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The shortest day of the year was on Saturday, but we still have a fair bit of winter to get through! Do you experience winter blues?
Prominent specialists and personalities share their tips.
For example, comedian and author Sam Smith suggests that you "Stock up on supplies to get that DIY… View moreThe shortest day of the year was on Saturday, but we still have a fair bit of winter to get through! Do you experience winter blues?
Prominent specialists and personalities share their tips.
For example, comedian and author Sam Smith suggests that you "Stock up on supplies to get that DIY project underway. Call up the old bandmates to practice some songs for a jam session. Lay the groundwork for future fun."
Do you experience winter blues?
More importantly, do you have any tips for dealing with the gloomiest part of the year?
Share your thoughts with your neighbours!
Get the whole family involved in making a cosy space for nurturing seedlings painted in Resene Lustacryl so it's easy to keep clean and tidy. While you make the propagator, the kids can create the biodegradable containers and labels for growing. Find out how to make and finish your own with … View moreGet the whole family involved in making a cosy space for nurturing seedlings painted in Resene Lustacryl so it's easy to keep clean and tidy. While you make the propagator, the kids can create the biodegradable containers and labels for growing. Find out how to make and finish your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Picking up an incredible 27% of Neighbourly member votes, we are thrilled to announce Catnap Cafe as this year's Prospa Local Business Hero! Catnap is an incredible small business based in Christchurch - both a traditional cafe where cat lovers and cats can spend time together - as well as a … View morePicking up an incredible 27% of Neighbourly member votes, we are thrilled to announce Catnap Cafe as this year's Prospa Local Business Hero! Catnap is an incredible small business based in Christchurch - both a traditional cafe where cat lovers and cats can spend time together - as well as a home for rescues, helping them find forever homes.
Here's a few words from Alyssa and Nate, the founders of Catap Cafe: "We’re stoked to have won the Prospa Local Business Hero Awards! We’re so grateful to our community for the nominations, votes and ongoing support and we’re super proud of what Catnap means to people. Having this recognition means a lot to us."
A huge congratulations to the Catnap team - and a big thank you to every Neighbourly member who made a nomination and voted in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero campaign!
At Ryman you won't pay your base weekly fee for a whole year* when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village before 30 June 2025.
That means that you won’t pay rates, water rates, building insurance, maintenance fees and more. That’s great … View moreAt Ryman you won't pay your base weekly fee for a whole year* when you sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village before 30 June 2025.
That means that you won’t pay rates, water rates, building insurance, maintenance fees and more. That’s great financial certainty.
*Terms and conditions apply.
Happy Matariki, neighbours!
An important aspect of Matariki is whakapapa - family, community, and our connections to living things. Communities across the country have put together events to celebrate.
The Māori New Year is also a great time to pause, reflect on the past year, and think … View moreHappy Matariki, neighbours!
An important aspect of Matariki is whakapapa - family, community, and our connections to living things. Communities across the country have put together events to celebrate.
The Māori New Year is also a great time to pause, reflect on the past year, and think about what’s ahead.
Got any goals or hopes for the coming year? Share them in the comments and inspire your neighbours.
As shared in an interview today, alongside other sick leave changes, Christopher Luxon said he is open to reducing sick leave from ten days to five days a year. This would reverse the change made by the last government which allows workers to have ten days off for sickness each year.
Would you be … View moreAs shared in an interview today, alongside other sick leave changes, Christopher Luxon said he is open to reducing sick leave from ten days to five days a year. This would reverse the change made by the last government which allows workers to have ten days off for sickness each year.
Would you be happy with this change?
Update an old cabinet with on-trend rattan and a retro-cool mint and gold palette using Resene Kandinsky and Resene Tussock. Find out how to refresh your old cabinets with these easy step by step instructions.
At Ryman you'll find a perfect blend of independence and community.
With our new Winter Special, we are offering a fantastic price on selected homes. These prices are available for a limited time only.
Call Jan on 07 579 2519 or click read more for more information.
Dear neighbours, after reading about our search for New Zealand's most impressive and artistic wood piles in the May 2025 issue, Auckland's Anne Stephens Whitcombe sent us this photo that she had snapped while on holiday in Norway. Have you put together a wood pile that's just as … View moreDear neighbours, after reading about our search for New Zealand's most impressive and artistic wood piles in the May 2025 issue, Auckland's Anne Stephens Whitcombe sent us this photo that she had snapped while on holiday in Norway. Have you put together a wood pile that's just as impressive, or even more so? Send us a photo! Email: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. You could be in to win a Fiskars X36 splitting axe L blade and a Fiskars X14 universal axe. We're looking for wood piles of impressive size or of particular space efficiency or even an artistic vision!
Stats NZ said food prices have been rising at their fastest rate in more than a year.
Drinking chocolate is now 27% more expensive, coffee is up 17% and 1kg of mince was $2 more expensive this March than it was the same time last year.
Dairy products have also increased astronomically in … View moreStats NZ said food prices have been rising at their fastest rate in more than a year.
Drinking chocolate is now 27% more expensive, coffee is up 17% and 1kg of mince was $2 more expensive this March than it was the same time last year.
Dairy products have also increased astronomically in price. Milk prices are up by 15.1% in the last year, cheese by 24% and butter has risen up by a shocking 63.6%.
Are you feeling the pinch lately? Share what you've noticed in the comments below and whether it makes you change your shopping habits.
Upgrading a lampshade is a cinch. Add a touch of design flair to your home by updating an old lightshade with Resene wallpaper. Find out how to refresh your lampshade with these easy step by step instructions.
Whakatāne District Council plans to crack down on residents recycling mistakes with a "three-strikes" rule - contaminate your bin three times and you could lose it for three months.
The goal? Less landfill, more proper recycling.
Bring charm to every corner of your garden and keep track of where you planted those precious seeds. These larger wooden discs finished in Resene Furniture and Decking Oil add rustic flair to your fruit and berry garden. Find out how to make and finish your own with these easy step by step … View moreBring charm to every corner of your garden and keep track of where you planted those precious seeds. These larger wooden discs finished in Resene Furniture and Decking Oil add rustic flair to your fruit and berry garden. Find out how to make and finish your own with these easy step by step instructions.
As the cooler months settle in and we spend more time at home, a burst of greenery can brighten up your space and lift your mood.
But if you think you need a big backyard to nurture your green thumb, think again.
Just ask Kate, a Ryman resident, who has transformed her apartment into a lush … View moreAs the cooler months settle in and we spend more time at home, a burst of greenery can brighten up your space and lift your mood.
But if you think you need a big backyard to nurture your green thumb, think again.
Just ask Kate, a Ryman resident, who has transformed her apartment into a lush retreat filled with thriving plants and year-round colour.
Click read more for the full story.
The 2025 Local Elections are coming up this September - make sure you're enrolled to vote.
Before this time, locals can be nominated to be in the running for roles such as mayor, councillor, community & local board members. Could you see yourself stepping into a role like this?
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