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295 days ago

Turn your balcony or patio into a lush garden

Julia Wallace Retirement Village

If you have a green thumb, just imagine what you could do with a balcony with a fantastic view like this one at Murray Halberg Village. This elevated space offers the perfect blank canvas to create a lush outdoor space without lawn maintenance or heavy lifting.

Shane Fairbairn, Landscape Manager at Ryman Healthcare, shares some tips for creating the perfect outdoor space on your patio or balcony so you can enjoy the benefits of gardening without the hassles.

First, decide on a theme. Is it cosy and bohemian, sleek and minimalist, a lush urban jungle, or something else? Your vision will guide your plant and furniture choices.

For all his tips and advice click read more.

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Would you rather: Christmas in summer forever or winter forever?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Just a bit of a fun poll to get you thinking.

If you had to live out your Christmas days, would you prefer it was a summer Christmas or a winter Christmas?

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Would you rather: Christmas in summer forever or winter forever?
  • 60.8% Summer
    60.8% Complete
  • 36.9% Winter
    36.9% Complete
  • 2.3% Other - I'll share below
    2.3% Complete
688 votes
3 hours ago

Scams in New Plymouth

The Team from Manawatu, Taranaki, Whanganui-Ruapehu Police

Taranaki Police are reminding people to be vigilant and for families to warn elderly relatives to be on guard for scam phone calls, after two recent incidents resulting in large financial losses.
In New Plymouth within the past month, two instances have been reported where scammers have called elderly residents posing as staff from legitimate large businesses operating in New Zealand.

On both occasions, the scammer kept the victims on the phone for long periods of time and gained access to their bank accounts.
One victim lost almost $24,000, while the other lost more than $350,000.
Detective Jason Wright of the Taranaki CIB says these losses are gutting to the elderly victims and their loved ones.
“Especially at this time of year where many people are already feeling financial pressure, these are devastating losses.
“We hope sharing their story will help put others on guard for this insidious activity where scammers are preying on older people.”

Police urge people to have conversations with vulnerable or elderly family members, to help ensure they are aware of the tactics often used by scammers and don’t become victims of this offending.
“We know those from older generations are typically a little less tech-savvy and generally more trusting, which is exactly what scammers rely on.”

Police have the following advice:
📞 If someone calls you claiming to be from a company, hang up the phone and call the company back via their publicly listed phone number.
📞 If you think you are being scammed just hang up immediately – you’re not going to offend anyone.
💻 One click is all it takes for these offenders to have access to your information.
🖥️ If you have unfortunately opened a link that has installed remote access to your computer, make sure the device is shut down, or disconnected from the internet and seek assistance to ensure it is safely removed.
⚠️ If a warning screen appears on your computer when trying to log into your bank website, turn your computer off and call your bank.

Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam should notify their bank immediately, and make a report to Police through our 105 service.

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4 days ago

Poll: Cast your vote for NZ's Merriest Home 2024

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Neighbourly members across the country have been sharing their festive decor to be in to win the title of NZ's Merriest Home. We've narrowed the entries down to six finalists (our toughest feat yet!).

Now it's up to you!

Click on the name of the finalist to see all of their photos before you cast your merry vote!

Nishan Wijesinghe from Te Atatu South - See all photos here
Mark Williams from Tamatea - See all photos here
Linda Clack from Cockle Bay - See all photos here
Luke Murphy from Hornby - See all photos here
Joanne Isles from Hokowhitu - See all photos here
Kirstyn Tait from Wigram - See all photos here

The finalist with the most votes will win the title of NZ's Merriest Home and $200 to go toward more Christmas goodies!

You can also enlarge the images below by clicking on them. Happy voting, neighbours!

Cast your vote for NZ's Merriest Home 2024
  • 17.3% Nishan Wijesinghe from Te Atatu South
    17.3% Complete
  • 27.9% Mark Williams from Tamatea
    27.9% Complete
  • 6.1% Linda Clack from Cockle Bay
    6.1% Complete
  • 25.9% Luke Murphy from Hornby
    25.9% Complete
  • 6.9% Joanne Isles from Hokowhitu
    6.9% Complete
  • 16% Kirstyn Tait from Wigram
    16% Complete
757 votes