
Minimum wage, no help and on the ladder at 25: here's how they did it
I loved talking to Courtney Mason about how she and her husband ben bought their first home. It really offers a lot of hope for folks who might be looking at the property market and wondering what on earth is happening out there these days.
Courtney and Ben were tenacious and bold, and now they're living happily in their Hawke's Bay home.
Have a read and see how they did it, and while you're at it have a listen to our third episode of First Rung, the podcast for first home buyers for a little more inspiration.


Poll: Is your nearest emergency department up to scratch?
Concerns have been raised about Nelson Hospital with complaints of lack of staffing and excessive wait times. Do you have confidence in your local emergency department?

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34.1% Yes, it serves us well
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65.2% No, I have concerns
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0.7% Other - I'll share below

IS THIS YOUR KAYAK? 🛶
Police has been notified of a kayak being located near Wharepoke Falls this morning.
At this stage we believe the kayak has come from further upstream on the Kerikeri River.
If this is your kayak, or you have information on its owner, please contact Police on 105 using the reference number P062109879.
Thank you for your assistance.


Have your say on Annual Plan 2025-26 and Local Water Done Well
We've just launched two major consultations: Annual Plan 2025-26 and Local Water Done Well. Find them both here:
www.wdc.govt.nz...
Annual Plan 2025-26 sets out all the planning, projects, rates, and spending for the coming year. It is in line with our Long Term Plan (LTP) focus on infrastructure, planning with growth in mind, and making sure income covers costs. We are seeking feedback on 3 topics about rates.
Local Water Done Well (LWDW) is about how water infrastructure and services are managed. We're proposing two options: an "in-house business unit", or teaming up with neighbouring Councils for a Northland Council Controlled Organisation (CCO). Our preferred option is the in-house business unit.
Consultation on both topics is open until 5:00pm on Friday 2 May 2025. A series of 3 "drop in session" events begins on Thursday 8 April 2025 in Ruakākā (details are on the Have Your Say pages).