And the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero is...
A huge congratulations to mother and son duo, Mary and Sam Danielson from The Puketapu Hotel.
The votes for all finalists have been tallied and they have been chosen by Neighbourly members across the country as the Prospa Local Business Hero of 2024.
The Puketapu Hotel was nominated by a local called Margaret and the nomination reads:
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'
Such a deserving business and team, well done Mary and Sam. And thank you to all those who voted!
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.9% Yes
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31.7% Maybe?
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26.4% No
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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Any jobs/projects around the house that you need a hand with?
Hi everyone! I’m a university student currently on my trimester break. If you’ve got outdoor jobs you’ve been putting off, I’m here to help! I will bring all tools required.
With a few years of labouring experience now, I can guarantee quality results.
🔥 Firewood stacking & splitting
🌿 Garden tidying & green waste removal
🧹 Gutter cleaning & leaf clearing
🚚 Moving jobs
🛠️ Renovations or maintenance
🧼 Mossy path or driveway sweeping
✅ Fast, tidy, and hard-working
✅ Based on the Kapiti Coast – happy to travel locally
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✅ Ideal for seniors, busy families, or anyone who doesn’t want to deal with the cold!
Feel free to flick me a message here or comment below and I’ll get back to you. Thanks!
Johnathan Warner
Mobile: 0226814989
Email: johnathan.g.warner123@gmail.com
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