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1642 days ago

Future Hollywood star found in Upper Hutt boxing gym

Reporter Community News

James Matamua is a name to remember.

The Upper Hutt 22 year-old has taken an unlikely path to acting stardom after being discovered in an Upper Hutt boxing gym.

When Kiwi director Sam Kelly walked into the Heretaunga Boxing Gym, he wasn’t expecting to find New Zealand’s next big talent. But that is exactly what Kelly found when he handed out audition forms to the young men hanging around after training.

Matamua was so confident he’d get the role after auditioning, James started signing off as ’’Next Big Thing’’ in his emails to the producer, telling them not to bother auditioning anyone else. It was this confidence, humour and natural charm that endeared the casting team to him and won him the role.

Matamua scored a role in Savages, a film about the early history of gangs in New Zealand.

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1 hour ago

Poll: Would you use a pet cemetery?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Dave Stephens has created a pet cemetery on his land.

The 10-acre site in Albany, Auckland, features graves nestled among beautifully manicured gardens and unique art pieces, offering a serene space where visitors can pay their respects in their own way.

Is this something you think you would use? Share your thoughts below.

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Would you use a pet cemetery?
  • 0% Yes
    0% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
  • 0% Other - I'll share below
    0% Complete
0 votes
11 days ago

Show us what you've been up to...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Brighten our day, and show us a glimpse into your world, neighbours.

We'd love to see some of the photos you've taken lately or any craft/DIY projects you're working on.

Simply add a photo below 📷🌅 🌻

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4 days ago

Poll: Are speed bumps effective or just annoying?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Speed bumps are a hot topic in many neighborhoods - they aim to slow down speeding drivers, but they also impact everyone on the road. In your opinion, do you think they do the trick or are they just an inconvenience?

Share your thoughts below.

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Are speed bumps effective or just annoying?
  • 38.9% They do the job
    38.9% Complete
  • 59.2% I'm not a fan, they're just annoying!
    59.2% Complete
  • 1.9% Other - I'll share below
    1.9% Complete
2624 votes