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There's new ones every year, some become classics and some are not so good. What do you consider your favourite Christmas song.
And more importantly, what song would you ban? Share below!
SAFER BUS - SAFER PUBLIC
WHEN: Tuesday 17th December / From 7:00pm
WHERE: Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings, Auckland
All welcome, no RSVP required
Pack your bags, hit the open road, or set sail on your next big adventure. With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, you’re free to explore without worrying about home maintenance or security.
While you’re off enjoying life, we’ll take care of everything back home – from mowing the … View morePack your bags, hit the open road, or set sail on your next big adventure. With Ryman’s lock-and-leave-style living, you’re free to explore without worrying about home maintenance or security.
While you’re off enjoying life, we’ll take care of everything back home – from mowing the lawns to watering the garden, pulling weeds, and even cleaning the windows.
Ryman residents are free to embrace adventure because they're not tied down with home maintenance stress and security worries. They're rediscovering lost passions and plunging headfirst into new ones whenever they feel like it.
Click find out more to discover the lifestyle.
In a lush, green ngahere (forest) cloaked in mist, where ancient rimu and kahikatea trees reached to touch the sky, lived Hinekiwi, the small and humble brown kiwi. Hinekiwi was known for her quiet and hardworking nature. Every night, under the cover of darkness, she would dig through the soft soil… View moreIn a lush, green ngahere (forest) cloaked in mist, where ancient rimu and kahikatea trees reached to touch the sky, lived Hinekiwi, the small and humble brown kiwi. Hinekiwi was known for her quiet and hardworking nature. Every night, under the cover of darkness, she would dig through the soft soil with her long beak, finding juicy worms and grubs to eat.
Nearby lived Pīwakawaka, the mischievous fantail. With his flitting wings and cheeky nature, Pīwakawaka delighted in playing tricks on the other animals. Though clever and charming, he often pushed his games too far.
One evening, as the moon rose and bathed the forest in silver light, Hinekiwi was busy digging near the roots of a giant tōtara tree. She had found a patch of rich, damp earth teeming with plump worms, a rare treasure. As she carefully plucked one from the soil, Pīwakawaka swooped down, chattering loudly.
“Ah, Hinekiwi! What a feast you’ve found!” Pīwakawaka said, his voice light and teasing. “Surely you don’t need all those worms?”
Hinekiwi looked up, startled. “I worked hard to find these, Pīwakawaka. Please, let me eat in peace.”
But Pīwakawaka was not one to take no for an answer. With a flick of his tail, he darted down, snatched a worm from Hinekiwi’s beak, and zipped into the trees. Hinekiwi called after him, but the cheeky bird only laughed and disappeared into the shadows.
The next evening, as Hinekiwi searched for food, Pīwakawaka reappeared. This time, he didn’t just take one worm—he stirred up the soil with his wings, scattering Hinekiwi’s carefully dug treasures. “Such fun!” he chirped, leaving her with little to eat.
Hinekiwi was patient and wise. Though upset, she didn’t confront Pīwakawaka directly. Instead, she hatched a plan.
The following night, Hinekiwi ventured deeper into the ngahere to a place she knew well—a boggy patch near the edge of a stream, filled with fat worms. But this time, she made sure to spread word among the forest creatures that she had found an especially rich spot for foraging.
It wasn’t long before Pīwakawaka heard the news. Eager for an easy meal, he fluttered over. As Hinekiwi pretended to dig, Pīwakawaka darted down to steal a worm. But instead of finding soft earth, he landed in sticky, muddy clay! His wings flapped furiously, but the more he struggled, the deeper he sank.
“Help! Hinekiwi, help!” he called, his usual cheer replaced by panic.
Hinekiwi calmly approached. “Why should I help you, Pīwakawaka? You’ve stolen from me and made my hard work even harder.”
“I’m sorry!” Pīwakawaka cried. “I only wanted to have fun. I didn’t realize I was hurting you.”
Hinekiwi looked at the struggling bird and sighed. She was kind at heart and knew everyone in the ngahere played a role in the balance of life. “Very well,” she said. Using her strong beak, she dug around the sticky clay until Pīwakawaka was free.
From that night on, Pīwakawaka changed his ways. He still loved to play, but he no longer stole from Hinekiwi or anyone else. And when he saw Hinekiwi working late into the night, he would flutter close and chirp cheerful songs to keep her company.
The moral of the story:
Respect others’ efforts, for kindness is repaid with kindness — but mischief will stick to you like mud.
It's well over a year since the 2023 election. Whether you were pleased with the result or not, we'd love to know how you are feeling about the changes the government have made so far?
Share your thoughts below.
Hi Neighbours, I am sending you my best wishes, hoping you find moments of peace and joy this Christmas and holiday season. Kind wishes, Eve
Hello everyone
My son has 2 months holiday and his looking for a job
He is 15 years old and he can do simple gardening and
Wiping,cleaning the windows,he’s able to wash cars and clean them and he’s also able to play and walk with dogs.
He’s able to help out for shopping, if you’re … View moreHello everyone
My son has 2 months holiday and his looking for a job
He is 15 years old and he can do simple gardening and
Wiping,cleaning the windows,he’s able to wash cars and clean them and he’s also able to play and walk with dogs.
He’s able to help out for shopping, if you’re interested please let us know. If you have coffee shop or you know someone that is hiring please contact my son.
021 426 616
Thats my son’s number.
Kian Jafari
William Sanders resident Suellen loves Christmas and the joy of having family close by. To make the holiday season easier, she shares her favourite tips and hacks. From decorating with lights and faux snow to prepping meals ahead of time and using reusable gift bags, Suellen’s ideas help bring … View moreWilliam Sanders resident Suellen loves Christmas and the joy of having family close by. To make the holiday season easier, she shares her favourite tips and hacks. From decorating with lights and faux snow to prepping meals ahead of time and using reusable gift bags, Suellen’s ideas help bring festive cheer without the stress. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or simple ways to enhance your celebrations, these tips will make your Christmas brighter and more enjoyable.
Click read more for Suellen’s tips.
A Wellington man was wrongly issued a parking fine and spent over 40 hours going back and forward with Hutt City Council about it.
Have you ever been unfairly fined?
The Moon and the Stars
In the beginning, when Ranginui (the Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother) were separated, the heavens became a vast canvas of darkness. Tāne, the god of forests and man, adorned the sky with radiant stars — each one a tīpuna (ancestor) who had passed into … View moreThe Moon and the Stars
In the beginning, when Ranginui (the Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother) were separated, the heavens became a vast canvas of darkness. Tāne, the god of forests and man, adorned the sky with radiant stars — each one a tīpuna (ancestor) who had passed into the realm of the gods. They became known as Ngā Whetū o te Rangi (The Stars of the Sky).
Among these stars, the most important cluster was Matariki, whose return each year marked a time of renewal, remembrance, and harvest.
The Moon’s Journey
Te Marama (the Moon) watched from her lonely path in the heavens. She admired the brilliance of the stars and longed to be part of their eternal dance. But Te Marama’s journey through the sky was a solitary one, following her cycle of waxing and waning to bring balance to the tides and light to the night.
Te Marama approached Tāwhirimātea (god of the winds) with her wish. “Tāwhirimātea, I want to shine like the stars and be part of their unity. Please, help me join them.”
Tāwhirimātea, who had scattered the stars across the sky in his fury during the separation of his parents, listened to Te Marama’s plea. But he shook his head. “E Marama, your light is different. You do not burn with fire as the stars do. You are a reflection, a guide for those who walk the earth in darkness.”
Te Marama felt sorrowful but decided to speak with Matariki, the brightest and most beloved of the star clusters.
The Gift of Connection
Matariki greeted Te Marama warmly. “Te Marama, you have your own beauty, but I see your longing. During my time in the sky, I will send my tamariki (children) to guide you.”
Matariki’s children, the stars of her cluster, began to move in rhythm with the moon. They whispered ancient songs of hope, unity, and renewal, their light twinkling like laughter. Te Marama found joy in this companionship, even though it was fleeting.
Each night, as Te Marama waxed to fullness, she felt the presence of the stars more strongly. They taught her how to listen to the world below: the cries of the karoro (seagulls) over the tides, the hum of the forest under the moonlit sky, and the dreams of the people.
The Sacred Cycle
In return, Te Marama shared her light, illuminating the stars so that they could be seen more clearly by the iwi (people) below. Together, they became a guide for fishing, planting, and navigation.
From that time on, the people celebrated Te Marama alongside Matariki, acknowledging the balance between her cycles and the stars' steadfastness. Her waxing and waning became a metaphor for life’s rhythms: growth, rest, and renewal.
The heavens were no longer lonely for Te Marama, as she realised she was part of a greater story — a connection between Ranginui above and Papatūānuku below.
Kōrero Whakamutunga (Closing Words)
Today, when the moon rises full and bright, she reminds us of unity, and when Matariki returns, she brings the promise of new beginnings. Together, they teach us to honour the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
Kia Ora Neighbours,
We are looking for your pre-loved good quality clothing, homewares and furniture that you’d like to let go of and donate them to our Shop.
If you can’t drop it off yourself, no worries, we run a free collection service for bulky donations like furniture.
Please call us on … View moreKia Ora Neighbours,
We are looking for your pre-loved good quality clothing, homewares and furniture that you’d like to let go of and donate them to our Shop.
If you can’t drop it off yourself, no worries, we run a free collection service for bulky donations like furniture.
Please call us on 027 265 1419 (Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm).
Or send us a text to the same number to arrange a suitable collection day.
Smaller items and be dropped off during trading hours.
Thank you for your support 🎅🏽
The Salvation Army's annual Christmas Appeal, "Give A Little Joy This Christmas," is crucial this year due to rising hardship.
Over one in five Kiwi children face food insecurity, with the situation worse for Māori and Pacific families. Rising unemployment and the cost of living… View moreThe Salvation Army's annual Christmas Appeal, "Give A Little Joy This Christmas," is crucial this year due to rising hardship.
Over one in five Kiwi children face food insecurity, with the situation worse for Māori and Pacific families. Rising unemployment and the cost of living crisis are pushing more people into need, but donations and government support are dwindling.
Despite this, The Salvation Army continues to provide vital services, including food, counselling, and lifestyle programmes. Donations, no matter the size, bring long-term change to families, ensuring joy this Christmas and beyond.
For more information on how you can support The Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal, please visit:
www.salvationarmy.org.nz...
or phone 0800 53 00 00
Why not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa … View moreWhy not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa gift or something special to put under the tree, we’ve got you covered with a great selection for all interests.
Don’t miss out – shop now at Mags4Gifts.com and enjoy the savings!
Hi Neighbours,
Firstly a HUGE thanks to Don and all of Team Blue along with the volunteers helping to take care of our areas .
Piper needs a mention too, along with being very cute , he probably helps to keep Don sane :-)
Don comments on the high success rate for holding shoplifters … View moreHi Neighbours,
Firstly a HUGE thanks to Don and all of Team Blue along with the volunteers helping to take care of our areas .
Piper needs a mention too, along with being very cute , he probably helps to keep Don sane :-)
Don comments on the high success rate for holding shoplifters accountable due to the way businesses are reporting thefts. CCTV in store is working.
He also mentioned the free APP called HOIST for asset management & tool tracker if your items are loaded into the APP.
There's tips to remember before you go away and what can help to keep your property safe while you are away. Empty boxes lying around with the make and model of your new 96" TV is a dead giveaway and best not to leave your spare keys to your motor vehicles inside in plain view. Lock your garages and sheds etc Please check your home contents insurance cover too.
Are you interested in joining or learning more about the Onehunga Community Patrol - info in the newsletter :-)
All the best wishes for a wonderful festive season and roll on 2025.
Best wishes
Colleen:-)
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