1692 days ago

Whangārei residents urged to check their backyards for missing man

Melanie Earley Reporter from Whangārei Leader

Kia ora neighbours, Whangārei residents have been asked to check their backyards as the search for a man missing since Wednesday continues.

Brian Bench, 72, was reported missing to Northland police after last being at an address on Memorial Drive, near Riverside Drive, on Wednesday night.

Northland police said there had been a possible sighting of Bench in the Whangārei CBD area around 7am on Thursday.

“Police continue to be concerned for Brian's welfare and our search effort remains ongoing,” a police spokesperson said.

“We would like to thank those people who have called us so far. We continue to urge anyone who sees Brian to call 111.”

Anyone with information about possible sightings can also contact police on 105, quoting file number 210708/9824.

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More messages from your neighbours
22 hours ago

🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?

Do you think you know the answer?

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21 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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6 hours ago

Step by step for a great cause!

Jane Mander Retirement Village

Our amazing Hillary Hikers from Edmund Hillary Village showed their support for Bowel Cancer New Zealand's Move Your Butt campaign this month!

Sporting the bright purple and orange campaign shirts, these wonderful walkers hit the Auckland waterfront and marched from Mission Bay to Kohimarama, raising awareness for bowel cancer and the importance of early detection along the way.

Click read more to read the full story.

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