Central Whangarei news is brought to you by the team at Whangārei Leader
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
HAY FOR SALE
SHED STORED AT MAUNGATAPERE MUST BE ALL GONE BY 31 MARCH 2026
PICK UP NEWTON ROAD MAUNGATAPERE
$12 A BALE OR OFFERS
PLEASE CONTACT JANET 0273293353
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 … View moreASB 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.
An Obituary to Common Sense printed in the London Times
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.
No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as … View moreAn Obituary to Common Sense printed in the London Times
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.
No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated valuable lessons like:
- Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- And maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge)
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher
fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.
It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death;
-by his parents, Truth and Trust,
-by his wife, Discretion,
-by his daughter, Responsibility,
-and by his son, Reason
He is survived by his 5 stepbrothers;
- I Know My Rights,
- I Want It Now,
- Someone Else Is To Blame,
- I'm A Victim,
- Pay me for Doing Nothing
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing…
This is a modified version of a text that is originally attributed to Lori Borgman. However, it is more true today than it was when first written. It is not the version I remember, but it still gets the point across. Enjoy and remember.
Looking for a relaxed, fun space to make art and meet other creative humans?
Come along to The Mixed Bag Collective, a casual weekly art group where any art goes.
🖌 All skill levels welcome
🎭 All mediums welcome
☕ Social, low-pressure, and friendly
📍 Reyburn House Art Studio
… View moreLooking for a relaxed, fun space to make art and meet other creative humans?
Come along to The Mixed Bag Collective, a casual weekly art group where any art goes.
🖌 All skill levels welcome
🎭 All mediums welcome
☕ Social, low-pressure, and friendly
📍 Reyburn House Art Studio
Reyburn House Lane, Whangārei
🕙 Mondays | 10am – 2pm
💵 $5 to join in
🎒 Bring your own supplies
Drop in, make stuff, chat, experiment, or just hang out and create at your own pace.
📞 Contact: 021 199 9050
Tag a friend who needs a creative Monday
Got a ukulele and a sense of fun? Come along to our Ukulele Jam, perfect for beginners through to intermediate players.
🗓 Every Tuesday
⏰ 6.00pm – 7.00pm
📍 Reyburn House Art Studio
This is a relaxed, friendly jam with no teacher – we learn from each other. Lyrics and chords are … View moreGot a ukulele and a sense of fun? Come along to our Ukulele Jam, perfect for beginners through to intermediate players.
🗓 Every Tuesday
⏰ 6.00pm – 7.00pm
📍 Reyburn House Art Studio
This is a relaxed, friendly jam with no teacher – we learn from each other. Lyrics and chords are projected on the wall, so you can jump in at your own pace.
💛 Koha
🎸 Bring your ukulele
😄 Bring your good vibes
Everyone welcome – come make some music together!
In the Post's article on speeding penalties, the question is asked whether speeding fines are truly about road safety, or are they just a way to boost revenue for the Crown?
What do you think? Should speeding motorists receive speeding fines or demerit points?
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited … View moreDOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
Good People
Our next film night is on Thursday 12th March in the Capitaine Bougainville Theatre at Forum North.
At 6pm, WFS will screen the powerful and moving film, based on the best-selling book by Alexandra Fuller, Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight.
Our 8pm screening is the … View moreGood People
Our next film night is on Thursday 12th March in the Capitaine Bougainville Theatre at Forum North.
At 6pm, WFS will screen the powerful and moving film, based on the best-selling book by Alexandra Fuller, Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight.
Our 8pm screening is the the documentary about the lives of artists in isolated regional areas of Canada etching out a career for themselves, Rendering Visions.
DON'T LET'S GO TO THE DOGS TONIGHT
South Africa, 2025, Drama
98 mins, Rated M (strong language)
Cast: Lexi Ventner, Zikhona Bali
Director: Embeth Davidtz
It's 1980 in Rhodesia during the "Bush War" as agreements have finally been negotiated and change is in the air. British and white minority rule is to end and the black majority will take power to establish the country of Zimbabwe.
Based on the award winning-novel of the same name by Alexandra Fuller, the story follows Bobo, a seven-year-old white girl, raised on a gritty African farm who watches the historical events unfold. Bobo feels the tension in both her family and the servants but can see both sides of the story as a new community creates itself from the ashes of war.
"A powerful and wonderfully detailed film, with three outstanding performances." - The Guardian
Showing at Forum North, 7 Rust Ave Whangarei on Thursday, 12th March at 6pm and Thursday, 19th March at 8pm.
View the trailer at: www.youtube.com...
Tickets: Door sales only. $10 WFS members. Non-members pay $5 extra as an Associate Membership fee, per film. (Total of $15)
All welcome. Cash only please – no Eftpos available.
Like us on Facebook or visit whangareifilmsociety.org to sign up for free updates each week on the films we're screening.
🌺 Northland Pasifika Fusion Festival 2026! - A vibrant celebration of Tagata Moana culture, unity, and pride! 🌺
📅Saturday, 07 March 2026 | ⏰10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
📍Kensington Sports Park, Whangārei.
🌴 What You Can Look Forward To:
•Cultural performances from across the … View more🌺 Northland Pasifika Fusion Festival 2026! - A vibrant celebration of Tagata Moana culture, unity, and pride! 🌺
📅Saturday, 07 March 2026 | ⏰10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
📍Kensington Sports Park, Whangārei.
🌴 What You Can Look Forward To:
•Cultural performances from across the Pacific Islands
• Delicious Pacific cuisine
• Island performances, live music and dance
• Youth activities
• Free Healthcare checks
• Local arts and crafts
• A strong focus on community, connection, health and wellbeing
✨Theme for 2026: “Nurturing Our Cultural Roots, by Strengthening Our Health,”
Organised by FALE Pasifika, alongside local schools, churches and community groups.
👉For more info: www.wdc.govt.nz......
Fakafetai, Vinaka vaka levu, Meitaki atupaka, Malo ‘aupito, Fakaaue lahi, Fa’afetai tele lava - we can’t wait to see you all at Kensington!
.
#whatsonwhangarei #freeevent #livemusic #pasifikafusionfestival #pasifikacommunity #culture #whangareievents #whatsonwhangarei #loveithere #islandfood #CommunityEvent
Fale Pasifika Te Taitokerau
According to The Press, the Bream Head Scenic Reserve at Whangārei Heads has it all: the best views, the best forest, and the best adventures.
Do you have a hidden gem that gives Bream Head a run for its money?
We’re on a mission to find Northland's best "Secret Spots" 🤫
… View moreAccording to The Press, the Bream Head Scenic Reserve at Whangārei Heads has it all: the best views, the best forest, and the best adventures.
Do you have a hidden gem that gives Bream Head a run for its money?
We’re on a mission to find Northland's best "Secret Spots" 🤫
We want to hear from you! What is your go-to spot when you want to show off the best of the North to friends or family? 📸
Drop your recommendations (and photos!) in the comments below! 👇
Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village by 31 March 2026 and receive a $30,000 credit on settlement or sign up to a serviced apartment and receive a $10,000 credit on settlement*.
Imagine a new smart TV, your next getaway or furniture for your new home. … View moreSign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village by 31 March 2026 and receive a $30,000 credit on settlement or sign up to a serviced apartment and receive a $10,000 credit on settlement*.
Imagine a new smart TV, your next getaway or furniture for your new home. With more money staying in your pocket, it’s yours to spend!
Discover the lifestyle that awaits.
*Participating villages only, Terms and conditions apply.
Can whoever is dumping their rubbish down the bank on Memorial Drive please stop. The Pack and Save bags for life that you're using are probably just as expensive as the council rubbish bags that you can also buy at Pack and Save.
Conventional hay bales for sale
Must be all sold by 31st March 2026
Pick up Newton road Maungatapere
$10 a bale
Phone Janet 0273293353 asap
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
THINKING OUTSIDE THE CREATIVE BOX
12-Week Creative Wellbeing Art Programme
Looking for a supportive creative space in Whangārei?
Join us at the Art Studio, Reyburn House for a welcoming, non-commercial art group designed to support wellbeing, connection, and self-expression through … View moreTHINKING OUTSIDE THE CREATIVE BOX
12-Week Creative Wellbeing Art Programme
Looking for a supportive creative space in Whangārei?
Join us at the Art Studio, Reyburn House for a welcoming, non-commercial art group designed to support wellbeing, connection, and self-expression through creativity.
✨ No experience needed
✨ Safe, inclusive environment
✨ Youth, Disabled, Elderly welcome
✨ Māori, Pasifika & multicultural communities encouraged
✨ Physically accessible venue
📅 Starting Thursday 2 April 2026
🕙 10am – 2pm weekly
📍 Reyburn House, Whangārei
💲 $5 per week (12 weeks)
No pressure. No judgement. Just creativity, connection and community. 💛
Organised by CreateAbility Whangārei
Expression of Interest please email: createability.whangarei@gmail.com
#CreativeWellbeing #WhangareiArts #CommunityCreativity #ArtForWellbeing #CreateAbilityWhangarei
© Neighbourly 2026
Loading…