1964 days ago

Fire leaves neighbour living in garage

Reporter Community News

Jeff Montgomery has been forced to live out of his garage after the house next door was burned down.

The derelict property next door in Abel Smith Street burnt down in a high profile blaze that caused $500,000 in damage to his property. His insurance company is covering the cost of the repairs but not the loss of income he suffered from no longer being able to operate a bed and breakfast.

He is frustrated that the building was derelict and vagrants had been living in it. The council has listed it as a heritage building but was unaware of the poor state it was in.

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More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑

Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.

We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?

Want to read more? The Press has you covered!

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🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
  • 53.5% Human-centred experience and communication
    53.5% Complete
  • 14.6% Critical thinking
    14.6% Complete
  • 29.3% Resilience and adaptability
    29.3% Complete
  • 2.5% Other - I will share below!
    2.5% Complete
355 votes
17 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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18 hours ago

Cheery Bargains

NZ Red Cross from Red Cross Shop Kilbirnie

Cheery Bargains

Come on in to Red Cross shop Kilbirnie to pick up some bargains to celebrate the year of the horse!



Our bargains are located at 27 Rongotai Road Kilbirnie, the shop is open 7 days, 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm Sunday.



We hope to see you here soon!