Totara Park, Upper Hutt

1474 days ago

Minimum wage, no help and on the ladder at 25: here's how they did it

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

I loved talking to Courtney Mason about how she and her husband ben bought their first home. It really offers a lot of hope for folks who might be looking at the property market and wondering what on earth is happening out there these days.
Courtney and Ben were tenacious and bold, and now … View more
I loved talking to Courtney Mason about how she and her husband ben bought their first home. It really offers a lot of hope for folks who might be looking at the property market and wondering what on earth is happening out there these days.
Courtney and Ben were tenacious and bold, and now they're living happily in their Hawke's Bay home.
Have a read and see how they did it, and while you're at it have a listen to our third episode of First Rung, the podcast for first home buyers for a little more inspiration.

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1483 days ago

Poll: Should Aayla be allowed to play?

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

A team of keen young Petone rugby league players will forfeit their points and risk disqualifying themselves in an upcoming tournament because one of their star players is banned.
The reason? She’s a girl. Aayla Toman, 13, has been told she’s not allowed to play in the u13 boys’ grade in … View more
A team of keen young Petone rugby league players will forfeit their points and risk disqualifying themselves in an upcoming tournament because one of their star players is banned.
The reason? She’s a girl. Aayla Toman, 13, has been told she’s not allowed to play in the u13 boys’ grade in Wellington’s Pacific Youth Cup because of her gender – something that led her club team, the u13 Petone Panthers, to play her ‘illegally’ all season.
New Zealand Rugby League rules state the maximum age for males and females to play in mixed gender full contact rugby league is 12 years of age.

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Should Aayla be allowed to play?
  • 76% Yes
    76% Complete
  • 24% No
    24% Complete
1144 votes
1472 days ago

Call for new rubbish signs for Upper Hutt

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Hi Upper Hutt folk, what do you think about the Upper Hutt Council using signs to discourage people from dumping rubbish. Peter Pawlak has posted a picture on social media of a sign from Taupō and has urged Mayor Wayne Guppy to use similar signs in Upper Hutt.
What do you think of his idea? Tell … View more
Hi Upper Hutt folk, what do you think about the Upper Hutt Council using signs to discourage people from dumping rubbish. Peter Pawlak has posted a picture on social media of a sign from Taupō and has urged Mayor Wayne Guppy to use similar signs in Upper Hutt.
What do you think of his idea? Tell us what you think.
If you do not want your comments used in a story please put NFP (Not For Publication).

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1473 days ago

Did your family celebrate Halloween this year?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We saw some friendly ghosts and even some costumed pooches this year! We'd love for you to spread the joy further than your backyard by sharing a snap from your Halloween festivities below 🎃

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1472 days ago

Monday Sport Blast From The Past

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

When Toni Jeffs retired from competitive swimming in 2007, a Stuff journalist boldly predicted she would not be forgotten.
"So, while Jeffs will be left watching the Commonwealth Games team from her living room this year, there is little doubt one of New Zealand swimming's most colourful … View more
When Toni Jeffs retired from competitive swimming in 2007, a Stuff journalist boldly predicted she would not be forgotten.
"So, while Jeffs will be left watching the Commonwealth Games team from her living room this year, there is little doubt one of New Zealand swimming's most colourful characters will not be forgotten from sporting history."
Never one to shy away from controversy, Jeffs was arguably best known for being sponsored by a strip club at the Barcelona Olympics.
Jeffs won two Commonwealth bronze medals and was 27th at the Olympics.
At a time when many top swimmers stopped competing in their early 20s, Jeffs was notable for her long career in the pool.
In 2003 Jeffs won a legal battle against the New Zealand Olympic Committee, who admitted a selection blunder had cost her a place in the Olympic team.
The year before, at the Manchester Commonwealth Games, she regained her New Zealand title and won bronze in the 50m freestyle.
In 2007, she hinted that she would take up Masters swimming and refused to rule out a comeback. At that time, she was living on a lifestyle block in the Wairarapa.
Despite the prediction that she would not be forgotten, she has been out of the limelight in the years since.

1472 days ago

Aayla disappointed to be left out

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

A poll on Neighbourly was overwhelmingly in favour of Aayla Toman playing in the Pacific Youth Cup in Wainuiomata over the weekend.
Nearly 1200 people took part in our pool and 76 per cent were in favour of her playing.
Unfortunately, doing the haka with her team-mates was as close as she got to … View more
A poll on Neighbourly was overwhelmingly in favour of Aayla Toman playing in the Pacific Youth Cup in Wainuiomata over the weekend.
Nearly 1200 people took part in our pool and 76 per cent were in favour of her playing.
Unfortunately, doing the haka with her team-mates was as close as she got to the action.
Aayla, 13, had hoped to take the field for the Te Whanganui-a-Tara U13s at the Pacific Youth Cup in Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, on Saturday, but was told the referee would not allow the game to start if she played.
Standing on the sideline during her team’s first match against Samoa Wellington, Aayla said she had been overcome with emotion before the match, but doing the haka had made her feel better.

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1472 days ago

Messy Church

Glenis from Totara Park

Come and join us at Messy Church THIS Sunday from 4.00pm! We'd love to see you!

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1476 days ago

Unwanted advertising material

Marlene from Totara Park

Does anyone have a contact number for the person who distributes the New World, Liquorland and Briscoes advertising material which ends up in our letterboxes. I have contacted the head office for Ovato and the deliveries sometimes stop for a short time and then start up again. There is a very … View moreDoes anyone have a contact number for the person who distributes the New World, Liquorland and Briscoes advertising material which ends up in our letterboxes. I have contacted the head office for Ovato and the deliveries sometimes stop for a short time and then start up again. There is a very distinct notice on my letterbox: No Advertising Material or unaddressed mail’ which is ignored. Addressed mail can be re-directed while I am away but not the advertising material. It is a security issue. Any ideas?

1477 days ago

Beware...some adorable ghosts may be haunting your streets.

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Halloween can be a fun way to connect with your community. But naturally not all homes in New Zealand will get involved.
If your house is open to trick or treaters this weekend, or if you know of some popular, local streets for trick or treating, please share these below.

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1477 days ago

Way Back Wednesday

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Hey Neighbourly folk, can you work out who this is and where the picture was taken. The only hint I will give is that it was 1909.

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1473 days ago

Things change. You can too.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

We’re holding information sessions to help you enrol with us in 2021. Find out about courses, meet tutors and enrol in one easy process.

Sessions run at various times on campus and if you can’t make it, join us on Zoom. Secure your place for 2021.
Book in today

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1474 days ago

Pet of the Day

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Our Pet of the Day is Poppy, a five month old King Charles cavalier, who was born on ANZAC weekend.
Owner Rob Nicol says she loves chilling out and sleeping in the sun.

The Pet of the Day will no longer be appearing in the Dominion Post and instead you will find it on Neighbourly every Saturday.
View more
Our Pet of the Day is Poppy, a five month old King Charles cavalier, who was born on ANZAC weekend.
Owner Rob Nicol says she loves chilling out and sleeping in the sun.

The Pet of the Day will no longer be appearing in the Dominion Post and instead you will find it on Neighbourly every Saturday.
If you want your pet featured, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz

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1475 days ago

Friday Feathered Friend

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Hey Neighbourly folk, this week something a bit different - a lizard.
Photographer Louise Thomas snapped the image on a recent expedition to photograph some new bird species.

"I've had an amazing 24-hours. Yesterday, my faithful porter and I went out to Matiu/Somes Island. We saw sooty … View more
Hey Neighbourly folk, this week something a bit different - a lizard.
Photographer Louise Thomas snapped the image on a recent expedition to photograph some new bird species.

"I've had an amazing 24-hours. Yesterday, my faithful porter and I went out to Matiu/Somes Island. We saw sooty shearwaters, kākāriki, aka red-crowned parakeet, numerous skinks, and on the way back a spotted shag near the Days Bay wharf.
All three birds are new species for me. I'm afraid I have no idea what sort of skink this is, I think common skink, but it has a dark iris? Suggestions from those in the know much appreciated - I'm going cross-eyed trying to work it out on the internet.
Funny story, both Chris and I thought this was a railway spike holding up the wood on the edge of the step, then Chris said "wait, that spike has little hands."

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1475 days ago

Entertainment and Encouragement Newsletter

Corinne Morris from

Hello Everyone,
We have a great newsletter for you this week. mailchi.mp...

Freshen up on driving with a Staying Safe Workshop. Join us for a free get together for a light lunch, cuppa tea and good company at one of our monthly Pop-up Hubs in Seatoun or Linden. Check out the Sleep Presentation at… View more
Hello Everyone,
We have a great newsletter for you this week. mailchi.mp...

Freshen up on driving with a Staying Safe Workshop. Join us for a free get together for a light lunch, cuppa tea and good company at one of our monthly Pop-up Hubs in Seatoun or Linden. Check out the Sleep Presentation at Rita Angus in Kilbirnie, to get tips on healthy sleeping and improve leg strength, balance and flexibility at one of our Steady As You GO classes.

We have a funny Poem in "Your Voice" written by DJ Bradley. Test your general knowledge and whip up a delicious panzanella salad in our "Entertainment" section.

We hope you enjoy and stay safe x

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