
The Neighbourly Backyard Awards
We are kicking off The Neighbourly Backyard Awards, a campaign where you can show off the hard work and love you’ve put into your backyard and win prizes for it!
We'll be rolling out the competition by sharing a new category (and new $100 Mitre10 voucher) every week.
There's three fun categories for you to enter:
Best loved lawn
Best floral garden
Most creative backyard build
To be in to win, keep an eye out for the post from us every Monday announcing the new category in a post and you can share your entry in its comments below. It starts Monday 27th January when we'll be taking entries for Best Loved Lawn so get prepping, neighbours!


Poll: Has your Kiwisaver taken a dip?
With the US tariffs ramping up and the stock market taking a hit, many are noticing a change in their Kiwisaver amounts.
If you've had a peek at your Kiwisaver balance since, have you seen it decrease?

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84.9% Yes, it's decreased
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12.2% Nope
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2.9% Other - I'll share below

Mindfulness Meadowbank for a healthy mind - Monday 28th April
Hi Neighbours - Come and soothe body and mind with a small group for a gentle mindfulness session of ease and peace. The session includes gentle movement and relaxing simple meditation.
Next one is on Monday 28th April - Ongoing on the 3rd Monday of the month but this month it is changed for Easter.
1.30 - 2.45pm, Meadowbank Community Centre. Come and see what it is like! Contact me - the first session free, then Koha welcome. 021 255 1485
Click Read More to find out more about what I do - I also offer one-on-one mental wellbeing sessions, custom courses for group bookings, and run a group for experienced meditators.


Auckland weather updates
It's been a wild and windy night across the region, with more wind expected and heavy rain later in the day.
What you need to know:
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand has been called to over 100 weather related events overnight in Auckland and Northland.
- Auckland Emergency Management ask if you are travelling to take extreme care; allow extra time and drive to the conditions.
- At 11:30am, due to severe wind gusts Harbour Bridge lanes have been reduced to 2 in each direction temporarily. High-sided vehicles & motorcyclists should consider delaying their journey. Lanes will reopen asap, subject to gusts becoming less severe. Keep up to date on NZTA website.
- Some residents across Auckland are without power, particularly west and north of the city.
- All three ferry companies (SeaLink, Fullers and Island Direct) sailing to Waiheke Island have cancelled their services.
- Gulf Harbour ferry services are also cancelled for the day due to high winds.
- Around 14 domestic flights have either been delayed or cancelled from departing Auckland Airport this morning.
A further 12 have either been delayed or cancelled arriving into Auckland Airport
- Speed was reduced on Auckland Harbour Bridge during morning commute. The speed has been reduced to 50kph and big temporary signs have been put up at the base of the bridge saying “high winds, obey speed restrictions”.
- If you see fallen trees or debris on public land, please report it using Auckland Council’s Report a Problem tool: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz...
- Average wind speeds of over 75 km/h are being recorded, generating large waves on Auckland beaches. These waves crash on sandy beaches and smash up cells of phytoplankton and pull in air bubbles, producing a soapy foam.
- Auckland Zoo are opening late after night of wild weather
- Keep up to date on weather forecasts at MetService New Zealand.
Read live updates on the Stuff website.
