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Attention puppy parents! 🐶
I have a special Christmas gift for our community! 🎄
I'm giving away 3 free Puppy Training online courses to help local puppy parents raise well-behaved adult dogs.
To participate: Visit the link below, follow the steps on the original Instagram post and join the giveaway. 👇
… View moreI have a special Christmas gift for our community! 🎄
I'm giving away 3 free Puppy Training online courses to help local puppy parents raise well-behaved adult dogs.
To participate: Visit the link below, follow the steps on the original Instagram post and join the giveaway. 👇
www.instagram.com...
🐾 Happy dogs make a happy neighborhood! 🐾
Te Ara o te Raukura - Day 31
The Path of the Feather
In a quiet Māori village surrounded by dense ngahere (forest) and flowing rivers, a young woman named Aroha sought guidance for her restless heart. Aroha was gifted with a sharp mind and quick hands, which earned her admiration among her people. But she often felt torn … View moreThe Path of the Feather
In a quiet Māori village surrounded by dense ngahere (forest) and flowing rivers, a young woman named Aroha sought guidance for her restless heart. Aroha was gifted with a sharp mind and quick hands, which earned her admiration among her people. But she often felt torn between her desire for material success and a deeper yearning for peace.
One day, she climbed to the peak of Maunga Tapu (Sacred Mountain) to visit her kaumātua, Tohunga Matua, a wise elder known for his connection to wairua (spirit) and mātauranga (knowledge).
“E kui,” Aroha began, kneeling before him, “I feel trapped, as if my pursuit of worldly things has chained me. Yet, I cannot let go. What can I do?”
Tohunga Matua smiled and reached into his kete (basket), pulling out a raukura (feather). He held it high, letting the wind dance with it. “Aroha, this feather teaches us the essence of life. Do you see how it floats freely when it is released to the wind, but it falls to the ground when we cling to it?”
Aroha nodded, intrigued but unsure. “But how does that help me, e kui?”
Tohunga Matua continued, “The rāhui of our ancestors teaches us the principle of balance. The mana of a person—like the feather—determines their path. If your mind clings to the material, like a bird tied to the earth, you are bound. But if your mind lets go of attachment, you rise and find freedom.”
Still puzzled, Aroha asked, “But how do I let go of the things I desire? They feel so real.”
The elder picked up a smooth stone and handed it to Aroha. “Hold this stone tightly,” he instructed.
Aroha clenched the stone in her fist. Tohunga Matua then poured water from a calabash over her hand. The water ran over her skin, but none could reach her palm. “Your desires are like this stone, moko. When you cling to them, the waters of life cannot nourish your spirit. But if you open your hand…”
Aroha opened her palm, and the stone fell. The water now flowed freely over her hand. “When you release your grasp, you allow life to fill you with wairua. You let your spirit rise.”
From that day forward, Aroha practiced the teachings of the raukura. She found joy in simplicity, cherishing her connections to her whānau and whenua (land). Her success no longer defined her mana. Instead, it was her ability to uplift others and maintain balance in her life that gave her freedom.
Years later, when Aroha became a respected rangatira (leader), she shared the lesson of the feather with her people. “Our mind determines whether we are bound or free. Let us let go of what weighs us down and rise like the raukura, carried by the winds of wairua and wisdom.”
Moral:
The story reflects the principle of “The mind is the cause of bondage and liberation. Attachment binds, while detachment liberates.” from the Srimad Bhagavatam. It teaches that attachment to material desires binds us, while detachment and spiritual focus lead to liberation. The tale highlights the importance of balance, wairua, and mana in achieving inner freedom.
Poll: Cast your vote for NZ's Merriest Home 2024
Neighbourly members across the country have been sharing their festive decor to be in to win the title of NZ's Merriest Home. We've narrowed the entries down to six finalists (our toughest feat yet!).
Now it's up to you!
Click on the name of the finalist to see all of their … View moreNeighbourly members across the country have been sharing their festive decor to be in to win the title of NZ's Merriest Home. We've narrowed the entries down to six finalists (our toughest feat yet!).
Now it's up to you!
Click on the name of the finalist to see all of their photos before you cast your merry vote!
Nishan Wijesinghe from Te Atatu South - See all photos here
Mark Williams from Tamatea - See all photos here
Linda Clack from Cockle Bay - See all photos here
Luke Murphy from Hornby - See all photos here
Joanne Isles from Hokowhitu - See all photos here
Kirstyn Tait from Wigram - See all photos here
The finalist with the most votes will win the title of NZ's Merriest Home and $200 to go toward more Christmas goodies!
You can also enlarge the images below by clicking on them. Happy voting, neighbours!
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17.3% Nishan Wijesinghe from Te Atatu South
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27.9% Mark Williams from Tamatea
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6.1% Linda Clack from Cockle Bay
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25.9% Luke Murphy from Hornby
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6.9% Joanne Isles from Hokowhitu
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16% Kirstyn Tait from Wigram
New Year's Eve at The Terraces
Celebrate the start of a new year in style at The Terraces Restaurant. Indulge in a culinary journey with our exquisite New Year's Eve dinner menu, featuring a delectable selection of dishes from amuse-bouche to dessert.
From fresh seafood to tender beef, our menu caters to all tastes.… View moreCelebrate the start of a new year in style at The Terraces Restaurant. Indulge in a culinary journey with our exquisite New Year's Eve dinner menu, featuring a delectable selection of dishes from amuse-bouche to dessert.
From fresh seafood to tender beef, our menu caters to all tastes.Don't miss out on the festive atmosphere and live entertainment.
$88.00 per person - Last dinner booking: 8:30 PM. Check out the menu and book your table now!
Te Whakapono o Tūmanako - Day 30
The Faith of Tūmanako
In a small village nestled between the mountains of Aotearoa and the vast ocean, lived a young Māori man named Tūmanako. His name meant “hope,” and his kuia (grandmother) often reminded him, “Tūmanako, e moko, your name carries a promise to the world. You must … View moreThe Faith of Tūmanako
In a small village nestled between the mountains of Aotearoa and the vast ocean, lived a young Māori man named Tūmanako. His name meant “hope,” and his kuia (grandmother) often reminded him, “Tūmanako, e moko, your name carries a promise to the world. You must learn to walk the tides of life with grace.”
One summer morning, Tūmanako’s world was upturned. A fierce storm rolled in from the sea, its winds howling like angry taniwha. His whānau’s (family’s) marae was badly damaged, and the crops they relied on were swept away. Despair gripped the village. Many cried to Tangaroa, the god of the sea, asking why such calamity had befallen them.
Tūmanako, too, felt the sting of loss. “Why, Kuia?” he asked his grandmother. “Why does life bring so much suffering?”
His kuia sat beside him, her face weathered with years of wisdom. She handed him a tī kouka (cabbage tree) leaf. “Take this, moko. Bend it.”
Tūmanako did as he was told. The leaf bent but did not break.
“Now, hold it tighter and twist it harder,” she said.
He twisted until the leaf sprung back and slapped his hand, leaving a sting. His kuia smiled gently. “This leaf is like life. It bends under the weight of the wind but refuses to break. Yet when we fight against it, we feel pain.”
Tūmanako listened but wasn’t sure he understood. His kuia continued, “Life is a cycle, moko, just like the seasons. There will be days of sunshine and warmth, and days when the rain soaks the earth. Both are needed for growth. To fight against the storm is to forget the blessings it will bring in its wake.”
In the following weeks, Tūmanako began to embrace his kuia’s wisdom. Instead of mourning the storm, he worked with the village to repair the marae. They sang waiata (songs) of strength and unity as they planted new crops. Tūmanako noticed the soil, enriched by the storm’s floodwaters, yielded more bountiful kumara than before.
Years later, Tūmanako became a respected rangatira (leader). When challenges arose, he would remind his people of the tī kouka leaf. “We are like this leaf,” he would say, holding it high. “Life’s storms will come, but we will bend, not break. Let us move with the winds, not against them.”
The people of the village came to cherish this teaching. They learned to greet hardships with calm hearts and open minds, trusting that every storm would eventually bring new growth.
And so, the wisdom of Tūmanako and his kuia lived on, teaching the generations that to accept life’s ups and downs with equanimity is to find inner peace and wisdom.
The moral of the story is:
Resilience comes from embracing life’s challenges with acceptance and grace. Just as the storm nourishes the earth, adversity can lead to growth and wisdom when met with an open heart.
What's your favourite Christmas song?
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!
Lets bring an end to violence on our bus services
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
Explore more, worry less at Ryman
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.
The Tale of Hinekiwi and the Mischievous Pīwakawaka - Day 29
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.
🧹❤️ #CommunitySupport #Gratitude"
"Grateful beyond words! 🌟 A heartfelt thank you to BRENDA, one of our cherished elderly clients, for trusting us and supporting our free community cleaning service. Your kindness and encouragement inspire us to keep making a difference. 🧹❤️ #CommunitySupport #Gratitude"
How's the government doing so far?
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.
WiFi Coverage Solutions - Auckland Wide
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www.thewifiexperts.co.nz...
Essential Christmas hacks
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.
Essential Christmas hacks
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.
Have you ever been wrongly ticketed?
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?
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