Tikipunga, Whangarei

331 days ago

Isabella the Resilient

Glen from Central Whangarei

Isabella the Resilient
Once upon a time, in the humble town of Waipu, lived a spirited girl named Isabella. Everyone knew her as a bubbly child, full of charm and vitality, spreading joy wherever she went. But everything changed on her 16th birthday.

The day was filled with laughter and love, … View more
Isabella the Resilient
Once upon a time, in the humble town of Waipu, lived a spirited girl named Isabella. Everyone knew her as a bubbly child, full of charm and vitality, spreading joy wherever she went. But everything changed on her 16th birthday.

The day was filled with laughter and love, as her friends and family gathered in Waipu to celebrate. But in a horrific twist of fate, a casual play with her younger brother ended tragically. Isabella, attempting to catch a runaway balloon, tripped and fell through a glass window. The glass shattered around her like crystal rain, piercing her right arm terribly and scarring her face.

The injuries were so severe that her right arm had to be amputated. The loss of her arm and the scars on her face seemed to steal away her joyous spirit. She was no longer the radiant Isabella everyone knew. Instead, she became the target of harsh words and cruel whispers. Names like 'Scarface' followed her like a shadow.

Yet, in the midst of adversity, Isabella found a well of inner strength she never knew she possessed. She chose to turn her pain into purpose and decided not to let her circumstances define her.

Driven by this newfound resolve, she pursued a career in badminton. Many people doubted her, but she proved them wrong. With fiery determination, she trained harder than anyone else, mastering the art of the game with just one arm.

Isabella's victories on the badminton court earned her a scholarship to university. Though her journey was far from easy, she flourished. Her story was a beacon of inspiration for others, and she was no longer 'Scarface,' but 'Isabella the Resilient'.

However, she wanted to do more than just inspire; she wanted to make a tangible difference. Thus, she pursued a career in medicine, her ambition fueled by her own experience. She worked tirelessly, her spirit unbroken, eventually becoming Dr. Isabella Rossi, a leading expert in the field of regenerative medicine.

True to her cause, she turned her focus towards developing better treatments for scarred skin. She researched relentlessly, driven by the memory of her pain, her disfigurement, and the torment she endured. She wanted no one to suffer as she had, and she believed in the beauty of every scar - a testament to the strength of human endurance.

After years of work, she unveiled a revolutionary treatment that reduced and healed scars, helping thousands reclaim their confidence and lives. As the news of her achievement spread, Isabella's name echoed in every corner of the world.

Isabella, who was once called 'Scarface', had transformed her own scars into symbols of resilience. Her story touched the hearts of millions, reshaping the narrative of adversity. It was no longer about the pain endured but about the strength discovered within. And for all the Isabellas in the world, she became a beacon of hope and a testament to human resilience, compassion, and determination.

Isabella's journey from the traumatic incident on her 16th birthday to becoming an acclaimed doctor and an inspiration to many was a testament to her indomitable spirit. Her story serves as a poignant reminder that it is not our circumstances, but how we respond to them, that truly defines us.

Please support our young disabled
www.childrenwithdisability.co.nz...
Authored by Glen McMillan Copyright 05-08-2023

332 days ago

Poll: True or false? Drinking a glass of red wine every day is good for your heart.

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

To find out the answer, click the link below and take our ‘Truth about alcohol' quiz.

www.heartfoundation.org.nz...

Image
True or false? Drinking a glass of red wine every day is good for your heart.
  • 50.1% True
    50.1% Complete
  • 49.9% False
    49.9% Complete
2429 votes
332 days ago

Whangarei Film Society - NO screenings for Thursday August 10th

Geoff from Central Whangarei

Good people

WFS has no screenings at Forum North for this Thursday, the 10th August as there is no venue available.

But we have films all set for the 17th. Stay tuned for details next week.

333 days ago

Dining table makeover

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whangarei

Is your dining table tasteless and dull?

Apply high gloss Resene Black for an instant injection of tabletop glam.

Image
S
333 days ago

Old Bricks Free For Removal

Steve from Maunu

FREE
300 old bricks from partial wall removal.
Mixture of broken and whole clumps to be removed. Kensington area.

Free

339 days ago

The most beautiful spot in every region of NZ

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi there,
We're on the lookout for the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, and would love to hear your favourites.
While it will be impossible to include all of them in one article, we'd appreciate your help in narrowing it down. What do you think are most beautiful places in … View more
Hi there,
We're on the lookout for the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, and would love to hear your favourites.
While it will be impossible to include all of them in one article, we'd appreciate your help in narrowing it down. What do you think are most beautiful places in NZ's regions? Do you have a favourite spot in the Waikato, Taranaki, Canterbury, Southland or elsewhere?
Feel free to comment below, send me a message or email me at lorna.thornber@stuff.co.nz. Please include 'NFP' in your comment if you do not want it or your name included in an article. Thanks in advance for taking the time to share.

337 days ago

Poll: Is the letterbox obsolete?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With online being the main mode of communication these days, it's no wonder that there has been a worldwide mail decline and here in Aotearoa, NZ Post has needed to lay off 750 full-time staff. Do you think it's time to say goodbye to the trusty letterbox?

Image
Is the letterbox obsolete?
  • 5.3% Yes, it can go!
    5.3% Complete
  • 34.1% Not just yet, I still use it
    34.1% Complete
  • 60.6% Never, there'll always be a need for it
    60.6% Complete
3118 votes
335 days ago

Could you spot the signs of a heart attack?

Heart Foundation NZ

Heart attack is a leading cause of death in New Zealand.
Learn to recognise the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack, so you know what to do if you see or experience them. Don’t try to walk it off, wash it off or push through it. Make the right call, it may save your life.

Image
336 days ago

Unbroken Wings Authored by Glen McMillan

Glen from Central Whangarei

Unbroken Wings a girl named Lily.

Once upon a time, in the city of Whangarei, there lived an effervescent young girl named Lily. She was a talented ballet dancer, her agile movements embodying the artistry of her spirit. She was often seen dancing with the wind, her feet barely touching the … View more
Unbroken Wings a girl named Lily.

Once upon a time, in the city of Whangarei, there lived an effervescent young girl named Lily. She was a talented ballet dancer, her agile movements embodying the artistry of her spirit. She was often seen dancing with the wind, her feet barely touching the ground, the city as her stage. But one fateful day, everything changed.


Lily was walking home late at night after a riveting ballet performance when an unexpected accident occurred. A reckless driver lost control of his vehicle, striking Lily before she could react. The next thing she remembered was the stark white ceiling of a hospital room. She had survived, but her spinal cord was severely damaged. The doctors gently broke the news: she would likely never dance again. Her world came crashing down around her. The stage she loved so dearly had been snatched away.

Days turned into weeks, then into months. Lily wrestled with depression, confined to her wheelchair, watching as the world moved on without her. Her dreams were shattered, her spirit broken. The city that once felt like a lively stage now loomed over her like a giant, unscalable wall.

One day, a man named Oscar moved into the house next to Lily's. He was a friendly, cheerful person who painted for a living despite being visually impaired. Oscar's unyielding spirit, despite his disability, ignited a spark of hope in Lily. She began to visit him, intrigued by his world of colours unseen.

Oscar, realizing Lily's pain mirrored his own, encouraged her to express herself again, not through dance, but through paint. Lily was hesitant at first; she thought she had lost all her artistic abilities. But Oscar insisted, "Art is not about the medium, Lily. It's about the soul that pours into it."

For the first time in months, Lily decided to give it a try. She picked up a brush, and as the colours danced on her canvas, she discovered a new way to express herself. With each stroke, she painted her emotions, her dreams, and her dance. The wheelchair didn't bind her; she was dancing again, just differently.

Lily's transformation was profound. She began to emerge from her shell of despair, reclaiming her life. Her paintings were heartfelt, filled with emotion that moved those who saw them. The city that once watched her dance was now captivated by her art.

In her struggle, Lily found a new purpose. Her life wasn't over; it had simply taken a different path. She missed dancing every day, but she found joy in her art, in the vibrancy of her paintings, in the dance of her brushstrokes. Her spirit, once crushed, now flew on unbroken wings.

She was no longer just Lily, the ballet dancer. She was Lily, the artist, the survivor, the beacon of hope. Through her journey, she discovered that while accidents can steal dreams, they can also give birth to new ones. Through her courage and resilience, she taught her city that while life can change in an instant, the spirit remains unbroken.

Authored by Glen McMillan

Please support our young disabled
www.childrenwithdisability.co.nz...

336 days ago

Whau Valley Dam reopens for visitors

The Team from Whangarei District Council

We've re-opened Whau Valley Dam for visitors, but fenced off an area of unstable ground. The carpark and access was closed earlier this year while assessments were carried out, and the carpark area has been deemed to be safe.

The Whau Valley Dam Track, which is accessed via the Dam car … View more
We've re-opened Whau Valley Dam for visitors, but fenced off an area of unstable ground. The carpark and access was closed earlier this year while assessments were carried out, and the carpark area has been deemed to be safe.

The Whau Valley Dam Track, which is accessed via the Dam car park, remains closed due to a slip - please stay clear of the fenced areas for now. The concrete path along the crest of the dam remains open.

More info: www.wdc.govt.nz...

Image
M
338 days ago

GLS delivery scam

Mary from Kensington

We had a woman today who wanted to buy our exercise cycle off Whangarei Market Place,price $50,she was organising pick up wanted to know what day e mail address etc,then the supposed courior sent e mail to say pur $5,000 item would cost $197 to deliver found out a guy on neighbourly in Rangiora had… View moreWe had a woman today who wanted to buy our exercise cycle off Whangarei Market Place,price $50,she was organising pick up wanted to know what day e mail address etc,then the supposed courior sent e mail to say pur $5,000 item would cost $197 to deliver found out a guy on neighbourly in Rangiora had the same thing happen.Our buyer was on Facebook but was Hungarian so think it was a case of using her identity .Just be careful

M
336 days ago

Warning, please beware of scam ph no. 09 9678641

Marlene from Parua Bay / Whangarei Heads

Hi Neighbours.
After seeing the above ph no. on my cell ph (my ph showed the message it was a scam call).
I did not answer it or the message they left - deleted & blocked straight away. I rung One.NZ (Vodafone) & they confirmed it was a scam.

336 days ago

New Clearance Wing

Beds & More Factory Outlet Shop Whangarei

Happy Monday Whangarei.
We just wanted to let you all know that we've opened a new wing at the store - for Clearance and One-Off items. Be sure to stop in on your next trip past.
We've got some timber bed sets, and furniture suites at jaw-dropping prices.
Plus SuperGold cardholders … View more
Happy Monday Whangarei.
We just wanted to let you all know that we've opened a new wing at the store - for Clearance and One-Off items. Be sure to stop in on your next trip past.
We've got some timber bed sets, and furniture suites at jaw-dropping prices.
Plus SuperGold cardholders can get 5% discount off their purchase!!

337 days ago

JP Service Desks

Valerie Wong from Northland Justices of the Peace Association

Did you know that the Northland Justices of the Peace Association runs free JP Service Desks where no appointments are necessary? These are a handy alternative if you cannot see a JP at home.
Locations are as follows:
Whangarei District Court: Monday to Friday 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Whangarei … View more
Did you know that the Northland Justices of the Peace Association runs free JP Service Desks where no appointments are necessary? These are a handy alternative if you cannot see a JP at home.
Locations are as follows:
Whangarei District Court: Monday to Friday 9.30 am – 12.30 pm
Whangarei Central Library: Saturday 9.30 am – 12 noon
Tikipunga Library: Wednesday 9.30 am - 12.00 noon (starting 09.08.2023)
Ruakaka Community Library: Saturday 10.00 am – 11.00 am
Mangawhai Museum: Saturday 10.00 am – 12 noon
Dargaville Whanau Focus: Thursday 12 noon – 1.00 pm
Kaiwaka Library: Please see link to Kaiwaka Library Facebook page below

339 days ago

Whangarei Film Society - screenings for Thursday August 3rd

Geoff from Central Whangarei

Good People

For Thursday, the 3rd August at 6pm we are screening the British film, Living which offers a career-defining performance by Bill Nighy.

Our 8pm screening is the delightful French film, Driving Madeleine.

LIVING
Living (2022, Drama, UK, rated M, 97 mins)
Cast: Bill Nighy, … View more
Good People

For Thursday, the 3rd August at 6pm we are screening the British film, Living which offers a career-defining performance by Bill Nighy.

Our 8pm screening is the delightful French film, Driving Madeleine.

LIVING
Living (2022, Drama, UK, rated M, 97 mins)
Cast: Bill Nighy, Aimee Lou Wood, Alex Sharp, Tom Burke.

It's 1950s post-war London and Rodney Williams (Nighy) is a bureaucrat at the tail end of his distinctly unremarkable career.

But a cancer diagnosis from his doctor drives Rodney to review his life and make the effort to achieve something wonderful for those around him whilst he still can.

"One of the best pictures of the year.” - Rolling Stone

View the trailer at: www.youtube.com...

Tickets: Door sales only. Price: $10 for WFS members, $15 for non members. Cash only please - no Eftpos/credit card services available.

Visit whangareifilmsociety.org and sign up for our free weekly email for information on our films and screening dates for 2023.

Top