Omataroa, Whakatane

90 days ago

Make the holidays easier this year!

Bob Owens Retirement Village

We’ve pulled together a few clever Christmas hacks thanks to Ryman resident, Sullen - simple ideas to save time and stress so you can enjoy more of the festive fun.

A few favourites:
- Hang tree lights vertically for an even glow
- Use reusable gift bags for quick, eco-friendly wrapping
- … View more
We’ve pulled together a few clever Christmas hacks thanks to Ryman resident, Sullen - simple ideas to save time and stress so you can enjoy more of the festive fun.

A few favourites:
- Hang tree lights vertically for an even glow
- Use reusable gift bags for quick, eco-friendly wrapping
- Prep food ahead to keep Christmas Day relaxed

Click read more for the full list of tips.

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91 days ago

Discover life at The Bayview

Oceania The Bayview Village

At The Bayview, stunning views and relaxed, resort-style living set the tone for every day. Light-filled apartments, friendly neighbours and quality amenities create a lifestyle that feels uplifting and beautifully easy. Make the most of Tauranga’s sunshine in a place designed for comfort and … View moreAt The Bayview, stunning views and relaxed, resort-style living set the tone for every day. Light-filled apartments, friendly neighbours and quality amenities create a lifestyle that feels uplifting and beautifully easy. Make the most of Tauranga’s sunshine in a place designed for comfort and connection. Learn More

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91 days ago

Warrant to arrest: Robin Martin

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are working to locate Robin Dion Leslie Martin, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.

Robin, 52, is wanted in relation to a number of dishonestly offences and is known to frequent the wider Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.

It’s believed he is actively … View more
Police are working to locate Robin Dion Leslie Martin, who has a warrant for his arrest and is wanted by Police.

Robin, 52, is wanted in relation to a number of dishonestly offences and is known to frequent the wider Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.

It’s believed he is actively avoiding Police.

If you have seen Robin or have any information that may assist in locating him, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 251002/1842.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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93 days ago

Serious crash blocking State Highway 5: Tapapa - Bay of Plenty

The Team from Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa.

Police were advised at 10.45am that a car had collided with a tree, between Harwoods Road and Tapapa Road. The car caught on fire following the crash and the fire is reported to have spread to nearby vegetation.

View more
Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa.

Police were advised at 10.45am that a car had collided with a tree, between Harwoods Road and Tapapa Road. The car caught on fire following the crash and the fire is reported to have spread to nearby vegetation.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and should take alternative routes where possible

⚠️ UPDATE:
Following a crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa this morning, trucks and heavy vehicles heading north between Rotorua and Tīrau will not be able to go past the intersection of Harwoods Road and State Highway 5.

A diversion for trucks and heavy vehicles is in place and drivers should follow the directions of emergency services staff.

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96 days ago

Dive into Creativity: Turn Terracotta Pots into Colorful Sea Creatures with Resene Paint

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

There’s lots to explore on the ocean floor by transforming terracotta pots into sensational sea creatures using Resene paint. Gather the kids and your Resene testpots. Find out how to make and paint your own ocean friends with these easy step by step instructions.

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98 days ago

PAINT IT ORANGE

Resene

Paint it Orange - Arthritis - 1st - 29th November 2025

Paint it orange with Resene for Arthritis NZ!

Buy any orange Resene testpot 60 ml at your local Resene owned ColorShop in November and Resene will donate $1 to Arthritis NZ!

The more orange testpots you buy, the more will be donated.
Find out more

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99 days ago

Tony and June ‘lucky’ to be together in their serviced apartment

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Tony and June feel like the luckiest people living in a Ryman village.

The couple have lived in their large, sunny serviced apartment for four years now and still can’t quite believe what a good score it was.

“It was the best thing we’ve done,” says June. “It’s north facing, so it… View more
Tony and June feel like the luckiest people living in a Ryman village.

The couple have lived in their large, sunny serviced apartment for four years now and still can’t quite believe what a good score it was.

“It was the best thing we’ve done,” says June. “It’s north facing, so it gets lots of light, and it’s a good size, so I’ve got room for my card-making supplies.”

Click below to read their full story.

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103 days ago

Sprucing up our urban areas: good idea or not?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In central Palmerston North, landlords are being offered incentives to give their properties a tidy-up. Key to this: dedicated funding.

We want to know: Should city-wide refresh projects be rolled out across all Kiwi urban areas? Or would this be a waste of funds that could be allocated … View more
In central Palmerston North, landlords are being offered incentives to give their properties a tidy-up. Key to this: dedicated funding.

We want to know: Should city-wide refresh projects be rolled out across all Kiwi urban areas? Or would this be a waste of funds that could be allocated elsewhere?

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103 days ago

Create timeless garden art with Faux Rust

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Create garden art that’s aged to perfection with Resene FX Faux Rust Effect. Find out how to make and paint your own garden sculpture with Resene FX Faux Rust Effect and these easy step by step instructions.

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107 days ago

Get $20,000 back* with your new home!

Bob Owens Retirement Village

At Ryman, we are making your move even more rewarding.

Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating village by 30 November 2025, and you’ll get $20,000 back*.

Use it to make your new home your own, take a dream trip, or simply enjoy life’s little luxuries – the … View more
At Ryman, we are making your move even more rewarding.

Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating village by 30 November 2025, and you’ll get $20,000 back*.

Use it to make your new home your own, take a dream trip, or simply enjoy life’s little luxuries – the choice is yours!

*Terms and conditions apply.

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110 days ago

Maximise small spaces with a colourful tiered planter!

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Short on garden space? No worries. A tiered planter is ideal for small spaces and can be used for strawberries, herbs or salad greens. We finished ours in Resene Forest Green, Resene Green House, Resene Caper and Resene Red Berry. Find out how to create your own tiered planter with these easy step … View moreShort on garden space? No worries. A tiered planter is ideal for small spaces and can be used for strawberries, herbs or salad greens. We finished ours in Resene Forest Green, Resene Green House, Resene Caper and Resene Red Berry. Find out how to create your own tiered planter with these easy step by step instructions.

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113 days ago

Police issue warning over electric dirt bikes

The Team from Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police

Electric dirt bikes are creating serious concerns for Police, with the vehicles featuring in a growing number of crashes and cases of illegal riding.

In most instances, the bikes, which can exceed 80kmh, are required to be registered. That comes as a shock to many of the riders who Police speak … View more
Electric dirt bikes are creating serious concerns for Police, with the vehicles featuring in a growing number of crashes and cases of illegal riding.

In most instances, the bikes, which can exceed 80kmh, are required to be registered. That comes as a shock to many of the riders who Police speak to, says Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter, the Area Road Policing Manager for Western Bay of Plenty.
“We’ve seen people riding dangerously and crashes involving pedestrians and vehicles, and people need to realise that just because these dirt bikes are electric, it doesn’t mean they are allowed on the road.”

“Ignorance won’t protect you from fines or having your dirt bike confiscated, and Police are routinely stopping riders on electric dirt bikes to make sure both the bike and the rider are compliant with the law.”

It comes as the vehicles gain popularity.
“We’re now dealing with roughly four cases involving electric dirtbikes a week and people have been hurt. Currently one e bike has been impounded for dangerous riding and the cost to retrieve the e bike after the 28 days impound was $900.
"Two others have received injuries after colliding with cars and numerous riders have received infringements. If you have one of these bikes, you need to know where you can and can’t ride it, the same responsibilities as any motorist.”

You need a valid driver’s licence if:
🔹The electric motor exceeds 300 watts (not kilowatts)
🔹The bike is capable of speeds over 50kmh
🔹The bike does not have pedals (i.e., it cannot be classified as a power-assisted cycle).
The bike needs a Warrant of Fitness and registration if:
🔹If it can exceed 50kmh: It must be registered as a motorcycle
🔹If it cannot exceed 50kmh: It may be registered as a moped
🔹In both cases, the vehicle must be entry certified and meet roadworthy standards
🔹A Warrant of Fitness is required unless exempted (e.g., some mopeds).
Electric dirt bikes are not bicycles if:
🔹They lack pedals
🔹They have motors exceeding 300 watts
🔹They are capable of autonomous propulsion without rider input.

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111 days ago

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain!

From 4 pm Wednesday 12 November till 9 am Thursday 13 November, Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne/Tairawhiti north of Tokomaru Bay are under an Orange Heavy Rain Watch.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and… View more
Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain!

From 4 pm Wednesday 12 November till 9 am Thursday 13 November, Bay of Plenty, and Gisborne/Tairawhiti north of Tokomaru Bay are under an Orange Heavy Rain Watch.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible.
Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

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113 days ago

SILVER WINNER QUALITY SERVICE AWARD

Bob Owens Retirement Village

We’re delighted to have been awarded silver in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards.

This is the eighth time we’ve been honoured in these awards since they began in 2015.

Each year, Reader’s Digest conducts the Quality Service Awards survey to discover New Zealanders’ … View more
We’re delighted to have been awarded silver in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Quality Service Awards.

This is the eighth time we’ve been honoured in these awards since they began in 2015.

Each year, Reader’s Digest conducts the Quality Service Awards survey to discover New Zealanders’ attitudes towards services from business across various industries.

Companies are assessed based on five pillars: personalisation, understanding, simplicity, satisfaction and consistency.

This recognition reflects the hard work, dedication and excellence that our teams strive for every day in our villages to deliver exceptional service standards.

Thank you to our amazing teams and to all those who took the time to complete the surveys!

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115 days ago

Living with advanced prostate cancer?

Prostate Cancer Foundation

Or maybe you’re caring for someone who is. Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ invites you to join them and local specialists for a patient information evening at Trinity Wharf Tauranga, Tuesday 11 November. Learn how new therapies, technologies, and innovations are improving outcomes and quality of … View moreOr maybe you’re caring for someone who is. Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ invites you to join them and local specialists for a patient information evening at Trinity Wharf Tauranga, Tuesday 11 November. Learn how new therapies, technologies, and innovations are improving outcomes and quality of life for men living with advanced prostate cancer.

7-9pm. FREE Entry. Registration required.
For patients, families, whānau, carers, and health professionals.
Find out more

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