1702 days ago

Top spots for checking out Matariki

Reporter Community News

If you are looking for the best spot to view Matariki, the Wellington City Council has produced a list of good viewing spots.
*James Stellin Memorial Park In Northland on Tinakori Hill, James Stellin Memorial Park has stunning 180-degree views over the city to the harbour as well as neat night sky viewing opportunities.
*Tawatawa Reserve is a large flat grassed area that is dog exercise-friendly and is located on Quebec Street, in between the suburbs of Owhiro Bay, Kingston, and Island Bay.
*The Ataturk Memorial Park lookout can be accessed from the Tarakena Bay car park on Breaker Bay Road.
* Waihinahina Park, located on Ladbrooke Drive in Newlands, is an open grassed area surrounded with regenerating bush – an ideal spot for stargazing Matariki on a clear night!
* Homebush Park on Homebush Road in Khandallah, is a hidden playground down a gravel track has breathtaking views over Wellington harbour and the wide-open skies above.
Matariki is found low on the horizon in the northeast of the sky. Try looking there between 5.30am-6.30am.
To find the cluster, first find the row of three stars of Tautoru, or Orion’s Belt (or The Pot). To find Pūanga (Rigel) look above Tautoru until you see the bright star.
From there, scan left until you find the bright orange star, Taumata-kuku (Alderbaran) and keep going until you hit a cluster of stars. That cluster is Matariki.

The Matariki star cluster, photographed by Stephen McArthur.

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More messages from your neighbours
3 days ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

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3 hours ago

Scam Alert: Bank cold calls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.

🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.

Remember, banks will:​​
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes​​
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device​​
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.

If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.

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1 day ago

Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.

We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️

We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?

Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.

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Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
  • 41% I avoid spending money on coffee
    41% Complete
  • 47.8% I still indulge at my local cafe
    47.8% Complete
  • 11.2% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
    11.2% Complete
161 votes