South Whangarei news is brought to you by the team at Whangārei Leader
Recent posts
Thank you for using Neighbourly
What is it about Op shops that makes people so bold?
I love browsing in Op shops and if I'm in a new place and find an Op shop, you can guarantee I'm going to have a look. I've even been known to plan my holidays around visits to Op shops further down the country. There's … View moreWhat is it about Op shops that makes people so bold?
I love browsing in Op shops and if I'm in a new place and find an Op shop, you can guarantee I'm going to have a look. I've even been known to plan my holidays around visits to Op shops further down the country. There's something special about the feel when you find something to buy- could be about embracing recycling, being eco-friendly, finding something to match an already owned set or a walk in the past.
Whatever it is, I see something I love/need/want and if the price is right, I'm happy to support that organisation and make a purchase.
The thing I don't like much is the growing boldness of a few other customers.
Recently, I found a pretty plate in a local charity shop. As I continued to wander around, a complete stranger (another cstomer) confronted me.
She: What have you found? Let me have a look.
Me: It's just a pretty plate I like.
She: It might be valuable- let me look at the mark on the back of it.
At this stage, I turned and walked away. It wasn't anything valuable, just a pretty plate made by an English manufacturer...but what business was it of hers? If it had been a Ming dynasty charger (I'm sure that I would not recognise one if I fell over it, but it sounds flash) would she have wrestled it off me and claimed it as her own purchase/ rushed to the counter and told them to call a museum/ or loudly demand that they put the price up???!!!
Just last week I wandered into an Op shop in Thames. I found a carving I really liked, slightly damaged according to the sticker on it and at a price I was happy with, given the minor imperfections. I didn't really take a lot of notice of the older woman who entered the shop a few minutes after me.
After I had wandered all around the shop and finally to the counter to pay, I found myself standing directly behind the said woman as she was being served. I heard her say out loud "Now, where is she?" She scanned around the shop before finally turning away from the counter and realising there was someone behind her. " Oh, there you are" she said. ( I then realised she must have been stalking me all around the shop and had somehow 'lost' me).
" What have you got there? Let me see" she demanded. I told her it was just a carving that I liked and was going to purchase, without letting her examine it. I then paid for it and left the shop.
What is it about Op shops that lets people think it's ok to accost others and demand to see what they have chosen? Would they do this is in a gift shop/ Harvey Norman's/ any other shop? It's bad manners in my mind and if they get a terse reply (or no reply) to their demand to see what I have found, maybe they should learn from it.
Have others experienced this and how do you respond to being accosted?
It is quite normal for you to be taking frequent looks around your bedroom. In the process, have you ever felt that there is something special missing from this divine space at home?
The problem here is that it is so difficult for you to put your finger on exactly what that thing is that could … View moreIt is quite normal for you to be taking frequent looks around your bedroom. In the process, have you ever felt that there is something special missing from this divine space at home?
The problem here is that it is so difficult for you to put your finger on exactly what that thing is that could potentially add value to your bedroom. You need not panic though for when it comes to ensuring your bedroom is fitted with everything it should have such that it becomes the ideal place to unwind and relax in, we have all your bases covered.
Police are calling for witnesses to a home invasion on Whangārei's Maunu Road, near the intersection with State Highway 1, on Monday September 30.
A 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery, but the investigation is still ongoing, say Police.
If you have … View morePolice are calling for witnesses to a home invasion on Whangārei's Maunu Road, near the intersection with State Highway 1, on Monday September 30.
A 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery, but the investigation is still ongoing, say Police.
If you have information, please contact Police on 09 430 4500 or 0800 555 111.
I want to buy a young Chinese Silkie chicken and also a young Frizzle chicken. Please 0210521155 Sandy
October specials with great savings "Now On" at Hatchback Haven Limited.....See us first for used Hachbacks, Hybrids(petrol electric) vehicles, and mid range SUV.
Check out our website ww.hatchbackhaven.co.nz for a full descriptive summary of each vehicle.
Quick and easy finance, Trades… View moreOctober specials with great savings "Now On" at Hatchback Haven Limited.....See us first for used Hachbacks, Hybrids(petrol electric) vehicles, and mid range SUV.
Check out our website ww.hatchbackhaven.co.nz for a full descriptive summary of each vehicle.
Quick and easy finance, Trades welcome
An example of whats on sale right now.
Main intersection Maungatapere Village ph 094385196
We look forward to meeting you.
Vehicle Summary Sheet - 1505 - 2007 Toyota Harrier.pdf Download View
Vehicle Summary Sheet - 1500 - 2006 Mazda MPV 7 seater.pdf Download View
Vehicle Summary Sheet - 1504 - 2010 Honda Fit Hybrid.pdf Download View
Vehicle Summary Sheet - 1492 - 2007 Honda CR-V 4WD.pdf Download View
The National Party is considering a policy of fining parents $3000 if their children drop out of school and don't enter further education or training.
Simon Bridges says "The reality is if you're not in work, education or training, you're going to be languishing in a dole … View moreThe National Party is considering a policy of fining parents $3000 if their children drop out of school and don't enter further education or training.
Simon Bridges says "The reality is if you're not in work, education or training, you're going to be languishing in a dole queue, and the evidence is potentially for a long time". Do you agree with this policy? Should parents be fined?
A key report has recommended Ports of Auckland should close and move all its freight to Northport at Marsden Point. The project includes a new rail line, four-lane motorway and large expansion of Northport. What do you think?
Whangarei landlords were told to pay a tenant thousands of dollars for renting a house where the windows didn't close and only one powerpoint worked. Have you had a bad experience renting? Or have you had horror tenants? What can be done to improve the situation? (Please put NFP if your … View moreWhangarei landlords were told to pay a tenant thousands of dollars for renting a house where the windows didn't close and only one powerpoint worked. Have you had a bad experience renting? Or have you had horror tenants? What can be done to improve the situation? (Please put NFP if your comments are not for publication)
WDC emailed me today that heading into the final week of voting, they are driving non-postal ways of voting.
Customer Services at Forum North will be open for late night voting on Thursday 10 October from 4.30pm – 7pm.
Forum North and the Ruakaka Service Centre will be open from 8.30am – … View moreWDC emailed me today that heading into the final week of voting, they are driving non-postal ways of voting.
Customer Services at Forum North will be open for late night voting on Thursday 10 October from 4.30pm – 7pm.
Forum North and the Ruakaka Service Centre will be open from 8.30am – 12pm on Saturday 12 October.
Electors can also vote on the mobile library bus as per the attached schedule.
Staff from the Electoral Commission will be available on both days to assist electors with enrolments.
There has been a huge spike in measles cases, up 60 per cent in less than a month, and Northland DHB is widening its vaccination offering. Have you had measles or know someone who has? What was it like? What precautions are you taking to keep your family safe? (Please put NFP if your comments are … View moreThere has been a huge spike in measles cases, up 60 per cent in less than a month, and Northland DHB is widening its vaccination offering. Have you had measles or know someone who has? What was it like? What precautions are you taking to keep your family safe? (Please put NFP if your comments are not for publication.)
Hi I am looking for about 10 bales of hay or straw for my garden. Any quality will do as it is only for mulch and not animal food. Rotten hay or straw, wood chips, mulch, etc is all good. Private message me or text on 0277822377, Cheers, Debbie
Tossing and turning and waking up cranky is never fun, so it’s time to face the facts. You may not be getting enough zzz’s due to one of these unhealthy, before-bed habits. If some much-needed sleep is on your wish list, avoid making these mistakes at night. Check out the full blog
Local Government New Zealand is urging people to post their voting papers on Vote Day – Saturday 5 October 2019.
All voting papers must be returned to the relevant council by midday on Saturday 12 October, and voters need to factor in the time it will take the papers to get through the postal … View moreLocal Government New Zealand is urging people to post their voting papers on Vote Day – Saturday 5 October 2019.
All voting papers must be returned to the relevant council by midday on Saturday 12 October, and voters need to factor in the time it will take the papers to get through the postal system.
New Zealand Post advises that the Standard Post delivery target is up to 3 working days for nationwide delivery, while delivery to and from rural areas may take longer. However, these targets are guides only, and are not guaranteed – delivery may take longer.
Visit www.nzpost.co.nz... to find your nearest post box or office. To get more information on your local candidates, visit policylocal.nz and local council websites for both information and meet the candidate schedules.
“Some of the main reasons people give for not voting are they forgot, ran out of time or were too busy,” says LGNZ Chief Executive Malcolm Alexander.
“So to make sure people give themselves the best chance to have their say we are encouraging people to vote early on what we’ve dubbed Vote Day. Fill out your papers during the week and then to pop them in the paid envelope and into the nearest post box on Saturday 5 October.”
“Voting papers have to arrive at council offices by midday Saturday 12 October, so sending them in on Vote Day gives them plenty of time to get through the postal system.”
Mr Alexander says it is important New Zealanders participate in the selection of the people who will make decisions that affect most people’s lives on a daily basis.
“Local government shapes the place that you live. It’s the pavements you walk on, the roads where you drive, the water you drink, shower in and swim in, your parks, libraries and swimming pools where you take the kids,” Mr Alexander says.
“There’s been a lot of robust public conversation around climate change, the housing crisis, the quality of our water and our transport options, and now is the time to turn that conversation into a vote that influences your local leadership.”
“Voters can still post their papers after 5 October, but there is no harm in doing it earlier,” Mr Alexander says.
Eligible voters who didn’t enrol before 16 August won’t receive their papers in the mail, but can make a special vote by visiting their local council offices, or by contacting their Council Electoral Officer.
What: ‘Vote Day’
When: Saturday 5 October 2019
Why: Make sure you have your say by voting early
How: Visit www.nzpost.co.nz... to find your nearest post box or office. To get more information on your local candidates, visit policylocal.nz and local council websites for both information and meet the candidate schedules.
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…