Totara Park, Upper Hutt

Got some bits to give away?

Got some bits to give away?

Clear our that garage and pop it on Neighbourly Market for free.

2531 days ago

More Hopscotch Dolls have arrived !!!

Raewyn Richardson from

Here are our new collectible Hopscotch Dolls that arrived yesterday and a few are already on their way to their new homes !

These new dolls are 35cm tall. The clothes are also removable for washing. Kids from 3 to 83 will love these cuddly rag dolls and the attention to detail that the … View more
Here are our new collectible Hopscotch Dolls that arrived yesterday and a few are already on their way to their new homes !

These new dolls are 35cm tall. The clothes are also removable for washing. Kids from 3 to 83 will love these cuddly rag dolls and the attention to detail that the manufacturer puts into the selection of fabrics etc.

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2525 days ago

Trentham Kindy outgrows the rest with their sunflowers

Eleanor Wenman Reporter from Upper Hutt Leader

The garden out the back of Trentham Kindergarten has sunflowers that tower over the kids playing outside.

Their tallest sunflower reaches a height of 1.86 metres and has been officially named the tallest in the region under the Daltons Sunflowers in Kindergartens Project.

The kindy planted … View more
The garden out the back of Trentham Kindergarten has sunflowers that tower over the kids playing outside.

Their tallest sunflower reaches a height of 1.86 metres and has been officially named the tallest in the region under the Daltons Sunflowers in Kindergartens Project.

The kindy planted several sunflowers earlier in the year and the children watched as the flowers grew.

Teacher Debbie Hawinkels said the project had been a great way for the children to learn how plants grew.

“Growing the sunflowers is always popular with the children, who are keen to plant their seeds and then watch their sunflower grow taller,” she said.

She said children, parents and teachers all worked together to look after the plants as they grew.

“We are all so proud that our efforts in this year’s sunflower competition have resulted in the tallest sunflower in our region,” she said.

The Daltons Sunflower competition is run every other year to teach preschoolers gardening skills.

In the Wellington region 1363 children from kindergartens under the Wellington Kindergarten Association took part in the competition.

The final measurements took place on December 6, with all the Trentham Kindergarten students gathering on the sunny day to watch the tape measure being pulled out.

More than 220 kindergartens in 10 regions took part in growing their own flowers. The tallest sunflower was grown by the kids at Frankton Kindergarten in the Waikato. Their sunflower grew 3.2 metres tall.

The budding gardeners have a long way to go before they break any world records however - the tallest sunflower in the world is currently 9.17 metres, grown by Hans-Peter Schiffer in Karst, Germany.

Daltons general manager Colin Parker said the project was all about growing an interest in gardening by giving kids’ hands a chance to get dirty.

“The children love taking a tiny seed, caring for it and watching it turn into a huge blooming flower. The results delivered smiles to both teachers and children, which was everything we hoped for,” he said.

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2532 days ago

Do we need water meters?

Eleanor Wenman Reporter from Upper Hutt Leader

Thanks for your thoughts everyone, comments are now closed.

It's time we had a serious debate about water meters, regional council chairman Chris Laidlaw says, as the Wellington region faces shortages. It's only December and stores are already low. This week, we want to know if you … View more
Thanks for your thoughts everyone, comments are now closed.

It's time we had a serious debate about water meters, regional council chairman Chris Laidlaw says, as the Wellington region faces shortages. It's only December and stores are already low. This week, we want to know if you think it's time to use water meters? Would it help us save water? Let us know down below. Comments may be used in print unless stated otherwise with NFP (Not For Print)

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2526 days ago

Local News

Laurie from Birchville

Child poverty is largely blamed on bad parenting, But what is the cause of pensioner poverty?

2527 days ago

What to check before buying a used car:

Citizens Advice Bureau from Citizens Advice Bureau Upper Hutt

1.Work out your priorities: What do you really need?
2.Check your finances: How much do you want to spend?

3.View and test cars

4.Call in the experts: Does everything stack up?

5. Before you sign on the dotted line: Are you getting the best deal?

6. Let’s go: How can you get on the … View more
1.Work out your priorities: What do you really need?
2.Check your finances: How much do you want to spend?

3.View and test cars

4.Call in the experts: Does everything stack up?

5. Before you sign on the dotted line: Are you getting the best deal?

6. Let’s go: How can you get on the road?

If you are about to get an used car and you've any doubts, please ring us (04 528 9040) or come and see us

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2528 days ago

What sort of neighbour are you?

The Team from Neighbours Aotearoa

Are you a longstanding neighbour or are you the one with a full house? Take our quiz to discover the type of neighbour you are - and find out what your challenge is for Neighbours Day 2018.

Don't forget to share your results with your Neighbourly community. Maybe you could guess what other… View more
Are you a longstanding neighbour or are you the one with a full house? Take our quiz to discover the type of neighbour you are - and find out what your challenge is for Neighbours Day 2018.

Don't forget to share your results with your Neighbourly community. Maybe you could guess what other types of neighbours are living around you? Link below!

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2528 days ago

Black Tubular Bunk Beds

Michelle from Clouston Park - Kingsley Heights

Black tubular bunk beds. 3 way bunks. Can be 2 single beds, one under the other as bunks or one high and one low separate bunk/bed. Mattresses are innerspring. Used as spare beds so not much use. No pics sorry as in pieces. Mattresses are in plastic. Pick up in central Upper Hutt.

Price: $100

2532 days ago

There's room for all at the Inn for Christmas

Eleanor Wenman Reporter from Upper Hutt Leader

A free meal for Upper Hutt's lonely and less fortunate will be the order of Christmas Day at the Room at the Inn, the Rimutaka Lions' charity lunch. Christmas is the time for giving so are there any charitable acts or traditions your family does this time of year? Let us know in the … View moreA free meal for Upper Hutt's lonely and less fortunate will be the order of Christmas Day at the Room at the Inn, the Rimutaka Lions' charity lunch. Christmas is the time for giving so are there any charitable acts or traditions your family does this time of year? Let us know in the comments below. Comments may be used in print unless specified with NFP (Not for Print)

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2529 days ago

It's that time again!

Resene

Hi neighbours! Get decorating while the warmer weather is here!

Right now you can save the GST on Resene premium paints, stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at your local Resene ColorShop and participating resellers. Plus check out the extra savingsView more
Hi neighbours! Get decorating while the warmer weather is here!

Right now you can save the GST on Resene premium paints, stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at your local Resene ColorShop and participating resellers. Plus check out the extra savings you can enjoy with a Resene ColorShop Card or Resene DIY Card! It's our Silly Season gift to you! Offer runs until 31 January 2018.
Find out more

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2529 days ago

The Ulitmate Guide To Giving Green And Socially Conscious Christmas Gifts

Garry Tranter from Price My House for Free Limited

Christmas Pinterest boards would have us decked out in festive aprons, effortlessly pulling star-shaped cookies from the oven while Mariah warbles in the background and scented candles flicker on our tastefully decorated mantelpieces.

In reality, the kids are driving you mad with their Christmas… View more
Christmas Pinterest boards would have us decked out in festive aprons, effortlessly pulling star-shaped cookies from the oven while Mariah warbles in the background and scented candles flicker on our tastefully decorated mantelpieces.

In reality, the kids are driving you mad with their Christmas wish lists, the workload at the office has ramped up, everyone at the mall seems to have forgotten how to park/be polite/smile, you can’t find a ham that feeds less than 40, and the to-do list is out of control. Presents for the in-laws, your kids’ teachers, the babysitter, the neighbour who always gives you a gift, Secret Santa at work, Secret Santa at your partner’s work – presents, presents and more presents.

And… breathe.

If you’re starting to feel a little cranky about the rampant consumerism involved in Christmas, we’ve got some ideas on how to give and celebrate in ways that will continue to bring happiness long after the last of the ham has been devoured.

Buy from a business on a mission

If you want to buy gifts for your friends, family or colleagues, why not look for something that allows you to share the love at the same time? It goes without saying that supporting a local business will make a local family do a happy dance, but there are also businesses that support good causes, which means your purchase in turn supports someone in need. Hurray for win-win outcomes!

Star for Starship

There’s always room for one more decoration on the tree. These hanging stars are perfect for Secret Santas, teachers or even as a finishing touch to a wrapped parcel for someone special. They’re just $3 and all proceeds go to the Starship Foundation. Grab one from New World.

Trade Aid

Not only do they have a great range of pressie ideas for everyone (coffee, chocolate, cushions, musical instruments, clothing, accessories, games), but any time you buy from Trade Aid you’re making a difference to a maker or artisan overseas. tradeaid.co.nz

Food for Good

Books are always a sure-fire winner, especially when they’re 192-page books filled with amazing recipes and beautiful photography like this one is. The cherry on top: for every book sold, a kid who would normally go without is given a lunch. How’s that for a warm fuzzy? Food for Good is $39.99 from Eat My Lunch.

Smartass

We promise this toilet talk is for a good cause. Smartass is plastic- and tree-free TP (toilet paper) made from sugar cane and bamboo fibres. It’s not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for New Zealand: for every carton of Smartass sold, a tree is planted by Million Metres to improve water quality and enhance fresh water biodiversity. Give 48 rolls for $48 from smartass.co.nz.

Mr Four Eyes

If your special someone is hinting at a new pair of sunnies for summer, check out Mr Four Eyes. For every pair of sunnies or prescription glasses sold, this clever lot gift a pair of glasses to a Kiwi kid who needs them. You can’t beat helping create a bright future for a little.
mrfoureyes.co.nz

Texan Art Schools

As well as a range of goodies made by clever local makers, including art, ceramics, jewellery and accessories, Texan Art Schools also stocks work by artisans with a social arm to their business. The Loyal Workshop produces divine, ethically made, hand-stitched leather wallets, satchels, bags and belts made by women in Kolkata – for these women, this job is the means for them to escape the sex trade. If you’re after something for a little person you know, check out Kat Merewether’s books and children’s dinner sets. Kat donates to the Kiwis for Kiwis charity from every book sold.
texanartschools.co.nz

Don’t buy gifts – give

If you’re feeling worn out and slightly hollow after all the Christmas consumerism, take it down a notch and donate directly to those who need it: either money, gifts or time. Here are a few ideas on how you can be a Christmas angel for someone this season:

Buy extra during your family shop for the food bank (Countdown has bins) or Women’s Refuge – nice shampoo and conditioner, moisturiser or face cream may be the only gift these ladies receive this year.

Donate your time to a cause – see if any local charities need help sorting products, washing clothes, making food, delivering parcels or carrying out other practical tasks.

Go to a rest home and visit the elderly – you can sing, hand out cookies or just sit down, have a cuppa and make conversation with those who would love a set of ears and some warm companionship.

The Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal collects gifts for those in need. You simply leave your present (wrapped and brand new) under the tree with a tag to indicate which age group and gender would most appreciate your gift.

Already donated a goat? Now you can also donate honey bees, a vegie garden or school supplies to those less fortunate through Oxfam Unwrapped or various other charities working overseas. (Goats are still available, FYI.)

2530 days ago

Christmas at Lagans

Raewyn Richardson from

Come and see us ...Take your photo in our Santa Sleigh, post your letter to Santa, try our delicious Christmas cake and have a look at our great range of gifts ! Free gift wrapping too !

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2530 days ago

Will you change career in the New Year?

ServiceIQ

The end of 2017 is approaching fast! Have you considered upskilling or changing career? Take part in our exclusive poll for Neighbourly members and vote here!

ServiceIQ is the industry training organisation for a bunch of booming service sectors. We’re all about empowering and motivating … View more
The end of 2017 is approaching fast! Have you considered upskilling or changing career? Take part in our exclusive poll for Neighbourly members and vote here!

ServiceIQ is the industry training organisation for a bunch of booming service sectors. We’re all about empowering and motivating people to provide great service. Check out our FREE Career Kick-Starter Guide here!
Vote now!

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2530 days ago

Poll: Will you change career in the New Year?

ServiceIQ

If you're thinking about making a change, check out the FREE Career Kick-Starter Guide from ServiceIQ!

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Will you change career in the New Year?
  • 54.1% Yes - I am ready for a new challenge
    54.1% Complete
  • 45.9% No - I am happy in my current role
    45.9% Complete
652 votes
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2530 days ago

Local News

Laurie from Birchville

I've noticed a number of older people have trouble with their power bills. I guess it's a crime to live long enough to realise just what the authorities do in the name of profit and how they treat the older person like shit. But have a good Christmas with candles and half a bottle of … View moreI've noticed a number of older people have trouble with their power bills. I guess it's a crime to live long enough to realise just what the authorities do in the name of profit and how they treat the older person like shit. But have a good Christmas with candles and half a bottle of sherry. Hic!

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2530 days ago

Double Matress

Paige from Elderslea

Hi Neighbours!

I am selling a double mattress with the base if anyone is interested? Great condition, only selling as we do not use it :)

Thanks,

Paige

Price: $50

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