1688 days ago

Family of Brian Bench, who died after going missing, thank searchers

Melanie Earley Reporter from Whangārei Leader

Kia ora neighbours, the family of a well-known Northland man who died after going missing last week has thanked the Whangārei community for the help during the search.

Searchers found 72-year-old Brian Bench, who had dementia, in bush in an area of Parihaka, Whangārei on Sunday afternoon.

“Despite efforts from emergency service staff, he sadly passed away at the scene,” a police spokeswoman said.

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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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