Opotiki District, Opotiki

2348 days ago

Become a volunteer and create change in your community

Sarah Macdonald from Volunteering New Zealand

It's National Volunteer Week!

Volunteers create positive change on many fronts – human rights, faith communities, health, education, sports and recreation, social services, arts and culture, emergency services, the environment and conservation, animal welfare, and community support … View more
It's National Volunteer Week!

Volunteers create positive change on many fronts – human rights, faith communities, health, education, sports and recreation, social services, arts and culture, emergency services, the environment and conservation, animal welfare, and community support development – the list is endless.

If you're interested in volunteering please check out the link below to find out about the different ways you can volunteer:

nationalvolunteerweek.nz...

National Volunteer Week (17 - 23 June). The NVW 2018 theme: Volunteers, The Heart of our Community – By many, the work will be completed, Mā tini, mā mano, ka rapa te whai.


#NVW2018

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2353 days ago

New speed cameras set to go live in Waikato areas

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Two new speed cameras will go live in Waikato from 18th June - the first of seven new cameras for the region. The digital cameras will be set up on Otorohanga Road, in Otorohanga, and Te Awamutu-Cambridge Road in Cambridge.

The locations were identified as having a high crash risk. A new camera … View more
Two new speed cameras will go live in Waikato from 18th June - the first of seven new cameras for the region. The digital cameras will be set up on Otorohanga Road, in Otorohanga, and Te Awamutu-Cambridge Road in Cambridge.

The locations were identified as having a high crash risk. A new camera will also go live in the Bay of Plenty next week, on State Highway 2 in Pukehina.

Click here to find out more.

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2348 days ago

How to turn your home into an investment property

Lodge Real Estate - City

Not everyone chooses to sell their current home when they decide to move on. Sometimes, it’s not even an option. If you’re looking to hang on to your personal home and turn it into a rental, there are a few things to consider first.

1. Wear and tear
This is perhaps the biggest thing … View more
Not everyone chooses to sell their current home when they decide to move on. Sometimes, it’s not even an option. If you’re looking to hang on to your personal home and turn it into a rental, there are a few things to consider first.

1. Wear and tear
This is perhaps the biggest thing homeowners need to know. As a rental, your personal home will experience more wear and tear than it otherwise would if you lived in it. Your garden will probably not look as immaculate as it once did, and your walls and floors may acquire new scuff marks. So, if you can’t shake off your emotional attachment to the property, you may be better off selling it rather than renting it.

2. Location
The location of your home can have a major impact on its rentability and how easy it is to find quality tenants. If you’re close to local amenities like schools, Waikato University, Waikato Hospital or public transport routes, you have a better chance of keeping your property tenanted.

3. Maintenance
If your home is high maintenance - perhaps it has a pool, a large garden, or old appliances - know that you’ll need to keep it maintained to a reasonable condition to meet your obligations as a landlord/owner. This may involve extra ongoing costs, or costs to remedy the amount of maintenance required.

4. Family homes do best
In Hamilton, family-sized homes do particularly well on the rental market. Four-bedroom houses in Hamilton fetch, on average, between $450 and $520 per week. As for the strongest performing suburbs, Hamilton East/University, Te Kowhai/St Andrews/Queenwood, Dinsdale South/Frankton, Dinsdale North/Nawton and Flagstaff/Rototuna have recently experienced the strongest rental growth for family-sized properties with three to five (or more) bedrooms.

5. Landlord responsibilities
When you turn your personal home into a rental, you will take on the mantle of landlord, which comes with its own set of responsibilities. This includes finding and screening tenants, conducting or arranging inspections, repairs and maintenance. It’s a lot to manage—especially if you’re no longer living in the region. It’s why so many investors hire professional property managers to take care of the day-to-day running of their properties. Moreover, their fees are tax deductible.

Important note: If you’re leaving the country for more than 21 days, you’ll need to either appoint someone as your landlord in your stead or hire a property manager.

6. Tax implications
If you turn your home into a residential investment, be aware that you may not be able to make tax claims against it. It always pays to talk to a professional accountant to make sure you set up your home-turned-rental properly to avoid issues with tax, ownership and debt allocation.
Get your FREE guide to learn more

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2349 days ago

re: Ever wondered how a vegetarian diet might keep you healthy?

Debbie Cunliffe from

If you've ever wondered how a plant based diet can assist health conditions, to include diabetes and heart disease, then come along to our workshop on Weds 25th July, Sixteenth Ave Tauranga to find out.

RSVP's essential via info@diabeteshelp.org.nz or ring our INFOLine (Mon- Thurs) 07 … View more
If you've ever wondered how a plant based diet can assist health conditions, to include diabetes and heart disease, then come along to our workshop on Weds 25th July, Sixteenth Ave Tauranga to find out.

RSVP's essential via info@diabeteshelp.org.nz or ring our INFOLine (Mon- Thurs) 07 5713422

This workshop is free for members of Diabetes Help Tauranga. $10 non-members, contact our INFOline and find out how to pay in advance to reserve your seat.

Why not become a member of Diabetes Help Tauranga for only $30 and take advantage of other free offers over the next 12 months!

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2349 days ago

A chance to say thank you

Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Let’s hear it for the amazing Fire and Emergency volunteers who help keep our communities safe.

This National Volunteer Week, head to the LetsHearIt landing page on Neighbourly and share a few words about why you’re thankful for what our volunteers do to keep our communities safe. We’ll … View more
Let’s hear it for the amazing Fire and Emergency volunteers who help keep our communities safe.

This National Volunteer Week, head to the LetsHearIt landing page on Neighbourly and share a few words about why you’re thankful for what our volunteers do to keep our communities safe. We’ll make sure they hear your message loud and clear.

Knowing how much we value their sacrifices is part of what keeps Fire and Emergency New Zealand volunteers going. Thank you for letting them know how grateful you are for everything they do.
Share your message now

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2350 days ago

How eco-friendly is your home and lifestyle?

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

As more and more of us try to do our bit for the environment, we'd love to hear what habits you've changed.

Have you gone off-grid? Found a way to create an environmentally home? Maybe you've given something up or swapped it for a greener alternative...? … View more
As more and more of us try to do our bit for the environment, we'd love to hear what habits you've changed.

Have you gone off-grid? Found a way to create an environmentally home? Maybe you've given something up or swapped it for a greener alternative...? Click here to share your eco tips, tricks and experiences and we'll publish a selection of the best.

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2350 days ago

Poll: Should international visitors be charged a levy?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Tourists arriving in New Zealand may soon have to pay to enter the country under a Government proposed international visitor levy.

The proposal would impact international visitors entering New Zealand for 12 months or less and would be at a rate between $25 to $35.

Do you think international… View more
Tourists arriving in New Zealand may soon have to pay to enter the country under a Government proposed international visitor levy.

The proposal would impact international visitors entering New Zealand for 12 months or less and would be at a rate between $25 to $35.

Do you think international visitors should be charged a levy to enter New Zealand?

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Should international visitors be charged a levy?
  • 77.3% Yes
    77.3% Complete
  • 22.7% No
    22.7% Complete
2415 votes
2350 days ago

Are you doing great work in the community?

The Warehouse New Zealand

Does your community group help families and young people in your local area and need of more funds to support the great work you do? Your local The Warehouse store is now calling for applications to become a partner for our Customer Choice ‘Bags for good’ Programme. In the last financial year … View moreDoes your community group help families and young people in your local area and need of more funds to support the great work you do? Your local The Warehouse store is now calling for applications to become a partner for our Customer Choice ‘Bags for good’ Programme. In the last financial year over $529,000 was raised for 279 community partners across NZ. Curious? For more information or begin the application click here.

Applications close on the 23rd of June.
Apply now

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2351 days ago

Get INSPIRED by wallpaper

Resene

Resene has just released the latest Habitat plus, full of inspiring ideas to help you bring out the best in your home with wallpaper. Pick up your FREE copy at your local Resene ColorShop. Make sure you view the extensive wallpaper library while you're in store; there's something to suit … View moreResene has just released the latest Habitat plus, full of inspiring ideas to help you bring out the best in your home with wallpaper. Pick up your FREE copy at your local Resene ColorShop. Make sure you view the extensive wallpaper library while you're in store; there's something to suit all tastes from neutral to bold, pattern to texture, fun to traditional, striped to botanical. Find your local ColorShop

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2351 days ago

Poll: Are you able to afford your own home?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Housing affordability is getting worse for Kiwis - especially in Auckland.

About four in five people renting are unable to comfortably afford mortgage payments, recent Government statistics show. Many Kiwis are fleeing expensive cities like Auckland in search of affordable housing in the … View more
Housing affordability is getting worse for Kiwis - especially in Auckland.

About four in five people renting are unable to comfortably afford mortgage payments, recent Government statistics show. Many Kiwis are fleeing expensive cities like Auckland in search of affordable housing in the regions - and they're not looking back.

So, in your current situation are you able to afford your own home?

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Are you able to afford your own home?
  • 41% Yes, I can
    41% Complete
  • 15.9% Only with the help of Kiwisaver/ partner
    15.9% Complete
  • 6.9% In another 5-10 years I could
    6.9% Complete
  • 36.3% No, renting is my only option
    36.3% Complete
1997 votes
2356 days ago

What do you think about our airports?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi Waikato,

Auckland Airport has been under fire recently and it got us wondering about what Kiwis think about their local airport. We want to hear about your airport experiences. What do you think are the best and worst Koru lounges in NZ? What are some of the weirdest or quirkiest airports … View more
Hi Waikato,

Auckland Airport has been under fire recently and it got us wondering about what Kiwis think about their local airport. We want to hear about your airport experiences. What do you think are the best and worst Koru lounges in NZ? What are some of the weirdest or quirkiest airports you've been to in NZ? Email your thoughts to our travel reporter at lorna.thornber@stuff.co.nz. (If commenting, please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/comments used on Stuff).”

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2354 days ago

Poll: Are home ventilation systems worth it?

Reporter Homed

Thanks to everyone who's already taken part in our poll. Home ventilation systems can cost thousands and opinions on their worth are definitely divided.

If you're not sure what type of ventilation system would work best for you - or whether you need one at all - … View more
Thanks to everyone who's already taken part in our poll. Home ventilation systems can cost thousands and opinions on their worth are definitely divided.

If you're not sure what type of ventilation system would work best for you - or whether you need one at all - read this to help find out.

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Are home ventilation systems worth it?
  • 62.1% Yes it's been great.
    62.1% Complete
  • 16.8% No, our windows still weep.
    16.8% Complete
  • 21.1% It's improved but not removed.
    21.1% Complete
972 votes
2354 days ago

National Volunteer Week 2018 - Quote

Sarah Macdonald from Volunteering New Zealand

National Volunteer Week is next week! (17-23 June). We’ve been busy collecting quotes to reflect our NVW theme:

“Volunteers, The Heart of our Community – By many, the work will be completed, Mā tini, mā mano, ka rapa te whai.”

#NVW2018

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2354 days ago

Severe weather warning for the region

Neighbourly from Neighbourly.co.nz

MetService has issued a warning for heavy rain and severe gales for parts of northern and central New Zealand.

Watch for strong winds in Taupo, Taihape, Wanganui, Manawatu and Horowhenua Kapiti Coast. Taumarunui is also expected to receive strong winds.

Strong wind gusts could damage trees,… View more
MetService has issued a warning for heavy rain and severe gales for parts of northern and central New Zealand.

Watch for strong winds in Taupo, Taihape, Wanganui, Manawatu and Horowhenua Kapiti Coast. Taumarunui is also expected to receive strong winds.

Strong wind gusts could damage trees, power lines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Please make sure you plan your travel and drive to the conditions. Click here for more information.

Area: Bay Of Plenty including Rotorua
Valid: 23 hours from 4:00 pm Monday to 3:00 pm Tuesday
Forecast: Southeast gales are forecast to be severe at times gusting 120 km/h in exposed places until late Tuesday morning, especially in the east. Then from late morning until early Tuesday afternoon a period of severe northeast gales gusting 120 km/h in exposed places is forecast.

Area: Whanganui, Manawatu and Kapiti-Horowhenua
Valid: 16 hours from 2:00 am to 6:00 pm Tuesday
Forecast: Southeast gales are forecast to be severe at times in exposed places with gusts of 120 km/h, especially in the lee of the ranges.

Source: MetService

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2354 days ago

Look around a home of the future

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

Ever wondered what our homes will be like in 20 to 30 years? Away from predictions of robots doing everything for us, experts say it's not all about the gimmicks.

Take a tour of a house of the future to see what role technology will have to play and let us know what features you'd like… View more
Ever wondered what our homes will be like in 20 to 30 years? Away from predictions of robots doing everything for us, experts say it's not all about the gimmicks.

Take a tour of a house of the future to see what role technology will have to play and let us know what features you'd like your home to have.

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