Opito, Whitianga

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3137 days ago

Our native trees need your help

Ministry for Primary Industries

Myrtle rust is a fungus that can destroy our native and taonga trees such as pōhutukawa, mānuka, kānuka and rātā. It also attacks feijoa trees. Severe infestations can kill affected plants and have long-term impacts on the regeneration of young plants and seedlings.
And it’s now in New … View more
Myrtle rust is a fungus that can destroy our native and taonga trees such as pōhutukawa, mānuka, kānuka and rātā. It also attacks feijoa trees. Severe infestations can kill affected plants and have long-term impacts on the regeneration of young plants and seedlings.
And it’s now in New Zealand – sightings have been reported in Kerikeri in Northland, Waitara in Taranaki and Te Kuiti in Waikato.

If you see it, DO NOT TOUCH OR DISTURB THE PLANT. Please take a photo and call us immediately on 0800 80 99 66.

To find out more about the invasive Myrtle rust fungus please visit www.mpi.govt.nz/myrtlerust
Find out more

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3137 days ago

DOC prepares for the worst disaster myrtle rust might wreak

Teresa Ramsey Reporter from Hauraki Herald

The attack on pohutukawa begun by possums could be finished off by myrtle rust.

Conservation Department staff are collecting seeds nationwide in case of a potentially catastrophic outbreak of the fungal disease.

Some staff are even dangling from helicopters to reach remote specimens.

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3141 days ago

The Phenomenon Returns to Hamilton!

Business Manager from Hamilton Operatic Society Inc

Hamilton Operatic Society presents Les Misérable. Join the barricade and see one of the worlds most adored musicals.

For a strictly limited season only at Clarence St Theatre. Directed By David Sidwell and Musically Directed by Alex Wiltshire. Book at Ticketek.
Book tickets

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3139 days ago

The only BA you can study by distance.

Massey University

Learning can happen anywhere. Enrol in a Bachelor of Arts at Massey – the only BA you can study from wherever you are. With 26 majors on offer you can study what you’re passionate about, while gaining valuable knowledge that will serve you now and in the future. Semester 2 starts July. Learn more

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3141 days ago

A bit of background about 'Talk To Me,' my latest book

Neil from Thames

I am having a very bad love affair----with Talk Back Radio!!!!! The origin of Talk To Me---the book
, by Neil Coleman.
There is a very fine line between love and hate. Both emotions are felt strongly, affecting us in so many ways. One can be up, one moment and then down in the dumps, the next. … View more
I am having a very bad love affair----with Talk Back Radio!!!!! The origin of Talk To Me---the book
, by Neil Coleman.
There is a very fine line between love and hate. Both emotions are felt strongly, affecting us in so many ways. One can be up, one moment and then down in the dumps, the next. Such is my relationship----with Talk back radio.
I have often used it as a 'background,' whilst driving, doing housework (OK---the latter ---not so much, as housework is a waste of time at my place when it inevitably gets 'done again' by a partner who refuses to pass my paltry efforts as being 'good enough.' Sometimes, there is a 'thread,' re the conversation and I turn up the volume, only to be dumped, angered, entertained, but rarely 'enlightened.'
The 'wisdom' exhibited by the callers is mind-blowing, not because of the level of so-called knowledge, but more from how it represents the level that our collective knowldge has sunken to. Throw in the 'taunting' and somewhat manipulative approach from the various 'hosts' (They vary re their arrogance!) and you have a hotchpotch of all that is talkback radio.
One needs to decide BEFORE embarking on a 'listening experience,' between taking talkback radio as entertainment, or as an example of an 'informed debate, led by a sympathetic and inclusive host. I think that last part of the previous sentence almost has me throwing up!
OK---I admit to experiencing the occasional well-informed contribution and sensitive response and questioning from the hosts, but in general, I see talkback radio as being no more than a reflection of just how diverse our opinions and stances are re various issues. That is fine, but when such views are expressed via talkback radio, they are underlined by the fact that the radio stations are in this for one reason only---to get listeners and therefore to bring in the 'advertising dollar.'
A host can be skilful, in 'keeping a 'thread going,' by playing the Devil's Advocate.' Hell---some even admit that. But then there are others who consistently come from a 'particular point of view,' being dismissive of anything that goes against their 'held view.'
I am sure those of you who lsiten to talkback radio, have your favourite hosts. You probably save YOUR contributions for that time when your favourite is on the radio, that is if you are brave enough to ring up and let loose.
My 'fascination' and viewpoint on the 'talkback radio industry,' led me to write a book about how I see things, albeit in a cynical, humorous (maybe not!) and OK---a 'take-the-piss' kind of manner. I included another aspect of my life in the book---my attachment' to my crazy Jack Russell. I did not intend TALK TO ME to be a serious expose of the talkback radio industry because I do not have that knowledge, but nevertheless, some aspects, hidden in the narrative, do come through.
Imagine my surprise, when I heard that TALK TO ME has been nominated for the Ngaio Marsh Crime Writers Awards. It is up against books that are far more complex and skillfully written. My efforts were nothing more than to entertain, with a little bit of a swipe at the 'industry.' Spot (Perdy--of Tararu/Thames fame) plays a central role--a fun role. I get my chance to discuss the book at the 'Murder in The Library,' series at the Tauranga Library on June 8th at 5.30. Feel free to join me.
You can read it by going to my website and following the links from Neils Books. Hell, if I get enough downloads from the site--at about $3 a shot) I may be able to afford to bring it out in hard copy and sell it at the various venues, alongside ROSKILL, in the Thames/Hairaki area. Go and check it out.
If not---well---you always have talkback radio to fall back on to be 'informed, misinformed, entertained and totally--pissed off!~
www.authorneilcoleman.com...

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3142 days ago

Which local group will you support?

Z

Good in the Hood is your chance to support local groups in your neighbourhood. Right across New Zealand, groups of all sizes and from a variety of backgrounds are meeting different needs in their communities. So next time you’re at your local Z, remember to vote and … View moreGood in the Hood is your chance to support local groups in your neighbourhood. Right across New Zealand, groups of all sizes and from a variety of backgrounds are meeting different needs in their communities. So next time you’re at your local Z, remember to vote and help a group do good in your hood. Meet the groups

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3143 days ago

Electric Kiwi rated #1 for Customer Satisfaction

Electric Kiwi

A big THANKS to all our customers - Canstar Blue have just awarded Electric Kiwi the 2017 Most Satisfied Customers Award – Electricity Retailers.

If you are also interested in guaranteed savings, no contracts, awesome online service and one hour of free power every day,
then jump on overView more
A big THANKS to all our customers - Canstar Blue have just awarded Electric Kiwi the 2017 Most Satisfied Customers Award – Electricity Retailers.

If you are also interested in guaranteed savings, no contracts, awesome online service and one hour of free power every day,
then jump on over and see why a smaller smarter power company could be better for you.
Find out more

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3144 days ago

Our next New Home Builders' session is around the corner!

The Team from Jennian Homes

Our New Home Builders Information Sessions are designed to ensure your new build experience is filled with plenty of 'OH YES' moments. Completely FREE, sessions are designed for new builders with all budgets and levels of experience. Your local Jennian team will cover off:
• How best… View more
Our New Home Builders Information Sessions are designed to ensure your new build experience is filled with plenty of 'OH YES' moments. Completely FREE, sessions are designed for new builders with all budgets and levels of experience. Your local Jennian team will cover off:
• How best to establish your construction budget
• How to avoid hidden costs
• Easy ways to save money by building an environmentally friendly home
• How to plan a home you've always wanted

We love sharing our construction industry and knowledge to ensure every home building journey is a good one. Come along with any questions you might have and learn how to avoid ‘OH NO’ moments. Find out more at jennianinfo.com
Register now

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3144 days ago

Coromandel 1OO% stores sponsor junior football

Julie Kaio Reporter from Hauraki Herald

Five Coromandel Peninsula 100% stores have banded together to sponsor junior football across the region for the 2017 season.
The under-11 and under-13 leagues, including Paeroa, Hauraki Plains, Thames, Tairua, Whangamata and Mercury Bay football clubs, are now known as the 1OO% Appliances Thames… View more
Five Coromandel Peninsula 100% stores have banded together to sponsor junior football across the region for the 2017 season.
The under-11 and under-13 leagues, including Paeroa, Hauraki Plains, Thames, Tairua, Whangamata and Mercury Bay football clubs, are now known as the 1OO% Appliances Thames ...

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3145 days ago

Calling for Applications

The Warehouse Whitianga

Are you helping families and young people within your community and in need of more funds for your project? Our store is now calling for applications to our Customer Choice ‘Bags for good’ Programme. In the last financial year $529,814 was raised for 279 community partners. For more information… View moreAre you helping families and young people within your community and in need of more funds for your project? Our store is now calling for applications to our Customer Choice ‘Bags for good’ Programme. In the last financial year $529,814 was raised for 279 community partners. For more information and to begin the application process follow the link below. Applications close on the 16th of June.
www.thewarehousegroup.co.nz...

3158 days ago

Community divided over police call to lower speed limit on Kopu-Hikuai Rd

Julie Kaio Reporter from Hauraki Herald

A police call to lower the speed limit on the Kopu-Hikuai Rd has split the community.
Police want to lower the speed limit because of an increase in crashes on the dangerous Coromandel highway, however, Thames-Coromandel district mayor Sandra Goudie is not keen.
Thames roading sergeant Jim ...

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3148 days ago

Mark Kerr walks for life on epic 3000km journey for St John

Teresa Ramsey Reporter from Hauraki Herald

VIDEO: Mark Kerr has already worn out several pairs of shoes on his epic 3000km journey from Bluff to Cape Reinga for St John.

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