Tutukaka Coast, Whangarei

Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays

Ryman’s Walk in Wednesdays

Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in November.

1663 days ago

What do you think about the coronavirus alert level two rules?

Denise Piper Reporter from Whangārei Leader

We are not there yet but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has outlined the rules for alert level 2, which includes bars and restaurants having sit-down service and hair and beauty salons opening. Iwi checkpoints will also not run at level 2. What do you think of the rules? And what are you looking … View moreWe are not there yet but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has outlined the rules for alert level 2, which includes bars and restaurants having sit-down service and hair and beauty salons opening. Iwi checkpoints will also not run at level 2. What do you think of the rules? And what are you looking forward to the most?

Image
1662 days ago

*Win* Happy Mother's Day Neighbours

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Competition alert! Mother's Day might be a little different this year and here at Neighbourly, we want to make the day a bit more special - that's why we're giving away five SOS Business vouchers worth $100 each to use in your local businesses!

All you've got to do is tell … View more
Competition alert! Mother's Day might be a little different this year and here at Neighbourly, we want to make the day a bit more special - that's why we're giving away five SOS Business vouchers worth $100 each to use in your local businesses!

All you've got to do is tell us how you're celebrating your Mum - or a special woman in your life - with the constraints of lockdown (or how you'd like to share the love once we're in Level 2).

Comment below to enter, hurry though, entries close tonight 11.59pm Sunday 10th May 2020.
T&Cs apply.

Image
1661 days ago

Join Healthy For Life this Saturday!

The Team from ACC New Zealand

It's not too late to be healthy for life!

Join Bernice Mene this Saturday at 9am on TVNZ 1 for a new exercise programme designed for over 65 year olds to work on their strength and balance.

All done from the comfort of your bubble, this show provides great tips for staying safe in the … View more
It's not too late to be healthy for life!

Join Bernice Mene this Saturday at 9am on TVNZ 1 for a new exercise programme designed for over 65 year olds to work on their strength and balance.

All done from the comfort of your bubble, this show provides great tips for staying safe in the home, keeping your brain active, how to keep up your social links and friendships and advice about healthy eating and sleep during this time.

Healthy For Life is available on TVNZ OnDemand, or screens this Saturday at 9AM on TVNZ 1.

Find out more at Live Stronger for Longer.
Find out more

Image
1662 days ago

Reduce your isolation energy bills

ECCA

With so many of us spending more time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people’s energy bills are skyrocketing. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here are 5 simple, easy to implement ideas and tips for cutting down your domestic power bills to save yourself some cash.
Find out more

Image
1664 days ago

Limes for sale

Graham from Hikurangi Coastal

Beautiful spray free limes $5/kg, will keep in the fridge for up to a month. Delivered to your letterbox this Saturday. Minimum order 2kg.
Payment by internet banking, please text your order to 0204 164 1165

1665 days ago

What are your best water-saving tips for autumn and winter?

Denise Piper Reporter from Whangārei Leader

The temperature has dropped and we are getting some showers but the drought is far from over, according to Whangārei District Council, with the area recording its lowest ever rainfall from January to April. Hoses and sprinklers are still banned, with Whangārei's main dam at Whau Valley just … View moreThe temperature has dropped and we are getting some showers but the drought is far from over, according to Whangārei District Council, with the area recording its lowest ever rainfall from January to April. Hoses and sprinklers are still banned, with Whangārei's main dam at Whau Valley just 44 per cent full (pictured). What are your best water-saving tips now that we are approaching winter?

Image
1664 days ago

Please pick up what your dog leaves behind!

The Team from Whangarei District Council

When you're out with pooch you have a responsibility to remove their leavings.

Health and Bylaws Manager, Reiner Mussle says Kensington Park seems to have been one of the worst areas in our District for leavings.

“Kensington Park is actually a dog restricted area because it is used by … View more
When you're out with pooch you have a responsibility to remove their leavings.

Health and Bylaws Manager, Reiner Mussle says Kensington Park seems to have been one of the worst areas in our District for leavings.

“Kensington Park is actually a dog restricted area because it is used by hundreds of children and adults for team sports each week. As we move into Alert Level 2 sports may resume, so it’s important that our sportsfields and parks are ready to use.”

Mr Mussle says dog owners who don’t remove their dog’s faeces from public places and dispose of it appropriately may face a fine of $300.

Image
1663 days ago

Time to decorate?

Resene

You can purchase everything you need for your decorating projects from your local Resene ColorShop – simply shop online, or call or email your local Resene ColorShop. Click and collect or we can arrange contactless delivery direct to you.

And if you need any advice for your project use our … View more
You can purchase everything you need for your decorating projects from your local Resene ColorShop – simply shop online, or call or email your local Resene ColorShop. Click and collect or we can arrange contactless delivery direct to you.

And if you need any advice for your project use our free online help service, Ask a Technical Expert, or Ask a Colour Expert or call 0800 RESENE 737 363.
Shop online

Image
1663 days ago

Enjoy Europe Day with a hamper of European goodies!

Delegation of the European Union to New Zealand

9 May is Europe Day, a day that celebrates peace and unity in Europe. This new form of political cooperation made war unthinkable in Europe and became the European Union.

Across Europe and worldwide, Europe Day showcases what the European Union does.

This year, since we can't do … View more
9 May is Europe Day, a day that celebrates peace and unity in Europe. This new form of political cooperation made war unthinkable in Europe and became the European Union.

Across Europe and worldwide, Europe Day showcases what the European Union does.

This year, since we can't do anything in person, we wanted to bring Europe to you. Answer our quiz and be in to win a $75 hamper from our friends at Le Marche Francais.

To find out more about the European Union (and maybe even the answers!) find us on @EUinNZ.
Find out more

Image
1665 days ago

Roadworks Projects are back Underway

Online Content Publisher from Whangarei District Council

Roadworks are starting back up around our District while the country is in Alert Level 3.

After coming to an abrupt halt for the Alert Level 4 lockdown, roadworks are one of the industries that are now allowed to resume.

This includes work on the Maunu and Porowini Avenue intersection as well as … View more
Roadworks are starting back up around our District while the country is in Alert Level 3.

After coming to an abrupt halt for the Alert Level 4 lockdown, roadworks are one of the industries that are now allowed to resume.

This includes work on the Maunu and Porowini Avenue intersection as well as the Mill Rd roadworks - replacing kerb, channel and footpaths ahead of the road rebuild planned for later this year.

Whangarei District Council Capital Works and Procurement Manager Greg Monteith says Council contractors are gearing up to get back to work at sites around the District, although there are some additional Health and Safety requirements that need to be followed. “All our roading contractors have had to provide us with updated Health and Safety plans covering off issues such as maintaining social distancing, contact tracing, maintaining work bubbles, and following other protocols set out by the Government for working during Alert Level 3.”

Mr Monteith said the contractors he has spoken to are all looking forward to getting works underway as quickly as they can, once safety issues are worked through.

“It’s going to be great for them to be able to get back to work, helping get the local construction industry back on its feet, as well as helping restart the local economy.”

Mr Monteith says that a small amount of works that are weather and temperature dependent have now had to be put off until the next construction season, which will start in September/October this year.

“Unfortunately, the COVID situation has caused delays for some projects but any enabling works we can start up for these projects, we will get underway as soon as we can.”

Image
1663 days ago

Getting married in New Zealand?

Kelly Dennett Reporter from Sunday Star Times

Coronavirus has us celebrating our local businesses, does that extend to your Big Day? We've spoken to wedding venues who are hopeful people will commit to a local wedding in the future. The Sunday Star-Times is keen to speak to a couple who have new plans to keep their wedding in New Zealand.… View moreCoronavirus has us celebrating our local businesses, does that extend to your Big Day? We've spoken to wedding venues who are hopeful people will commit to a local wedding in the future. The Sunday Star-Times is keen to speak to a couple who have new plans to keep their wedding in New Zealand. If you're willing to be interviewed and identified for a story, please email kelly.dennett@stuff.co.nz.

1664 days ago

NZ Gardener's new issue is out now

Jo McCarroll - NZ Gardener editor Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We are (very) excited to say that the May issue of NZ Gardener is on sale today, and absolutely packed with the good stuff! Lynda Hallinan reflects on 60 lessons for gardeners from the lockdown (with plenty of idea on what you can sow and grow in May); there's a bumper gardening quiz; we … View moreWe are (very) excited to say that the May issue of NZ Gardener is on sale today, and absolutely packed with the good stuff! Lynda Hallinan reflects on 60 lessons for gardeners from the lockdown (with plenty of idea on what you can sow and grow in May); there's a bumper gardening quiz; we suggest five herbs to reduce anxiety and promote calmness; and visit a Taupo sanctuary full of art and alive with native birds and a wild and wonderful garden in Glenorchy. And since we've been gardening in isolation, Jack Hobbs talks to gardeners on the Chatham Islands about how they keep things growing, 650km from the nearest garden centre. Normally our subscribers get their copy before it goes on sale, of course, but things aren't quite normal right now so if your copy hasn't arrived yet, it should be with you very soon! We are so pleased to have a new issue of your favourite magazine for you, and I cannot wait to hear what you think. NZ Gardener has been informing and inspiring New Zealand gardeners for more than 75 years and we're incredibly grateful to our readers, especially our subscribers, because we couldn't do it without you. And by the way subscribing is easy and a much cheaper way to get your magazine each month! And would an NZ Gardener sub make a great Mother's Day gift this Sunday, you ask? I think we all know the answer to that! Jo

Image
1664 days ago

Annual Plan Consultation to begin 15 May

Online Content Publisher from Whangarei District Council

Council is to ask the community if it agrees to a smaller rate increase than previously flagged and for a fund to be targeted at community support for a post-COVID-19 restart.

The proposal was debated at the first live-streamed Council meeting on Thursday (30 April) and forms the backbone of the … View more
Council is to ask the community if it agrees to a smaller rate increase than previously flagged and for a fund to be targeted at community support for a post-COVID-19 restart.

The proposal was debated at the first live-streamed Council meeting on Thursday (30 April) and forms the backbone of the 2020-21 Draft Annual Plan, which goes out for 3 weeks of public consultation, starting 15 May.

The Elected Council considered four different scenarios and looked at the sacrifices and benefits of each option over the short, medium and long term. The options included whether it was better to make no rates increase, which would see future ratepayers facing larger rates increases, or continue with the 4.2% rates increase that had been proposed for year three of our 2018-28 Long Term Plan.

Council decided to seek feedback on a reduced rate increase of 2.2% which will enable Council to continue providing and maintaining the services and assets we use daily.

Mayor Sheryl Mai says we need to factor in how different the global landscape was when the Long Term Plan was established after consultation in 2018, and how everything changed on 25 March.

“When we first prepared our budget and work programme for 2020-2021 the plan was to increase our revenue to continue building the assets our rapidly growing District needs, like roads, water and wastewater systems, and parks and reserves.

“COVID-19 changed that - we see the pain our community is experiencing. People need immediate help, but also assurance that life will go on, and improve after this crisis."

Council is committed to continuing capital works projects to help stimulate local businesses and create jobs as well as seeking potential government funding for projects that are ‘shovel ready’.

1665 days ago

Poll: Have you had a courier parcel go missing?

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

Hi Neighbours,
If you have ordered a parcel to be delivered by courier during lockdown, Stuff/Homed would love you to take part in this short poll please. We would like to know if you have had problems with the theft of courier parcels (not just delays) from your letterbox or porch, or if this not… View more
Hi Neighbours,
If you have ordered a parcel to be delivered by courier during lockdown, Stuff/Homed would love you to take part in this short poll please. We would like to know if you have had problems with the theft of courier parcels (not just delays) from your letterbox or porch, or if this not been an issue. If you would like to add detail or comment, please email me. Thank you.

Image
Have you had a courier parcel go missing?
  • 16.1% Yes, parcel not found
    16.1% Complete
  • 83.9% No, all parcels accounted for
    83.9% Complete
1474 votes
1666 days ago

A little look behind the scenes...

New World

The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us all how quickly life can change. For many New Zealanders, this has meant job losses or significant pay cuts – and the family pantry suddenly empty.

For the past two months, there’s been a huge demand for food parcels from local charities around the … View more
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us all how quickly life can change. For many New Zealanders, this has meant job losses or significant pay cuts – and the family pantry suddenly empty.

For the past two months, there’s been a huge demand for food parcels from local charities around the country. Find out what we’ve been doing behind the scenes to support these charities who are helping New Zealanders get back on their feet.

(PS – we want to say a special ‘thank you’ to all of you who have made a donation at your local store. Your generous support is helping keep New Zealanders fed.)
Take a look behind the scenes

Image
Top