Back
143 days ago

Celebrating heritage

NZ Lotto

Funds raised by Lotto New Zealand players fuels growth of Hakaru community hall

From joyous celebrations like weddings and birthdays, to solemn gatherings for farewells; Hakaru Community Hall stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its community.

The hall has been the heart of Hakaru for nearly a century and recently underwent a refresh to meet the changing needs of the community with funding support from Te Puna Tahua Lottery Grants Board.

“The grant has been huge in helping us make improvements, including the installation of a new entrance and upgrading of some of our older amenities,” says Secretary Dennis Reeve.

Over the years, the Hall has witnessed generations come together in times of happiness and sorrow and symbolises more than just a space, it’s a bond that unites the Hakaru community.

The grant also recently helped the hall committee to expand its offerings from hosting dance, yoga, and pilates classes to providing a space for local musicians to practice.

With every step forward, Hakaru Hall is committed to fostering connection, culture, and community spirit for another century to come with the help of local grants.

This is just one of the incredible causes keeping our heritage alive, with 100% of Lotto New Zealand’s profits going back to support thousands of great causes all over Aotearoa. So, every time you play any Lotto New Zealand game, it’s a win for our communities.

Read more Local Grants recipient stories
Find out more

Image
More messages from your neighbours
13 hours ago

Poll: Would you commute by public transport if it was free?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Using your car is convenient, except for finding parking.

Cycling lets you leave anytime, but you might arrive soaked.

So, neighbours, if public transport had the perk of being free, would it be your main way to commute?

Image
Would you commute by public transport if it was free?
  • 68.5% Yes
    68.5% Complete
  • 28.2% No
    28.2% Complete
  • 3.3% Other - I'll share below
    3.3% Complete
1121 votes
9 days ago

Six tips for improving security around your home

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.

2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.

3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.

4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.

5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.

6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property

Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.

Image
4 days ago

Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.

Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.

Image
Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
  • 23.9% Yes
    23.9% Complete
  • 75.3% No
    75.3% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below
    0.8% Complete
2000 votes