
Piper’s brand Milkshake Biscuits Original and Caramel
Tasti brand various products
Dometic Drinkware Tumbler

Product Recalls: Infant care and clothing
Steelcraft One2 V2 and Britax One2 Strollers
Car Seat G405- sold at Panda Mart
Car Seat G401- sold at Panda Mart
Car Seat G410- sold at Panda Mart
Car Seat LB-828- sold at Panda Mart
Car Seat Q5- sold at Panda Mart
Car Seat 10911524- sold at Panda Mart
Car Seat 11630- sold at Panda Mart
Annabel Trends Toothy Teether and Annabel Trends Cactus Teether

Product Recalls: Cosmetics
Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+
Aspect Sun Sunscreens- Physical Sun Protection SPF50+ and Tinted Physical SPF50+

Product Recalls: Electronics
Tesla Powerwall 2 Battery Energy Storage Units
Midea Air Fryer- sold at Trade Depot
ANKO Portable Blender (4 colourways)- sold at Kmart

Product Recalls: Other
“Wobbly head Dino” Greeting Card
Trojan Developments Prox Rex
Zenith Taps- ChillTap Extra 60 (Residential), ChillTap Extra 140 (Commercial)
Hot Water Bottles- sold at MIDIO Lambton Quay Limited

Check the New Zealand Transport Agency's handy vehicle recall list here.

See past months' recalls. Stay safe, neighbours!

49 days ago

Aussie inspiration aids Waikato medical school

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

The University of Waikato has partnered with experts in rural and regional health from across the ditch to shape studies for its New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine in Hamilton.

On Friday, representatives from Waikato and Wollongong universities signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) … View more
The University of Waikato has partnered with experts in rural and regional health from across the ditch to shape studies for its New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine in Hamilton.

On Friday, representatives from Waikato and Wollongong universities signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) formalising their collaboration, which will draw on Wollongong’s experience in regional medical education to develop the programme for Waikato’s newly approved medical school.

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49 days ago

Poll: How are you spreading light this year?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Wishing you all bright days! Happy Diwali from the Neighbourly Team 💚🕯️

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How are you spreading light this year?
  • 17.8% Charity or donation
    17.8% Complete
  • 26.7% Spending time with my family
    26.7% Complete
  • 18.8% Volunteering
    18.8% Complete
  • 36.6% Sharing smiles - A positive attitude is infectious
    36.6% Complete
292 votes
61 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

A trailblazing Māori scholar has finally received the recognition she deserves — nearly 100 years after her passing.

Mākereti Papakura, believed to be the first Indigenous woman to study at the University of Oxford, has been awarded a posthumous degree certificate.

Papakura sadly passed … View more
A trailblazing Māori scholar has finally received the recognition she deserves — nearly 100 years after her passing.

Mākereti Papakura, believed to be the first Indigenous woman to study at the University of Oxford, has been awarded a posthumous degree certificate.

Papakura sadly passed away in 1930, just weeks before she was due to present her thesis. Her research was later published as The Old-Time Māori — the first ethnographic study written by a Māori author.

We hope this brings a smile!

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51 days ago

Have you ever had things go wrong in the water?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Six years after a split-second decision left him paralysed, Aseri Bese shares his story — and his warning — for every young Kiwi who thinks the water is safe.

This story is part of a Stuff and Water Safety New Zealand campaign to raise funds to get thousands of kids safe swimming lessons -… View more
Six years after a split-second decision left him paralysed, Aseri Bese shares his story — and his warning — for every young Kiwi who thinks the water is safe.

This story is part of a Stuff and Water Safety New Zealand campaign to raise funds to get thousands of kids safe swimming lessons - and save lives. You can donate here.

Have you ever had things go wrong in the water? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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56 days ago

Poll: 🎃 Which New Zealand creature/theme would make the best Halloween outfit?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We are almost half-way through October and Halloween is creeping up on us! (It’s easy to miss — Christmas decorations seem to be popping up earlier every year!)

The Neighbourly team was having a bit of fun and got to wondering about New Zealand-inspired outfits! 🦇

💬 Bonus … View more
We are almost half-way through October and Halloween is creeping up on us! (It’s easy to miss — Christmas decorations seem to be popping up earlier every year!)

The Neighbourly team was having a bit of fun and got to wondering about New Zealand-inspired outfits! 🦇

💬 Bonus question: What is the best kind of costume? Funny, scary, DIY, or pop culture themed?

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🎃 Which New Zealand creature/theme would make the best Halloween outfit?
  • 13.9% Vladislav, from 'What We Do in the Shadows'
    13.9% Complete
  • 12.3% Moa-zombie
    12.3% Complete
  • 35.6% Possessed sheep
    35.6% Complete
  • 38.2% A half-eaten chocolate fish
    38.2% Complete
382 votes
52 days ago

Scam Alert: Refund requests targeting small businesses

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Westpac has reported a new scam targeting businesses.

Scammers are reportedly messaging businesses with screenshots of bank statements that appear to show two identical payments to the business, and asking to be refunded for the falsified duplicate payment.

Businesses should double-check any… View more
Westpac has reported a new scam targeting businesses.

Scammers are reportedly messaging businesses with screenshots of bank statements that appear to show two identical payments to the business, and asking to be refunded for the falsified duplicate payment.

Businesses should double-check any payment details before responding to queries or processing refunds for customers.

If you receive suspicious communication regarding your accounts, contact your bank directly.

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53 days ago

From oil changes to golf with ministers: Mayor Ash Tanner is back

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Matamata-Piako’s bridge painting, panel-beating ‘maverick mayor’ is back.

Ash Tanner has secured the mayoralty of Matamata-Piako, seeing off incumbent Adrienne Wilcock by more than 1000 votes.

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54 days ago

The Waikato District's new mayor

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Aksel “Danger” Bech will be the new mayor of the Waikato District after comfortably beating his one and only opponent Jacqui Church in the weekend’s elections.

Bech was meeting with council staff in Ngāruawāhia on Monday as he looks to take the reins of one of the geographically largest,… View more
Aksel “Danger” Bech will be the new mayor of the Waikato District after comfortably beating his one and only opponent Jacqui Church in the weekend’s elections.

Bech was meeting with council staff in Ngāruawāhia on Monday as he looks to take the reins of one of the geographically largest, and most diverse district’s in the country.

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53 days ago

Whangamatā pool at risk as costs rise

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

A popular community pool in Whangamatā could close if extra funding can’t be found.

The pool attracted about 33,000 swimmers last year, including school children, local clubs, and recreational swimmers, making it a popular community hub and stepping stone for young swimmers.

The news comes… View more
A popular community pool in Whangamatā could close if extra funding can’t be found.

The pool attracted about 33,000 swimmers last year, including school children, local clubs, and recreational swimmers, making it a popular community hub and stepping stone for young swimmers.

The news comes amid a Stuff campaign to teach more kids how to keep safe in the water.

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55 days ago

🔴 Caution when on the roads

The Team from Waikato Police

Police are advising motorists to be aware of the weather warnings, and to take caution when on the roads ⚠️

Parts of the Waikato District area are experiencing significant weather conditions, with reports of flooding, large slips, and trees across roads.
Please limit yourself to essential … View more
Police are advising motorists to be aware of the weather warnings, and to take caution when on the roads ⚠️

Parts of the Waikato District area are experiencing significant weather conditions, with reports of flooding, large slips, and trees across roads.
Please limit yourself to essential travel only and allow for extra time for your journey.

Reducing speed, using headlights and windscreen wipers, and watching your visibility will also ensure a safe trip.
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Note: There is flooding and a number of slips on State Highway 3 just north of Awakino in the Awakino Gorge. This has made the road impassable in places, and Police there are aware of some vehicles that are unable to move as a result.

Motorists are urged not to travel through the Gorge area until the slips can be cleared and the road made safe by contractors who are on scene.

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55 days ago

Are you a fan of any of these Kiwi groups?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

If you grew up with Ready To Roll on your TV every Saturday, then this one is for you.

Three of Aotearoa’s iconic bands, Th’ Dudes, The Mockers and Stellar* are joining forces for Ready To Roll, a nationwide tour set to revive the country with old-school Kiwi rock and roll energy.

Are you… View more
If you grew up with Ready To Roll on your TV every Saturday, then this one is for you.

Three of Aotearoa’s iconic bands, Th’ Dudes, The Mockers and Stellar* are joining forces for Ready To Roll, a nationwide tour set to revive the country with old-school Kiwi rock and roll energy.

Are you a fan of any of these Kiwi groups? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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