Rukuhia, Hamilton

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12 days ago

What's your go-to crowd-pleasing school lunch?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We've all heard about the school lunch saga happening around the country, with some questioning the quality of the meals. Since kids can be picky eaters, it raises the question - what makes a great school lunch?

Let's not debate why times are tough and these kids need school lunches, … View more
We've all heard about the school lunch saga happening around the country, with some questioning the quality of the meals. Since kids can be picky eaters, it raises the question - what makes a great school lunch?

Let's not debate why times are tough and these kids need school lunches, let's brainstorm!

Share your favourite lunches from your school days or the go-to meals your kids love! Perhaps we can come up with a menu of crowd-pleasing school lunches...

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12 days ago

Thames-Coromandel cyclone recovery costs hit $200m mark

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

The cost to repair and restore much of what was lost during Cyclone Gabrielle in Thames-Coromandel has cost residents, the government and council more than $200m, with more to come.

According to a Thames-Coromandel District Council cyclone recovery report authored by the council’s recovery … View more
The cost to repair and restore much of what was lost during Cyclone Gabrielle in Thames-Coromandel has cost residents, the government and council more than $200m, with more to come.

According to a Thames-Coromandel District Council cyclone recovery report authored by the council’s recovery team lead Stephen Town, there’s still a lot more work to do and a lot more money to be spent to repair the damage caused in late 2022 and early 2023.

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19 days ago

Poll: Do you think council elections should be every four years?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Waikato’s elected leaders want people to vote for them less often.

The region’s mayors and the regional council chairperson are throwing their collective weight behind calls to extend council terms from three to four years.

Do you think council elections should be every four years? Tell … View more
Waikato’s elected leaders want people to vote for them less often.

The region’s mayors and the regional council chairperson are throwing their collective weight behind calls to extend council terms from three to four years.

Do you think council elections should be every four years? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think council elections should be every four years?
  • 39.1% Yes
    39.1% Complete
  • 47.8% No
    47.8% Complete
  • 13% Not sure
    13% Complete
46 votes
13 days ago

From Antarctica to the Outback

The Team from Patrick Hogan Village

For Rodnie and Bryan, retirement at Ryman’s Edmund Hillary Village is all about seizing every opportunity to explore. From trekking through Nepal and enduring the cold in Antarctica to immersing themselves in Aboriginal culture in the Australian Outback, their epic retirement proves that age is … View moreFor Rodnie and Bryan, retirement at Ryman’s Edmund Hillary Village is all about seizing every opportunity to explore. From trekking through Nepal and enduring the cold in Antarctica to immersing themselves in Aboriginal culture in the Australian Outback, their epic retirement proves that age is no barrier to discovery. Just as Sir Edmund Hillary pushed the limits of exploration, residents of his namesake village continue to chart their own extraordinary journeys.

“We’ll keep travelling for as long as we can,” says Rodnie.

Click read more for the full story.

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13 days ago

Poll: Do you know any children receiving these school lunches?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

When Associate Education Minister David Seymour took over the school lunches programme it was out with “woke sushi” and in with meatballs and pasta ‒ but quickly it was then frozen pies, scalding food, or no food at all.
What happened?

Do you know any children receiving these school … View more
When Associate Education Minister David Seymour took over the school lunches programme it was out with “woke sushi” and in with meatballs and pasta ‒ but quickly it was then frozen pies, scalding food, or no food at all.
What happened?

Do you know any children receiving these school lunches? Tell us about it in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you know any children receiving these school lunches?
  • 13.6% Yes
    13.6% Complete
  • 86.4% No
    86.4% Complete
22 votes
14 days ago

Poll: Do you think it's hard to find a park in central Hamilton?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

The loss of the last bastion of free CBD parking is unwelcome news to workers, who say they can’t afford a $6 a day fee.

CBD workers who’ve spent the past few years parking for free in the Old Mill Street car park on the corner of Seddon Road and Old Mill Street will soon have to pay to … View more
The loss of the last bastion of free CBD parking is unwelcome news to workers, who say they can’t afford a $6 a day fee.

CBD workers who’ve spent the past few years parking for free in the Old Mill Street car park on the corner of Seddon Road and Old Mill Street will soon have to pay to leave their vehicles there.

Do you think it's hard to find a park in central Hamilton? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think it's hard to find a park in central Hamilton?
  • 70.6% Yes
    70.6% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
  • 29.4% I never go into the central city
    29.4% Complete
34 votes
13 days ago

Poll: Would you take a Sunday trip on the train?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Te Huia rail service has been a hit for weekend day trips to Auckland to the extent that plans are underway to add a Sunday service between Hamilton and the super city.

Despite being set up as a weekday commuter service, Te Huia’s patronage has been on the up, according to the latest public … View more
Te Huia rail service has been a hit for weekend day trips to Auckland to the extent that plans are underway to add a Sunday service between Hamilton and the super city.

Despite being set up as a weekday commuter service, Te Huia’s patronage has been on the up, according to the latest public transport stats for the Waikato region.

Would you take a Sunday trip on the train? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Would you take a Sunday trip on the train?
  • 100% Yes
    100% Complete
  • 0% Maybe
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
1 vote
14 days ago

Council’s risk from major financial shock ‘high’

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Hamilton’s at risk of a shock from jittery global markets just as home building consents and other income streams are already down.

The grim picture was painted in a report to the city council’s strategic risk and assurance committee for March.

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14 days ago

This week's prize draw

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Congratulations to this week's winners who have won a $100 Briscoes voucher each.

Shilpy Rattu from Takapuna

Alana August from Morrinsville

Michael Cooney from Whangarei

View more
Congratulations to this week's winners who have won a $100 Briscoes voucher each.

Shilpy Rattu from Takapuna

Alana August from Morrinsville

Michael Cooney from Whangarei

Matthew Alan from Rangiora

Winners, get in touch here before 18th March.

Not a winner? Check back next week.

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20 days ago

Poll: Do you think it's time to declare drought in Waikato?

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

The farming industry is keeping a close eye on the weather forecast, and with no rain on the horizon, a drought declaration may be on the cards.

The dry conditions impacting the North Island led MPI to declare a drought in Taranaki last week.

Do you think it's time to declare drought in … View more
The farming industry is keeping a close eye on the weather forecast, and with no rain on the horizon, a drought declaration may be on the cards.

The dry conditions impacting the North Island led MPI to declare a drought in Taranaki last week.

Do you think it's time to declare drought in Waikato? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Do you think it's time to declare drought in Waikato?
  • 54.8% Yes
    54.8% Complete
  • 19% Not sure
    19% Complete
  • 26.2% No
    26.2% Complete
42 votes
14 days ago

Developer hails potential for ‘hundreds of jobs’ at new 187-home Tokoroa development

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Tokoroa is set to get 187 new homes - including as many as 31 “affordable” $550,000 properties - after resource consent has been granted for the Strathmore Park development.

South Waikato District Council also said the development would provide “significant employment opportunities” at a… View more
Tokoroa is set to get 187 new homes - including as many as 31 “affordable” $550,000 properties - after resource consent has been granted for the Strathmore Park development.

South Waikato District Council also said the development would provide “significant employment opportunities” at a time when Tokoroa has been left reeling with the loss of up to 230 jobs at the Kinleith Mill.

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14 days ago

Poll: What do you reckon: stick with the lower limit or put it back up?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Lower speed limits may stick around on two well-used Hamilton routes, despite a Government-ordered reversal.

The rule change requires councils to reverse speed reductions made since 2019 - but Hamilton City Council staff propose keeping the lower limits on a piece of Cobham Dr, heading from the … View more
Lower speed limits may stick around on two well-used Hamilton routes, despite a Government-ordered reversal.

The rule change requires councils to reverse speed reductions made since 2019 - but Hamilton City Council staff propose keeping the lower limits on a piece of Cobham Dr, heading from the CBD to Melville, and on Ruakura road.

What do you reckon? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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What do you reckon: stick with the lower limit or put it back up?
  • 56% Stick with the lower limit
    56% Complete
  • 44% Put it back up
    44% Complete
25 votes
14 days ago

One council's looking into a specialist rates debt collector

Libby Reporter from Waikato Local

Rates debt is on the rise all across the Waikato region with every council contacted by the Waikato Times reporting an increase in outstanding rates debt and a combined bill topping $50m.

As more people struggle to pay, the South Waikato District Council is looking to employ a specialist rates … View more
Rates debt is on the rise all across the Waikato region with every council contacted by the Waikato Times reporting an increase in outstanding rates debt and a combined bill topping $50m.

As more people struggle to pay, the South Waikato District Council is looking to employ a specialist rates debt collector in an effort to recoup more than $3.5m in unpaid rates from cash-strapped locals.

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14 days ago

Poll: Did you go to Frankton Thunder?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Stepping past the cones at the entrance to Frankton Thunder is like stepping into a whole new world.

Creative expression runs free here, as adults of all ages embrace dressing up and letting their inner steampunk out.

Did you go to Frankton Thunder? Tell us your reasons in the comments … View more
Stepping past the cones at the entrance to Frankton Thunder is like stepping into a whole new world.

Creative expression runs free here, as adults of all ages embrace dressing up and letting their inner steampunk out.

Did you go to Frankton Thunder? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).

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Did you go to Frankton Thunder?
  • 12.5% Yes
    12.5% Complete
  • 87.5% No
    87.5% Complete
16 votes
14 days ago

How to support Matthew's support

The Team from Momentum Waikato

The work of CCS Disability Action Waikato makes a huge difference in the lives of disabled people and their whaanau across the Waikato, Coromandel and King Country.

One person who the organisation supports is Matthew Sloane (pictured above), someone who, in his dad David’s words, “spreads … View more
The work of CCS Disability Action Waikato makes a huge difference in the lives of disabled people and their whaanau across the Waikato, Coromandel and King Country.

One person who the organisation supports is Matthew Sloane (pictured above), someone who, in his dad David’s words, “spreads joy.”

“Matthew is an incredibly cheerful, friendly person, and that friendliness is contagious,” said David.

The 31-year-old has a learning disability and has been supported by CCS Disability Action’s Waikato branch for around 10 years. He is also employed as a caretaker at the local branch, work he enjoys.

Matthew has a small team of Support Workers who spend time with him each weekday morning and help him to live independently. Every day holds something different. As well as working at CCS Disability Action, he enjoys a regular cycling session and connecting with friends.

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