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I posted something on this week last but it is such a nice story I am posting it again.
When people find out Neil Whiteman tends to graves for a living they often remark that he must have seen a fair few ghosts after nearly 43 years on the job. But the 72-year-old insists he’s never encountered … View moreI posted something on this week last but it is such a nice story I am posting it again.
When people find out Neil Whiteman tends to graves for a living they often remark that he must have seen a fair few ghosts after nearly 43 years on the job. But the 72-year-old insists he’s never encountered one.
For him, Akatārawa Cemetery is a peaceful place.
As a boy, he’d help his father Dave Whiteman dig graves during the weekend. In 1978, when Dave Whiteman retired from his role as the sexton at the Upper Hutt graveyard, Neil Whiteman took up the role.
For him, Akatārawa Cemetery is a peaceful place.
Whiteman's dedication to caring for the cemetery earned him the Individual Excellence Award at the New Zealand Cemeteries and Crematoria Awards last month.
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This week we feature a picture from Rosa Marie.
Has anybody got any ideas for a caption?
"Thanks to a wonderful husband who took me there and a low tide, Pāuatahanui was a bird photographer's dream this afternoon! Masses of kingfishers who were either sitting on bits of driftwood or … View moreThis week we feature a picture from Rosa Marie.
Has anybody got any ideas for a caption?
"Thanks to a wonderful husband who took me there and a low tide, Pāuatahanui was a bird photographer's dream this afternoon! Masses of kingfishers who were either sitting on bits of driftwood or logs, in between catching little crabs, a pile of shags who were in a very flappy mood and were constantly splashing about in the water, a pair of Caspian terns who didn't seem to be getting on too well, a blue heron who was getting annoyed by a seagull who was swooping over him. So much to see and photograph! It helped wearing some wellies so I could wade in to get some closer shots."
Help us house families with hospitalised children. Join the fight to fund a night.
The Block NZ is back on our screens on Monday, but let's hope there are no more silly decor challenges and over-the-top reserves.
Our SPCA Pet of the Day is Lulu.
"I am a sweet dog looking for my forever home. I am looking for a very special home that can understand my quirks and needs, a home that can help me thrive and be the best companion I can be.
My ideal home would be one that has had previous large dog … View moreOur SPCA Pet of the Day is Lulu.
"I am a sweet dog looking for my forever home. I am looking for a very special home that can understand my quirks and needs, a home that can help me thrive and be the best companion I can be.
My ideal home would be one that has had previous large dog experience and/or greyhound experience. I walk beautifully on a lead but in saying that, I would need a home that can handle me as I can be strong when I want. I have had a fair amount of training from my previous home but there is always room for more growth. I am super smart and a lover of all yummy foods so will pick up new things very quickly.
I can be shy when meeting new people so I would love a quiet patient home that can read when I am not comfortable. A home with no children would be best for me. Being part greyhound, I am also not suited to a home with cats or any small animals. If you think you are the home for me contact SPCA’s Canine Team for more information."
Our pioneering approach to retirement living includes resident-friendly terms designed to protect you and your family.
Ryman’s Peace of Mind Guarantees include terms such as our deferred management fee that is capped at 20 percent, one of the lowest in the retirement sector.
Our base weekly… View moreOur pioneering approach to retirement living includes resident-friendly terms designed to protect you and your family.
Ryman’s Peace of Mind Guarantees include terms such as our deferred management fee that is capped at 20 percent, one of the lowest in the retirement sector.
Our base weekly fee is fixed for the entire time you occupy your townhouse or apartment*, and comprehensive care can be dialled up as your needs change.
Terms like these provide you with greater confidence to live the way you want.
*Some conditions apply
Thirty thousand nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants across the country are striking on Wednesday today for better pay, more sick leave and safer work conditions.
They will walk off the job for eight hours from 11am until 7pm.
Yep, it is not Friday but by coincidence both Andrew Gorrie and Rosa Marie visited Zealandia and photographed a stroppy tūī who did not want to share the sugar feeder.
Check out the photo of a kaka by Gorrie and the tūī by Marie. Which picture do your prefer?
Congratulations to Neil Whiteman who won the Individual Excellence Award at the NZ Cemeteries and Crematoria Awards last Thursday.
Neil has been Akatārawa Cemetery’s Sexton for 42 years and despite being past retirement, is still committed to caring and maintaining the grounds.
Neil’s … View moreCongratulations to Neil Whiteman who won the Individual Excellence Award at the NZ Cemeteries and Crematoria Awards last Thursday.
Neil has been Akatārawa Cemetery’s Sexton for 42 years and despite being past retirement, is still committed to caring and maintaining the grounds.
Neil’s nominator said that he has poured his heart and soul into the cemetery, owned by Upper Hutt City Council, and has shown excellent initiative when it comes to cemetery operation.
“[Neil] is personable and knows the community well. He knows many visitors by name and is always happy to talk and support them in their time of grief. Neil has incredible commitment to the industry by his length of service and good work ethic.”
The awards were held as part of the national New Zealand Cemeteries & Crematoria Conference in Rotorua.
Help us house families with hospitalised children. Join the fight to fund a night.
This week we feature Marlie who belongs to Darren and Johanna of Berhampore.
"Marlie, our cat, loves hanging out on the streets of Berhampore. Marlie is an inquisitive little girl who loves to check out what’s happening in the neighbourhood."
Remember if you want your pet featured on … View moreThis week we feature Marlie who belongs to Darren and Johanna of Berhampore.
"Marlie, our cat, loves hanging out on the streets of Berhampore. Marlie is an inquisitive little girl who loves to check out what’s happening in the neighbourhood."
Remember if you want your pet featured on Neighbourly, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz with a recent photo. Please remember to say what suburb you live in.
The Wellington SPCA is appealing for donations for a puppy recently rescued in Upper Hutt.
At just three months old, Piglet was covered in one of the worst cases of mange the SPCA vets had seen.
Piglet’s skin was red, raw and weeping. Mange is a debilitating skin disease caused by parasitic … View moreThe Wellington SPCA is appealing for donations for a puppy recently rescued in Upper Hutt.
At just three months old, Piglet was covered in one of the worst cases of mange the SPCA vets had seen.
Piglet’s skin was red, raw and weeping. Mange is a debilitating skin disease caused by parasitic mites. Left untreated like this, it is horrific and extremely painful.
Found wandering the streets alone, the disease had ravaged Piglet's skin, and she was in significant pain and discomfort.
Her medication is expensive and SPCA vets say she will need a lot of care.
This weeks contribution comes from Louise Thomas.
"Is that a little blue sky this afternoon? I feel like a mole rat emerging after a week in the burrow. This grey warbler/riroriro (Gerygone igata) seems pretty happy to see the sun. He's posing in a cedar tree for Christmas cards."
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