228 days ago

Libraries popularity grows in new yearly stats

The Team from Whangarei District Council

New stats show Whangārei libraries are thriving community hubs! 📔

Library Manager Paula Urlich says it’s really encouraging to see the use of libraries continuing to increase. “In the past, people thought that libraries would become obsolete with the rise of eBooks. In fact, we’re finding the opposite; people still want to read physical books and the borrowing of physical books is increasing at a faster rate than that of eBooks.”

The average number of items borrowed per month, over the past year is 66,000 and average monthly visitors to the libraries is 32,000. This is an increase from the previous year, which saw an average of 63,000 items borrowed per month and 31,000 average monthly visitors.

📸 Picture: Library staff are still buzzing from the Night Café Whangārei at the Central Library during the Love it Here Festival. Performances, tutorials, tours, board games and writing competitions generated a warm, inviting atmosphere where visitors could hang out and ‘just be’.

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More messages from your neighbours
7 hours ago

Ryman Village Open Days

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Wednesday 10 December, 10am - 3pm

Join us this Wednesday and explore our lifestyle, show homes and amenities.

More than just a place to live, Ryman villages are places where friendships grow, hobbies flourish and a genuine sense of community thrives.

The best way is to experience it for yourself. No appointment necessary!
Find out more

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7 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.1% Yes
    53.1% Complete
  • 46.9% No
    46.9% Complete
2076 votes
11 days ago

We want to know: Have you thought about cutting your insurance cover to save costs?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Senior business reporter Rob Stock tackles a big question many of us have wondered about: “What are the pros and cons of cutting back on insurance?”

So we’re curious… What are your thoughts on trimming your insurance cover? Have you ever considered it?

Want to dive deeper? Rob Stock has the full breakdown.

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