Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesnāt have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.6% Yes
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14.7% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcutās #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharpāwhether itās on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say heās as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ā¬ļø
The Story of Tahu and the Sacred Visitor - Day 10
In a small kÄinga (village) nestled by the ngahere (forest), lived an elderly woman named Tahu. She was a simple kuia (elder), devoted to the atua and known for her aroha (love and compassion). Though she lived humbly, Tahuās heart was rich with kindness and her hands were always busy caring for others in her community.
One night, Tahu had a vision during her karakia (prayers). The atua spoke to her, saying that a great rangatira (chief) on a sacred journey would one day visit her home. This visitor would be a symbol of mana (prestige) and the spirit of aroha. Tahu woke with a sense of purpose and spent her days preparing for this rangatiraās arrival.
She tidied her whare (home) and tended to her mÄra (garden), ensuring everything was in perfect condition. Each day, she gathered the freshest kumara and sweetest berries from the ngahere, tasting them carefully to ensure they were fit for her guest. Although her people sometimes laughed at her efforts, saying, āTahu, why prepare so much for someone who might never come?ā she remained steadfast in her devotion.
One day, the great rangatira, TÄwhirimÄtea, arrived at her humble whare with his companion. Tahuās heart swelled with joy as she welcomed them, offering water and the food she had so carefully prepared.
However, one of TÄwhirimÄteaās companions noticed Tahu tasting the berries before offering them. He frowned and whispered, āIt is disrespectful to offer food that has already been tasted.ā
But TÄwhirimÄtea smiled and replied, āYou judge her actions, but I understand her intentions. Tahu is not tasting out of disrespectāshe is ensuring that only the sweetest and best berries are served. It is her aroha that makes this kai truly sacred.ā He ate the berries with gratitude, blessing Tahu for her kindness.
The atua smiled upon Tahu, and the mana of her aroha inspired her whÄnau to live with the same compassion and care for others.
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Moral of the Story
This story teaches that acts of aroha (love and compassion), no matter how humble, hold the greatest mana. True kindness is not measured by wealth or grandeur but by the heart and intention behind our actions. Like Tahu, we are reminded to serve others with sincerity and respect, knowing that aroha strengthens the bonds of whÄnau and community.