Macraes, Macraes Flat

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For just $15, you could win a fully furnished home in Clarks Beach, Auckland worth over $1 million. Buy your tickets today!

977 days ago

Long weekend has started, check out our top things to do!

The Team from NZ Compare

Sometimes having NO plan is a great plan! But if you feel the need to do something this long weekend then take a look at our top ideas.

From the team at NZ Compare - be safe and smile with your loved ones. Lest we forget. ❤️

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978 days ago

Do you have a great persimmon recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for persimmon recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before April 29, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for persimmon recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before April 29, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.

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978 days ago

The 'beyond five-star' Queenstown hotel where the toilet can give you a massage

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

When Kevin Carlin first came to Queenstown he was advised to park his BMW in a shed and drive a ute around town.

“I was told to not be too flash, as people in New Zealand call it.”

More than 30 years after moving from the United States to the country he chose for its lifestyle and security, … View more
When Kevin Carlin first came to Queenstown he was advised to park his BMW in a shed and drive a ute around town.

“I was told to not be too flash, as people in New Zealand call it.”

More than 30 years after moving from the United States to the country he chose for its lifestyle and security, he has opened one of the flashiest hotels ever built in Queenstown.

The “more than five-star” 14-suite Carlin Boutique Hotel stretches seven stories above the central town.

Each of the interconnected suites has its own outdoor fire and spa pool, and a kitchen where private chefs can whip up a meal.

“We don’t expect our guests are ever going to buy eggs and cook,” Carlin said.

The toilets have remote controls that do everything from lift the seat to provide a massage.

The walls are marble and oak, the waste baskets and tissue holders are leather and embossed with the newly-developed Carlin crest.

If you are unfortunate enough to have one of the few bedrooms without a view over Queenstown, you will instead have a 65-inch television linked to a rooftop camera that provides a live feed of the outlook.

Guests who walk into central Queenstown but want a lift uphill home can choose to be picked up in a Bentley, Porsche or Maserati – or grab an e-bike from the available fleet.

A night in a one-bedroom suite starts at $1750 plus GST, while the three-storey penthouse goes for about $25,000 a night for seven bedrooms, seven-and-a-half bathrooms, four spas, four backyards and four lounge rooms over about 510 square metres.

979 days ago

Poll: Should Arrowtown's iconic autumnal trees get the chop?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

The people of Arrowtown face a looming dilemma: lose a large section of the town’s colourful autumnal background or face an ecological disaster.

Resident Richard Newman has raised concerns that German Hill, which provides a prominent tree-covered backdrop to the west of central Arrowtown, is … View more
The people of Arrowtown face a looming dilemma: lose a large section of the town’s colourful autumnal background or face an ecological disaster.

Resident Richard Newman has raised concerns that German Hill, which provides a prominent tree-covered backdrop to the west of central Arrowtown, is being denuded of its colourful larch trees.

“It’s environmental vandalism,” he said.

However, landowner representative Jo Booker said the larches were invasive pests that were spreading into the surrounding back country.

Read more here and tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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Should Arrowtown's iconic autumnal trees get the chop?
  • 11.8% Yes
    11.8% Complete
  • 88.2% No
    88.2% Complete
  • 0% I'm not sure/something else (tell us in the comments)
    0% Complete
17 votes
980 days ago

Why Queenstown's neighbour Arrowtown hasn't slept through the challenging pandemic

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Strong support from locals has helped a small Otago tourist town fare better than its superstar neighbour, Queenstown, but the lack of international tourists has hurt small retail businesses in particular.

With its seasonal beauty, quiet one-way main street, and heritage status, Arrowtown is a … View more
Strong support from locals has helped a small Otago tourist town fare better than its superstar neighbour, Queenstown, but the lack of international tourists has hurt small retail businesses in particular.

With its seasonal beauty, quiet one-way main street, and heritage status, Arrowtown is a popular spot for overseas visitors and has often been marketed to wealthy internationals.

But through the Covid-19 pandemic it has been hungry locals and loyal shoppers that have kept businesses on their feet to a greater extent than their neighbours in struggling Queenstown.

Read more here.

980 days ago

Get quake safe now, not later.

Earthquake Comission

If you’ve ever felt a decent earthquake, your first thought was probably the safety of your loved ones. This long weekend is the perfect time to think about protecting them by making your home quake safe.

The good news is there’s a lot you can do right now, like securing tall and heavy … View more
If you’ve ever felt a decent earthquake, your first thought was probably the safety of your loved ones. This long weekend is the perfect time to think about protecting them by making your home quake safe.

The good news is there’s a lot you can do right now, like securing tall and heavy furniture, and finding a builder to look at your chimney.

Everything you need to know is at EQC’s site. Don’t wait for the next earthquake to shake you into action, get started this long weekend.
Know more

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982 days ago

Meal planning with Stuff’s Dinner Sorted

Stuff

Putting a tasty and nutritious meal in front of our families each night is important for many of us, but with work, school, and activities in the way, it can also become a stressful chore.

Dinner Sorted delivers a week's worth of delicious, satisfying recipes that should please the whole … View more
Putting a tasty and nutritious meal in front of our families each night is important for many of us, but with work, school, and activities in the way, it can also become a stressful chore.

Dinner Sorted delivers a week's worth of delicious, satisfying recipes that should please the whole family, sent to your inbox on Saturday mornings. As a bonus you'll also get our Weekend Baking collection, perfect for filling the baking tins, lunchboxes, or just that 4pm gap.

Sign up here it's free!
Know more

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983 days ago

Enjoy a Ryman village now

Making the move to a Ryman retirement village while you’re independent allows you to enjoy everything that’s on offer.

With assisted living, resthome, hospital and dementia care also onsite, if your partner needs care before you, knowing the village care centre is only a short stroll away … View more
Making the move to a Ryman retirement village while you’re independent allows you to enjoy everything that’s on offer.

With assisted living, resthome, hospital and dementia care also onsite, if your partner needs care before you, knowing the village care centre is only a short stroll away will help ease this transition.

Care options vary between villages.
Learn more

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988 days ago

Most trusted NZ crypto exchange

Easy Crypto

Come see what all the fuss is about and invest in crypto with Easy Crypto, NZ’s most trusted crypto currency exchange.

With quick sign up, no sneaky crypto transaction fees and one of the safest & most beginner-friendly platforms on the market, you’ll be buying your first crypto in … View more
Come see what all the fuss is about and invest in crypto with Easy Crypto, NZ’s most trusted crypto currency exchange.

With quick sign up, no sneaky crypto transaction fees and one of the safest & most beginner-friendly platforms on the market, you’ll be buying your first crypto in minutes! Easy.

Based in NZ and giving you access to over 150 coins, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, Easy Crypto understands starting out in Crypto can be tricky, so we’ve made it easy to do! Sign up today we’ll even give you $10 credit to get started! Ts&Cs apply.
Find out more

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989 days ago

Get good news with The Antidote newsletter

Stuff

The Antidote delivers your daily dose of good news each weekday afternoon, straight to your inbox.

Based on the Stuff column, the newsletter showcases five happy things from the news, for a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness in the… View more
The Antidote delivers your daily dose of good news each weekday afternoon, straight to your inbox.

Based on the Stuff column, the newsletter showcases five happy things from the news, for a much-needed dose of positivity to remind you that there's inspiration, kindness and quirkiness in the world.
Sign up here

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990 days ago

Get an EPIC EASTER EXCLUSIVE DEAL!

NZ Compare

The NZ Compare Easter Bunny has been busy! He’s delivered some epic exclusive deals on broadband just in time for the holidays!

No chocolate in sight, these treats are better! How about unlimited broadband plans starting from $65/m with 6 months of FREE Neon and Amazon Prime with 2degrees or … View more
The NZ Compare Easter Bunny has been busy! He’s delivered some epic exclusive deals on broadband just in time for the holidays!

No chocolate in sight, these treats are better! How about unlimited broadband plans starting from $65/m with 6 months of FREE Neon and Amazon Prime with 2degrees or $85/m plus a HUGE $255 welcome credit with Now Broadband?

Exclusive to NZ Compare, you won’t get these deals anywhere else. Hop to it neighbours, before they go!

Our service is free, we’re Kiwis helping Kiwis compare what’s out there across power, broadband and money.
GET EPIC EASTER DEALS

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992 days ago

IMPT: Kinder Surprise recalls

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Ferrero International S.A. is recalling Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs from New Zealand shelves because of potential contamination with salmonella bacteria.

It forms part of a global recall of affected product, which was manufactured in a Belgian factory. There have been cases of illnesses … View more
Ferrero International S.A. is recalling Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs from New Zealand shelves because of potential contamination with salmonella bacteria.

It forms part of a global recall of affected product, which was manufactured in a Belgian factory. There have been cases of illnesses reportedly linked to the product overseas, but there have been no confirmed cases in New Zealand.

The following product is in New Zealand and is affected by this issue and has been recalled:

· Kinder Surprise Maxi 100g (Natoons variety) with batch number L298R03UNB and best before date of 23 August 2022.

The following types of products have been recalled overseas and may also be in New Zealand:

· Kinder Surprise
· Kinder Surprise Maxi
· Kinder Mini Eggs
· Kinder Schokobon
· Kinder Egg Hunt
· Kinder Mix
· Kinder Maxi Mix
· Kinder Happy Moment

People who have Kinder Surprise eggs at home are encouraged to check the label to ensure it is not affected by the recall. Further details are soon to be published on the New Zealand Food Safety Authority's website

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992 days ago

Get ahead of the rush this Mother's Day

Mags4Gifts

Hi there neighbours!

Get in quick! These mags are flying off our shelves in our Mother’s Day sale. A subscription to her favourite magazine is the perfect gift that keeps on giving.

Plus, every subscription to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and The TV Guide, goes in the draw to win 1… View more
Hi there neighbours!

Get in quick! These mags are flying off our shelves in our Mother’s Day sale. A subscription to her favourite magazine is the perfect gift that keeps on giving.

Plus, every subscription to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and The TV Guide, goes in the draw to win 1 of 50 diffusers from French Country Collections.
EXPLORE THE COLLECTION

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993 days ago

Poll: When did you last switch power providers?

The Team from NZ Compare

Power bills are pesky, it's just one of those things every household has to manage.

If you're stuck with it, then make sure it works for you. We want to know when was the last time you switched power providers?

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When did you last switch power providers?
  • 54% More than 6 months ago
    54% Complete
  • 12.4% In the last 6 months
    12.4% Complete
  • 33.5% No idea, don't even want to look at it!
    33.5% Complete
820 votes
993 days ago

Poll: Who is this year's Prospa Local Business Hero?

Prospa

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and we are thrilled to give these businesses the recognition they deserve.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for our overall winner, we are now looking to you to vote for the most deserving - the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

View more
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and we are thrilled to give these businesses the recognition they deserve.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs for our overall winner, we are now looking to you to vote for the most deserving - the 2022 Prospa Local Business Hero.

Excerpts of the nominations are below but click the business name to read it in full. When you've made your choice, go ahead and cast your vote!
____________________________________________________________________________________
AUCKLAND: Melissa Wallace - Turua Gallery
"Turua Gallery in St Heliers not only brings beautiful artwork to the community, the owners Dean and Melissa also do amazing things for charities...They are just so generous and community-minded that it would be great for something nice to happen for them!"

BAY OF PLENTY: Michaela Wellauer - Full Cycle Bikes
"Michaela and Jon from Full Cycle Bikes in Whakatane go above and beyond in their support of our local biking community. Their generosity sees local families receiving free bikes through the Whanaū on Wheels programme. Many events exist because of their sponsorship. They are good, kind people who do an awful lot that flies under the radar."

CANTERBURY: Rob Fenwick - Fenwicks Pharmacy
"I nominate Robert Fenwick from our local Fenwicks Pharmacy in Kaiapoi. Always a friendly face and always helpful. Robert and staff had to remain open right through the lockdown, really putting themselves on the line. He's been through earthquakes, power cuts, floods and bereavement and he still opens with friendly conversation and a smile."

HAWKE'S BAY-GISBORNE: Jack Van Chan - Bayon Cafe
"Bayon Cafe and Bakery at 18 Carlyle St, Napier. Lovely family-run business with great coffee and the best, large slices of carrot cake in Napier. They also collect for funds to supply educational reading materials for children in their home country, Cambodia."

MANAWATŪ-WHANGANUI: The Team - Aorangi Bulb Nurseries
"NZ Bulbs (Aorangi Nurseries) run by Paul and Len Hoek had a very positive impact during the Covid lockdowns...During the extended lockdowns, their operation kept many people employed and their direct to consumer flower sales brought a touch of colour and break from the monotony to many people. "

NELSON-MARLBOROUGH: Peter & Caroline Pomeroy - Victoria Gardens
"Caroline and Pete of Victoria Gardens, Motueka, are always helpful and cheerful, selling excellent spray-free fruit that they have grown themselves. They looked after their customers through all the lockdowns, even in the face of having to restore their greenhouses and gardens after the disastrous Boxing Day hailstorm of 2020."

NORTHLAND: Tracey Haika - Or Near Offer Village Boutique
"On the main street of Hikurangi, Or Near Offer Boutique offers all sorts of second-hand goods and clothing. The owner, Tracey, really enhances the community spirit of Hikurangi with her friendly and welcoming manner and her beautifully creative, artistic shop exterior shows a truly entrepreneurial spirit. She's very involved in the community and is an inspiration to many in Hikurangi."

OTAGO-SOUTHLAND: Grant Kennedy - Otautau Tractors & Machinery
"Otautau Tractors & Machinery play a big part in keeping the farming industry going in western Southland by being always on call for repairs. Quite often the doors are still open after closing time. The owner, Grant is a volunteer in the Otautau fire brigade, and he is always sponsoring and donating to local groups, even parking classic cars out front for locals to enjoy."

TARANAKI: Paul Gundy - Waitara Bin Inn
"Waitara Bin Inn go the extra mile for their customers,...On a couple of occasions that I know of, items were dropped off a couple of hours north of the shop to customers. Paul has delivered the compost and potting mix for customers so that they didn't have to lift it. All staff have the right attitude of wanting to help you."

WAIKATO: Roger Nicholson - The Backyard Gastro Pub
"The local pub at Whatawhata make great fish n chips with generous servings. They're lifesavers - always there when the power is out on the Raglan side of the Waipa River. We've just had two full days out of power thanks to 'Cyclone Dovi' and they have come through once again. Local saviours!"

WELLINGTON: Josh Coe - Page 42 Cafe
"Page 42 Cafe are great employers who grow the skills of local youth, with a fantastic culture set by the owner Josh. During the pandemic, they had free coffee for critical workers and "Pay what you can afford" days - people can get a meal for $1, or pay more than the menu price to "pay it forward". Constant community support!"

Who is this year's Prospa Local Business Hero?
  • 11.1% AUCKLAND: Melissa Wallace - Turua Gallery
    11.1% Complete
  • 4.9% BAY OF PLENTY: Michaela Wellauer - Full Cycle Bikes
    4.9% Complete
  • 16.9% CANTERBURY: Rob Fenwick - Fenwicks Pharmacy
    16.9% Complete
  • 5.6% HAWKE'S BAY-GISBORNE: Jack Van Chan - Bayon Cafe
    5.6% Complete
  • 9.9% MANAWATŪ-WHANGANUI: The Team - Aorangi Bulb Nurseries
    9.9% Complete
  • 8.1% NELSON-MARLBOROUGH: Peter & Caroline Pomeroy - Victoria Gardens
    8.1% Complete
  • 4.7% NORTHLAND: Tracey Haika - Or Near Offer Village Boutique
    4.7% Complete
  • 3.5% OTAGO-SOUTHLAND: Grant Kennedy - Otautau Tractors & Machinery
    3.5% Complete
  • 7.7% TARANAKI: Paul Gundy - Waitara Bin Inn
    7.7% Complete
  • 6.2% WAIKATO: Roger Nicholson - The Backyard Gastro Pub
    6.2% Complete
  • 21.4% WELLINGTON: Josh Coe - Page 42 Cafe
    21.4% Complete
1050 votes
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