796 days ago

Major award for local Clean-Up leader, Karen Lee

The Team from Whangarei District Council

Congratulations to local legend Karen Lee who has been nationally recognised as a "Tidy Kiwi of the Year" by Keep New Zealand Beautiful (KNZB) this year.

Karen is the backbone of F.O.R.C.E (For Our Real Clean Environment) which organises the popular Love Whangarei Monthly Clean Up and the new Repair Cafe Whangārei. She also somehow juggles a full-time job and raising a toddler with her partner, Councillor Nicholas Connop.

Karen says the secret is to make it fun: "People motivate and encourage others and get encouraged and motivated in return. Anyone can take part - just start small and encourage others and you'll be amazed at the results."

KNZB says "The vision of F.O.R.C.E is to treat waste as a resource, and Karen lives and breathes that vision! Karen has a passion for reducing waste in the environment, and that passion inspires others to do better too." Anyone who has been to one of their clean-ups or the Repair Cafe will agree!

Thank you Karen and everyone who volunteers to keep Whangārei beautiful - we love the difference you make.

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More messages from your neighbours
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4 hours ago

Next Sunday – Christmas Market at Reyburn House, Town Basin!

Kristi from Tikipunga

Next Sunday – Christmas Market at Reyburn House!
Join us for a festive Sunday Christmas Market at the beautiful Reyburn House, Town Basin, Whangārei
On Sunday 21 December 2025 from 10:00am – 3:00pmat Reyburn House, Town Basin, Whangārei

Enjoy a relaxed summer Sunday filled with:
- Handmade arts & crafts
- Christmas gifts & local treasures
- Food treats & sweet delights
- Festive vibes in a heritage setting
- Free Entry to Reyburn House Art Gallery
With Free parking, Dog friendly on lead and Family friendly

A perfect chance to support local makers, finish your Christmas shopping, and soak up the community spirit by the water.
Where heritage, creativity, and Christmas come together!

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10 hours ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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1 day ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 40.8% Yes
    40.8% Complete
  • 33.4% Maybe?
    33.4% Complete
  • 25.8% No
    25.8% Complete
449 votes