Waiohau, Whakatane

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Do you have any festive tips your community needs to know about? Post them here!

177 days ago

Poll: What's your take on these policy changes taking effect in July?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Kiwis are bracing for policy changes taking effect in July - these include, changes to rental housing rules, rising GP fees, rising transport fares, and halving Kiwisaver government contribution.

We want to know: What is your take on these changes? Will they impact you and your whanau, or will… View more
Kiwis are bracing for policy changes taking effect in July - these include, changes to rental housing rules, rising GP fees, rising transport fares, and halving Kiwisaver government contribution.

We want to know: What is your take on these changes? Will they impact you and your whanau, or will it be business as usual?
Discuss your thoughts below

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What's your take on these policy changes taking effect in July?
  • 17.7% Change is needed! I support
    17.7% Complete
  • 68.4% ! These changes are heading in the wrong direction !
    68.4% Complete
  • 13.9% It is complicated ...
    13.9% Complete
1403 votes
201 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for brussels sprouts?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours! We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for brussels sprouts recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: … View moreKia ora neighbours! We will give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're looking for brussels sprouts recipes right now. Send your family's favourite way to use up this crop, especially if you're lucky enough to grow it in your garden. Email us: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by June 12, 2025.

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173 days ago

Create Custom Wall Art with Resene Wallpapers & Murals

Resene ColorShop Gisborne

Using Resene wallpapers or murals as a framed print is a fantastic way to add drama. Create your own wall art using Resene WallPrint or get the custom Wildstyle design made to measure. Find out how to use your favourite Resene wallpaper design as art with these easy step by step instructions.

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174 days ago

Robyn’s ratatouille recipe is a real crowd pleaser

Bob Owens Retirement Village

Ryman resident Robyn swears by her ratatouille recipe from her much-loved copy of the Joy of Cooking, given to her by her next door neighbour in 1964.

Moving to New Zealand in 1976 and with four children to cook for, Robyn said the ratatouille recipe was a firm family favourite which she would … View more
Ryman resident Robyn swears by her ratatouille recipe from her much-loved copy of the Joy of Cooking, given to her by her next door neighbour in 1964.

Moving to New Zealand in 1976 and with four children to cook for, Robyn said the ratatouille recipe was a firm family favourite which she would cook up every couple of weeks when the veggies were in season.

Click read more for the recipe.

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181 days ago

Poll: Are you paying too much for parking?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Cost of living has been on our minds lately, and one cost often lamented in our office is parking.

We all know that New Zealanders pay high parking fees! But research shows that the cost is driven by factors such as location, quality, and convenience.

The average daily parking fee being paid … View more
Cost of living has been on our minds lately, and one cost often lamented in our office is parking.

We all know that New Zealanders pay high parking fees! But research shows that the cost is driven by factors such as location, quality, and convenience.

The average daily parking fee being paid in CBDs:
$39.53 in Auckland,
$37.83 in Wellington,
and $32.60 in Christchurch.

But again, the range is wild! Aucklanders could be paying anything from $12 to $80, Wellingtonians from $15 to $50, and if you are in Christchurch, you are looking at $10 to $98.

Neighbours, we want to know: How much are you paying for daily parking fees?

Do you have any tips on how to find cheaper parks?

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Are you paying too much for parking?
  • 63.9% 5-20 per day
    63.9% Complete
  • 23.8% 20-40 per day
    23.8% Complete
  • 4.4% 40-60 per day
    4.4% Complete
  • 2.4% 60-80 per day
    2.4% Complete
  • 5.4% 80-100 per day
    5.4% Complete
294 votes
183 days ago

Poll: What do you do to combat the winter blues?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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 more
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 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!

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What do you do to combat the winter blues?
  • 40% What winter blues? I love winter!
    40% Complete
  • 57.6% Yes - bring on summer!
    57.6% Complete
  • 2.4% Do you have any tips? Share them below
    2.4% Complete
712 votes
180 days ago

Create a Family-Friendly Seedling Station with Resene Lustacryl

Resene ColorShop Gisborne

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.

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182 days ago

Celebrating our 2025 Prospa Local Business Hero winner!

Prospa

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!
Learn more about Prospa

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183 days ago

Don't miss out on a year of free fees*

Bob Owens Retirement Village

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 more
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 financial certainty.

*Terms and conditions apply.

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187 days ago

Poll: Got any goals or hopes for the coming year?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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 more
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 about what’s ahead.
Got any goals or hopes for the coming year? Share them in the comments and inspire your neighbours.

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Got any goals or hopes for the coming year?
  • 57.7% Yes
    57.7% Complete
  • 42.3% No
    42.3% Complete
418 votes
191 days ago

Poll: Would you support reducing sick leave to five days?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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 more
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 happy with this change?

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Would you support reducing sick leave to five days?
  • 18.6% Yes, ten is too much
    18.6% Complete
  • 79.9% No, keep it at ten
    79.9% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
2313 votes
187 days ago

Transform Old Cabinets with Mint, Gold & Rattan Flair

Resene ColorShop Gisborne

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.

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188 days ago

Find your new home

Bob Owens Retirement Village

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.

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211 days ago

Have you got an amazing wood pile?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

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!

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198 days ago

Poll: Have you noticed these increased grocery prices?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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 more
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 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.

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Have you noticed these increased grocery prices?
  • 98% Yes, my bank balance has noticed
    98% Complete
  • 1.7% No, I haven't noticed
    1.7% Complete
  • 0.3% Other - I'll share below
    0.3% Complete
3363 votes
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