Whatawhata, Hamilton

Voted for NZ's Merriest Home yet?

Voted for NZ's Merriest Home yet?

Check out the finalists and take your pick!

233 days ago

Do you take alternative milk in your coffee?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

The days of paying extra for is over at Wild Bean cafe but don’t expect your favourite city espresso haunt to follow their lead any time soon.

BP Australia and New Zealand took a “plant-based milk now at no extra cost” stance earlier this month as customers opting for the dairy … View more
The days of paying extra for is over at Wild Bean cafe but don’t expect your favourite city espresso haunt to follow their lead any time soon.

BP Australia and New Zealand took a “plant-based milk now at no extra cost” stance earlier this month as customers opting for the dairy alternatives tripled between 2017 and 2019.

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233 days ago

Are you fascinated by fossils?

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

Bones, teeth and other fossilised animal remains that have taken nearly 25 years to collect will soon be displayed in Hamilton.

City man Vance Smith has amassed about $15,000 worth of fossils and is opening a museum-shop in Frankton in May to share his passion.

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233 days ago

What do you think about the number of alcohol outlets in your area?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Te Kauwhata locals have won a major victory against the spread of booze shops in the north Waikato village.
In a just released decision, Waikato district’s licensing committee has knocked back an application to establish a Bottle-O outlet on Main Rd beside the library after receiving 81 … View more
Te Kauwhata locals have won a major victory against the spread of booze shops in the north Waikato village.
In a just released decision, Waikato district’s licensing committee has knocked back an application to establish a Bottle-O outlet on Main Rd beside the library after receiving 81 objections.

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233 days ago

Celebrating Our Resident Authors On World Book Day

Hilda Ross Retirement Village

It was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.

They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!

View more
It was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.

They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!

Click read more for the full story.

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233 days ago

Poll: Who is the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero?

Prospa

It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who… View more
It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who deserves the title of 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero.

So have a read of the nominations below and cast your vote...

Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
Hawkes Bay
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'

Ian Harvey (& Des Banks) - Flower Bazaar
Christchurch
'I'd like to nominate my local florist, Ian and Des at Flower Bazaar on Innes Rd, Chirstchurch. The friendliest guys you could meet, always supporting their fellow retailers in the area and going above and beyond for their customers. They know my family well, and when my mother sadly passed away last July they even went out of their way to close the shop and come to her memorial service. With cost of living issues for a lot of us nowadays, it can't be easy for small businesses, especially those not selling everyday essentials. It's important we support each other and keep these little guys afloat. I can't sing their praises enough. I hope they win something, they really do deserve it.'

Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
Whangārei
'The proprietor of this business is so kind. She will come to your home or business to discuss your need for repairs alterations or bespoke requirement. As it is often impossible to give a quote for work to do with tailoring she will give a guesstimate, if her time exceed this figure, she will charge that figure no more. But if the work takes less time, this will be the figure. Also, a client who eventually came to Vivienne had taken, a dress she very much liked, to another repair and alteration business who messed it up. Vivienne adjusted to fit well, straightened the one to straight back seam as well as other adjustments. She spent hours on it but charged well less than this time, due to empathy for the disappointment created by the bad job. Vivienne Shepherd is truly focused on doing the best by her clients. She definitely pursues excellence.'

Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
Palmerston North
'He consistently turns out a wide range of biscuits on the shelves in both standard AND gluten free versions - he's our go-to when we need a treat to take to dinner at a longtime friend's place who requires gluten free food. His specialty is gingerbread of course and he sells Gingerbread House kitsets to people all over NZ!
The shop is small but inviting and he keeps loyalty cards for regular customers, bonus treats! I only found out recently that he struggled with dyslexia and left school early, but is a born baker and has gone from strength to strength. Long may he practice his craft!'

Alicia Sinclair & the Team - Atawhai Industries
New Plymouth
'Definitely Atawhai Industries New Plymouth. Great crew and management. Prompt service, experienced skilled workers who are cheerful and polite. I was very impressed with the dangerous job they had to do for me and will definitely be calling them for future work. They do so much for the community and help get work for people who would otherwise have difficulties.'

Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
Wellington
'I'd like to nominate Jitesh & Hine at Creswick Foodmarket, Northland. Their tidy shop has everything one might need. And if what I am looking for is not there, they consider bringing it in for me. This avoids a lot of travelling across town for me. They also are very community-minded, contributing quietly to events and kids club. I'm glad they are in my community.'

Nicola Read, John Read & Team - Read Bros - Hardware
Thames
'I'd like to nominate Read Bros in Thames. The staff are so knowledgeable and helpful. If it's not in stock they will order it in for you. There you get treated as a person, rather than a number.'

Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
Dunedin
'I'd like to nominate Ayers Shoe Repairs in Hillside Road of Dunedin. They repair many things, not just shoes. Paul does a great job at a very reasonable price. They rang me as soon as my job was ready to collect. They are friendly and helpful.'

Vote for your pick in the poll below...

Who is the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero?
  • 33.8% Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
    33.8% Complete
  • 9.5% Ian Harvey - Flower Bazaar
    9.5% Complete
  • 3.3% Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
    3.3% Complete
  • 15% Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
    15% Complete
  • 5.2% The Team - Atawhai Industries
    5.2% Complete
  • 20.6% Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
    20.6% Complete
  • 3.9% Nicola Read & Team - Read Bros Hardware
    3.9% Complete
  • 8.6% Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
    8.6% Complete
811 votes
233 days ago

Thinking of going duck hunting this year?

Te Tari Pūreke

Hi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.

Make this duck season a great one by … View more
Hi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.

Make this duck season a great one by following the seven rules of firearms safety. We urge duck hunters to treat every shotgun in the maimai as loaded, and to save the drinks until after firearms have been safely locked away for the day. Remember, it takes more than luck to bag a duck.

Mike McIlraith – Director of Partnerships
Find out more

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234 days ago

Macrame Workshop - Sunset Wall Hanging

Silvia from Te Kowhai

Sun. 19th May 2024, 9:30 - 14:30
Te Kowhai (Hamilton)
To register, email: craftaholix@outlook.com
www.facebook.com...

Suitable for beginners or those wanting to expand on their macrame skills. Using a range of different materials and colours, you’ll be creating a gorgeous “sunset” … View more
Sun. 19th May 2024, 9:30 - 14:30
Te Kowhai (Hamilton)
To register, email: craftaholix@outlook.com
www.facebook.com...

Suitable for beginners or those wanting to expand on their macrame skills. Using a range of different materials and colours, you’ll be creating a gorgeous “sunset” wall hanging to take home. There will be a selection of colour options to choose from.
Cost: $90 p/p (all materials included)

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234 days ago

Is this Ukrainian monster truck the ultimate 4WD?

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

A Waikato company is importing the ultimate 4WD war wagon from Ukraine.

The Kyiv-built truck called SHERP has seen active duty in Ukraine in search and rescue operations and now it’s on offer by Waikato company Impact Off Road.

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234 days ago

Have you seen the set-up for a demolition at the uni?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

A crucial phase in Waikato University’s medical school becoming a reality has started with the demolition of its ageing B Block.

After previous attempts to get the school up and running stalled, the university is no longer tip-toeing around the prospect of it going ahead.

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238 days ago

Lest we forget...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love … View more
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.

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234 days ago

'Laser-sharp focus' on eye research

The Team from Momentum Waikato

The Vision Research Foundation New Zealand exists to move beyond the safe and incremental, to attract the funding and knowledge needed to make life-changing discoveries, and to unlock the potential medical talent shut out by inequity.

Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer (pictured below), its Scientific… View more
The Vision Research Foundation New Zealand exists to move beyond the safe and incremental, to attract the funding and knowledge needed to make life-changing discoveries, and to unlock the potential medical talent shut out by inequity.

Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer (pictured below), its Scientific Director, started the VRF in 2022 with the support of a generous philanthropist.

In June 2023 they set up the Vision Research Foundation Fund at Momentum Waikato, to grow and diversify its income streams and provide a longer-term investment gateway for its current and potential donors.

Good vision and eye health are precious, as our eyes connect us to the world and are a window into our health. We will all be impacted by vision-related disorders at some stage of our lives, whether for ourselves or our family and friends, and we all face neurological and degenerative conditions as we age.

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241 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your … View more
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.4% Yes
    91.4% Complete
  • 8% No
    8% Complete
  • 0.7% Other - I'll share below!
    0.7% Complete
1816 votes
234 days ago

Weekly prize draw: $100 Briscoes voucher

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Each week we randomly draw winners from our pool of Neighbourly members.
Congratulations to:

Shinea Banks from Lynfield
Tatiana Alsayyad from Waltham
Jacob Novak from Motueka
Paul Clancy from Lower Hutt

View more
Each week we randomly draw winners from our pool of Neighbourly members.
Congratulations to:

Shinea Banks from Lynfield
Tatiana Alsayyad from Waltham
Jacob Novak from Motueka
Paul Clancy from Lower Hutt

Not a winner? Good luck next time!

Winners can get in touch here or by emailing helpdesk@neighbourly.co.nz before 7th May.

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237 days ago

Hamilton Roller Skating Club's Artistic skaters Fancy Dress Fundraising Disco

Russelle from Nawton

Dress up in your best Taylor Swift Glitz and Glam or you best James Bond outfit ( or just come as you choose) and enjoy and evenings skating under disco lights with us
$5.00 entry fee includes skate hire.
Drinks and snacks available for purchase
Sat 27th April
Hamilton Roller skating Rink … View more
Dress up in your best Taylor Swift Glitz and Glam or you best James Bond outfit ( or just come as you choose) and enjoy and evenings skating under disco lights with us
$5.00 entry fee includes skate hire.
Drinks and snacks available for purchase
Sat 27th April
Hamilton Roller skating Rink Melville Park
7.00pm
suitable for all ages
* Note cash only- no eftpost

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239 days ago

Did you submit on the city council's long-term plan?

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

Hamiltonians have spoken out on the council’s budget plans with the city’s massive proposed rates hike a lightning rod for residents already struggling with rising costs.

With more than 3000 submissions landing on the Hamilton City Council’s Draft Long Term Plan the hot topic is … View more
Hamiltonians have spoken out on the council’s budget plans with the city’s massive proposed rates hike a lightning rod for residents already struggling with rising costs.

With more than 3000 submissions landing on the Hamilton City Council’s Draft Long Term Plan the hot topic is unsurprisingly the proposed 19.9% rise, which itself lands in a cost of living crisis and limping economy.

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