Tarawera, Napier

2831 days ago

Long-time Santa parks up his sleigh, did you ever receive a visit from Taradale's man in red?

Reporter Hawke's Bay News

For 29 years Len Francis has brought Christmas to life for countless Hawke's Bay kids, but this month the 85-year-old will don his red and white suit one last time.
Over the last three decades Francis has dressed as Santa for the end-of-year celebrations at Arthur Miller School in Taradale. … View more
For 29 years Len Francis has brought Christmas to life for countless Hawke's Bay kids, but this month the 85-year-old will don his red and white suit one last time.
Over the last three decades Francis has dressed as Santa for the end-of-year celebrations at Arthur Miller School in Taradale. He also served as Santa for 20 years at Puketapu school, along with nursing homes and the odd kindergarten.

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2833 days ago

Christmas Connections

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbours and older relatives, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. … View more
If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbours and older relatives, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think about traditions.

We will posting 5 tips leading up to Christmas on how you can connect with your older neighbours this Holiday Season.

5. Look out for them
Look out for your neighbours this holiday season. Be mindful that Christmas can be a tough time for some older people, especially those who live alone. Small gestures of kindness can make this time much easier for older people who may be lonely.

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2833 days ago

Get decorating and $ave the GST!

Resene

Hi neighbours! Summer is here and it’s a great time to get decorating. Right now you can save the GST on Resene premium paints, stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at your local Resene ColorShop or participating reseller. Plus if you have a Resene … View moreHi neighbours! Summer is here and it’s a great time to get decorating. Right now you can save the GST on Resene premium paints, stains, primers, sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products at your local Resene ColorShop or participating reseller. Plus if you have a Resene ColorShop Card or Resene DIY Card, you can enjoy extra savings on a range of products. It's our Christmas gift to you! Offer runs until 31 January 2017. Learn more

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2835 days ago

Have you swum in the Puhokio Stream before?

Reporter Hawke's Bay News

People are being asked to stick to Waimarama Beach and avoid swimming in the Puhokio Stream after high levels of E. coli were found in water samples. These indicated excessive amounts of faecal matter, either animal or human in the water. Hastings District Council has put up signage along the … View morePeople are being asked to stick to Waimarama Beach and avoid swimming in the Puhokio Stream after high levels of E. coli were found in water samples. These indicated excessive amounts of faecal matter, either animal or human in the water. Hastings District Council has put up signage along the stream to warn against swimming and is investigating the potential causes of contamination.

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2834 days ago

Win one of 10 double passes to the ultimate family movie!

Roadshow Films

When eleven year old Mick is shipped off to his grandfather's cattle station in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, he prepares himself for a life of dull hardship. Instead he finds myth, adventure and friendship with a scrappy, one-of-a-kind dog that will change his life forever. … View moreWhen eleven year old Mick is shipped off to his grandfather's cattle station in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, he prepares himself for a life of dull hardship. Instead he finds myth, adventure and friendship with a scrappy, one-of-a-kind dog that will change his life forever. RED DOG: True Blue is a story of friendship, loyalty and acceptance and is perfect for families and dog lovers of all ages. Want to win a double pass?

Simply like or thank this post before 9 January for your chance to WIN one of ten double passes to RED DOG: True Blue.
Watch the trailer

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2835 days ago

Poll: What's the best thing to do to protect your house at Christmas?

Sarah Moore from Neighbourly.co.nz

If you're planning on heading away over the Christmas period, there are a few things you can do to make sure you're protecting your home. Which step do you think is the most important?

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What's the best thing to do to protect your house at Christmas?
  • 8.3% Tell a neighbour you're heading away
    8.3% Complete
  • 0.1% Set up security lights
    0.1% Complete
  • 1.7% Ask someone to collect your mail
    1.7% Complete
  • 5.4% Make sure all doors / windows are locked (including the garage!)
    5.4% Complete
  • 0.3% Unplug electronics
    0.3% Complete
  • 4.9% Create the illusion of someone being home
    4.9% Complete
  • 1% Alert your alarm company and set your alarms
    1% Complete
  • 76.8% All of the above
    76.8% Complete
  • 1.5% Something else
    1.5% Complete
1624 votes
2836 days ago

Christmas Connections

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

If you haven’t already made contact with your older relatives or neighbour, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. … View more
If you haven’t already made contact with your older relatives or neighbour, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think about traditions.

We will posting 5 tips leading up to Christmas on how you can connect with your older people this Holiday Season.

4. Pop over with a jar of jam or pickles or your favourite recipe.
This will give you a good opportunity to have a chat. Maybe you will learn something about your neighbour that you don’t already know. This social connection can be a great chance to explore traditions and share memories.

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2838 days ago

Where will you go?

The Team from Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management

Do you know where to go if a tsunami happens when you are at home, work, school or anywhere else?

Contact your local Civil Defence group to find tsunami zone maps for your area and plan your route today. www.civildefence.govt.nz...
If you are near the coast, remember LONG OR STRONG: GET GONE
View more
Do you know where to go if a tsunami happens when you are at home, work, school or anywhere else?

Contact your local Civil Defence group to find tsunami zone maps for your area and plan your route today. www.civildefence.govt.nz...
If you are near the coast, remember LONG OR STRONG: GET GONE
If you feel an earthquake that lasts for more than a minute or makes it hard to stand up, don’t wait for an official tsunami warning. Move immediately to the nearest high ground or as far inland as you can. Walk or bike if you can. Stay there until you get the all clear.

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2838 days ago

What does it take to feed 100 species?

Reporter Hawke's Bay News

Feeding time at Penguin Cove may look like a frenzied, fishy lolly scramble.
But as National Aquarium keepers pass out specially imported sprats to the Cove's inhabitants, they ensure no bird gulps down too much – or too little.
The center feeds over 100 species, follow the link below to… View more
Feeding time at Penguin Cove may look like a frenzied, fishy lolly scramble.
But as National Aquarium keepers pass out specially imported sprats to the Cove's inhabitants, they ensure no bird gulps down too much – or too little.
The center feeds over 100 species, follow the link below to find out more.

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2839 days ago

Activate

Rachel Roberts from Inspiring Communities

Inspiring Communities is running a very cool two day event in Auckland in April. it's for everyone working in, with or alongside neighbourhoods and communities. We are taking buses to the four corners of Auckland to see first hand how communities are to see first-hand how community-led … View moreInspiring Communities is running a very cool two day event in Auckland in April. it's for everyone working in, with or alongside neighbourhoods and communities. We are taking buses to the four corners of Auckland to see first hand how communities are to see first-hand how community-led development is happening across the city. Local hosts will introduce participants to projects, approaches, relationships and success factors that grow resilience, that is driven by and works for local people. And then we will take what we learn into a second day of interactive workshops. Activate is the first of its kind in New Zealand - it's going to be great - click on our link for all the details.

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2840 days ago

Have any of your books sailed to Papua New Guinea?

Reporter Hawke's Bay News

A project to collect books for remote Papua New Guinea communities has grown from a single shelf to 100,000 kilograms of books each year with help from the Hawke's Bay community.
Greenmeadows Rotary Club were one of the first backers of the scheme. Click the link below to find out more.

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2840 days ago

Make time to call the older people you know this Christmas.

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think … View moreSometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think about traditions.

Age Concern New Zealand will posting 5 tips leading up to Christmas on how you can connect this Holiday Season.

3. Ring your older family members and friends to wish them happy holidays. Something as simple as a phone call can have positive benefits that go both ways. Connection with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about.

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2841 days ago

Nominate your Neighbourhood Champion

The Team from Neighbours Aotearoa

We all know a neighbour who goes above and beyond, are the glue of our street or community and who really make a difference in our lives. Neighbours Day Aotearoa wants to celebrate those people, so we are introducing the NEIGHBOURHOOD CHAMPIONS. Each month we will be sending a wee gift of thanks to… View moreWe all know a neighbour who goes above and beyond, are the glue of our street or community and who really make a difference in our lives. Neighbours Day Aotearoa wants to celebrate those people, so we are introducing the NEIGHBOURHOOD CHAMPIONS. Each month we will be sending a wee gift of thanks to the neighbourhood champion of the month. How does it work? You can nominate a champion in your neighbourhood by emailing kiaora@neighboursday.org.nz with the story, a picture if you have one, and your neighbourhood champion's contact number or address if you have it so we can get in touch with the if they win. We will post the story and the picture on our facebook page. The story that gets the most likes that month wins the gift of thanks. Our first gift is this beautiful Pohutukawa Pendant from Paul Harris Art and Design .... perfect summer gift, and a perfect gift of thanks.

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2842 days ago

Have you taken a look at the new station?

Reporter Hawke's Bay News

Napier's new $5.5 million new police station was officially opened on Friday, the first stage in a $24m investment in Hawke's Bay police buildings.
The old station, opened in 1963, will remain until the new building in Hastings is complete before it is demolished. The front counter of … View more
Napier's new $5.5 million new police station was officially opened on Friday, the first stage in a $24m investment in Hawke's Bay police buildings.
The old station, opened in 1963, will remain until the new building in Hastings is complete before it is demolished. The front counter of the Napier station opens for business today, have you been down for a look?

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2843 days ago

Connect with your older neighbours this Holiday Season - Tip 2

The Team from Age Concern New Zealand

If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbour, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people… View more
If you haven’t already made contact with your neighbour, the holiday season is a perfect opportunity to break the ice.

Sometimes we get caught up in the Christmas rush, and don’t take time to think about people who may be experiencing a much quieter holiday season. Contact with older people can help families to connect with what Christmas is really about, and it’s a great time to explore memories and think about traditions.

We will posting 5 tips leading up to Christmas on how you can connect with your older neighbours this Holiday Season.

2. Pop over with a hand-made card from a child
A little note to say Happy Holidays can make the world of difference to an older neighbour. Have your son or daughter make up a card or get your crafty hat on and make one yourself. It’s a great excuse to pop over and have a nice chat.

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