Whitby, Porirua

1276 days ago

Pet of the Day: Meet Gerrie

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

Karen Gerrie is the proud mum this week

"Bayley is our four year old Staffy Cross. I got her from the Wellington SPCA at six months old. She loves the beach, playing and chasing her other dog friends, and her favourite toy."

Remember if you want your pet featured on Neighbourly, email … View more
Karen Gerrie is the proud mum this week

"Bayley is our four year old Staffy Cross. I got her from the Wellington SPCA at six months old. She loves the beach, playing and chasing her other dog friends, and her favourite toy."

Remember if you want your pet featured on Neighbourly, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz with a recent photo. Please remember to say what suburb you live in.

1274 days ago

Olivia Crump's Peer Mentor Journey

The Team from Graeme Dingle Foundation Wellington

Take a moment and to read Olivia Crump's story on her experience as a Stars Peer Mentor.

When mentoring young people, Olivia quickly learnt being adaptable was one of the biggest ways to connect with the younger students.

For some students, they were reluctant and didn’t want to partake in… View more
Take a moment and to read Olivia Crump's story on her experience as a Stars Peer Mentor.

When mentoring young people, Olivia quickly learnt being adaptable was one of the biggest ways to connect with the younger students.

For some students, they were reluctant and didn’t want to partake in activities, she found sitting down and having general conversations opened up students and changed the view on mentors to be relatable and less intimidating. This encouraged students to interact not only inside the classroom but during lunch breaks and after school.

One of the biggest takeaways from being a stars peer mentor for Olivia was the opportunities that came from the community project and doing something positive for other people. Meeting people through the community and the Graeme Dingle Foundation allowed Olivia to get her very first corporate job at Kerridge & Partners which is something she will always appreciate and remember.

If you are interested in supporting our rangatahi through our Stars programme, click the link below.

#dinglefoundation #stars #mentoring #empoweringyouth #empoweringtamariki #empoweringrangatahi #respect #resilience

Olivia's Story.pdf Download View

1274 days ago

Resene Upcyling Awards - Start Submitting!

Resene

Don't forget to submit your upcycled creations in the Resene Upcycling Awards. Whether it's an old item you've spruced up or something you've found a completely new purpose for, we want to see your work!

Submit your entry in the 2021 Resene Upcycling Awards by sharing your … View more
Don't forget to submit your upcycled creations in the Resene Upcycling Awards. Whether it's an old item you've spruced up or something you've found a completely new purpose for, we want to see your work!

Submit your entry in the 2021 Resene Upcycling Awards by sharing your upcycled masterpiece with your neighbours. Multiple entries are welcome - don't forget to include your before and after pics and mention any Resene products you've used!
Get Upcycling now

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1275 days ago

Say NO to short car trips

EECA

Transport is our beautiful country's biggest carbon emitter. In fact, car trips under two kilometres, like popping to the shops, make up nearly 1/3 of our drives — an average of 12 per household per week.

So we're encouraging Kiwis to consider climate-friendly modes of transportView more
Transport is our beautiful country's biggest carbon emitter. In fact, car trips under two kilometres, like popping to the shops, make up nearly 1/3 of our drives — an average of 12 per household per week.

So we're encouraging Kiwis to consider climate-friendly modes of transport such as biking, scooting and walking when making trips under two kilometres.

That's why we've launched the ShopPack - a New Zealand-first backpack-style reusable shopping bag to let you keep your hands free on the move.
Find out more

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1275 days ago

Kevin Clark, architect and professional musician

Rhondda Sweetman from Plimmerton Rotary

This week’s speaker was Kevin Clark, architect and professional musician, who described his hair-raising trip from London to Baghdad in 1964.

Kevin and his wife Barbara, who came along as a guest of the club, are long-time and popular residents of Plimmerton.

Kevin and his late friend Jurgen … View more
This week’s speaker was Kevin Clark, architect and professional musician, who described his hair-raising trip from London to Baghdad in 1964.

Kevin and his wife Barbara, who came along as a guest of the club, are long-time and popular residents of Plimmerton.

Kevin and his late friend Jurgen Erni finished their architecture studies in South Africa and made their way to London, where they invested in a 1958, 500cc, Matchless motor cycle and a box sidecar.

They planned an overland trip to Baghdad, intending to take in as much classic architecture as possible. The route was long and occasionally perilous, covering 19 countries and 31,500km in all. They reached Baghdad via the Balkans and Turkey, then returned to London via Israel, Greece, and Italy.

They slept rough, had tussles with border guards in various countries, and headed for the architectural gems along the way. Although this was the main purpose of the trip, inevitably there were stories to tell about interactions with the locals, and the radically different cultures they encountered.

Eventually, they arrived back in London four months later with the motorbike on its last legs.

Kevin’s talk was illustrated with photographs of high quality and Kevin’s own cartoon drawings. These, and many others, appear in Kevin’s account of the trip (“Baghdad or Bust”) which is written in diary form and which he has published. This is a lavishly produced book and I thoroughly recommend it.

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1278 days ago

Honey Recipes with a difference

Rod from Hive World Honey

Honey Fermented Garlic
Both garlic and honey have strong medicinal properties, so it makes sense to use it as an immune booster or if you feel a cold or flu coming on. Pop a whole clove, or take a spoonful of honey (or both!)
As you can probably imagine, it also makes a wonderful food! It’s a … View more
Honey Fermented Garlic
Both garlic and honey have strong medicinal properties, so it makes sense to use it as an immune booster or if you feel a cold or flu coming on. Pop a whole clove, or take a spoonful of honey (or both!)
As you can probably imagine, it also makes a wonderful food! It’s a natural in marinades and sauces, and would make a really tasty glaze for meats or veggies. Basically in anything where you would normally use honey and garlic together!

1. Combine garlic cloves and just enough liquid raw honey to cover the garlic in a glass jar. The glass jar should be large enough to roughly double the capacity of your ingredients to leave room for expansion. Close the jar with a lid.

2. Stir the mixture or flip the closed jar upside down daily to ensure all garlic cloves are coated with honey.

3. Within a few days, air bubbles should be forming. This is a sign of active fermentation. Open the jar daily to release excess carbon dioxide. If fermentation doesn't begin, then add a spoon or 2 of water into the mixture. Repeat step 2.

4. Continue the process until fermentation slows down, the honey thins out, the bubbling stops, and the garlic cloves sink to the bottom of the jar. It may take over a month. At this point, you can store the honey fermented garlic in a sealed jar, unrefrigerated, to let it age.

5. For best taste, the honey fermented garlic can be consumed after 3 months. The finished products can be stored in a dark place in room temperature for years.

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1276 days ago

Are you a Tradie? We Can Help You Get More Work

The Team from Web Infinity NZ

We are specialists in getting more customers for tradies in New Zealand.

Visit webinfinity.nz...

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R
1277 days ago

Community groups looking for a large space to perform

Robert from Whitby

Hi there - Hopefully someone can help us out. Porirua Little Theatre and the Trust Porirua City Brass are hoping to perform a community show in June/July. "Brassed Off" was postponed last year due to Covid and this year our usual space is not available. We are looking to lease a 250 - … View moreHi there - Hopefully someone can help us out. Porirua Little Theatre and the Trust Porirua City Brass are hoping to perform a community show in June/July. "Brassed Off" was postponed last year due to Covid and this year our usual space is not available. We are looking to lease a 250 - 300 m2 space preferably with a high stud to perform. If anyone knows of anything that might suit we'd be really keen to chat. Feel free to contact Rob or text 021 767607

1276 days ago

The greatest hits of the 70’s – Yesterday!

Stetson Entertainment

The finest professional New Zealand talent, endorsed by the American Producers, will star in a show chock-full of most of the greatest songs from the Seventies, produced by Stewart & Tricia Macpherson.

Songs like Mamma Mia, Rhinestone Cowboy, Rivers Of Babylon, Ruby Don’t Take Your Love To… View more
The finest professional New Zealand talent, endorsed by the American Producers, will star in a show chock-full of most of the greatest songs from the Seventies, produced by Stewart & Tricia Macpherson.

Songs like Mamma Mia, Rhinestone Cowboy, Rivers Of Babylon, Ruby Don’t Take Your Love To Town, Joy To The World, I Am Woman, When I Need You and Islands In The Stream. The cast includes NZ and Broadway star, Ali Harper, major theatrical and concert star Matthew Pike, and Kiwi star from London’s West End, Leanne Howell. Highly acclaimed Musical Director, Tom Rainey leads the musicians.

Wednesday, 31 March 2021, Opera House 7.30pm

This is going to be a terrific show, with every song you’re bound to know. Be there, and join in the fun!
Book tickets

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1277 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Murphy

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

"I am a big handsome boy called Murphy looking for a forever home. The ladies at SPCA think I'm something special. I would love a quiet home that is looking for an older cat that just wants to hang out and snooze in the sun. I do love gentle pats and a good scratch under my chin. If you … View more"I am a big handsome boy called Murphy looking for a forever home. The ladies at SPCA think I'm something special. I would love a quiet home that is looking for an older cat that just wants to hang out and snooze in the sun. I do love gentle pats and a good scratch under my chin. If you are looking to add a handsome boy to your life, please contact the Feline Team."

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1277 days ago

Poll: Prospa Local Business Hero - who gets your vote?

Prospa

Small businesses need our support. We are proud to be celebrating our 10 regional 2021 Prospa Local Business Heroes for their commitment to their communities. 

They now need your help! We are now looking for the New Zealand Prospa Local Business Hero - our overall winner, as voted by … View more
Small businesses need our support. We are proud to be celebrating our 10 regional 2021 Prospa Local Business Heroes for their commitment to their communities. 

They now need your help! We are now looking for the New Zealand Prospa Local Business Hero - our overall winner, as voted by Neighbourly members around the country!

This lucky business will walk away with $10,000 worth of prizes!

Please take a couple of minutes to read the nominations below - then vote for the business you'd like to see named 2021 Prospa Local Business Hero.
______________________________________________________

NORTHLAND: Wayne and Kate - Engraving Systems
"Wayne and Kate have been trying to support all the local sports clubs and businesses with great service and going that extra mile to help. They really have brought some life back into the community and should be acknowledged and rewarded for all the hard work."

AUCKLAND: Lynnae Palu - F45 Training Takapuna
"With no ability to trade in Level 3 or above, they still keep their members engaged and motivated with online workouts and daily challenges even though memberships are on hold and the gym is closed. They really are more like a family than a gym ❤️."

WAIKATO: Team at Incredible India - Incredible India Restaurant
"Not only do they make the most authentic, delicious Indian food. Their service is thoughtful and kind. We always feel appreciated for using their establishment, either by the warm greeting we get, the offer of a drink if we are waiting for take-out and their cute handwritten messages on the carry bag of dinner. They put the effort into the whole package not just making money."

BAY OF PLENTY: Team at Benny and Brew - Benny and Brew
"Our neighbourhood was missing a great cafe and meeting place. Since Benny and Brew have opened they have given our neighbourhood a massive lift. It's a place where you go for the people and the food and drink are delicious which is icing on the cake. For a bit, they were operating as a French bistro and the food was to die for! These guys have worked so hard and brought such joy to our neighbourhood"

HAWKE’S BAY - GISBORNE: Jazz and his family - Bossman Dairy - Creagh St Store
"Every member of this family who serves in the shop are very friendly, helpful and always smiling. They get to know all their customers and I have never walked into a shop that makes you feel so welcome. During our first lockdown for Covid, they put food such as milk, bread, out for people who may need it free of charge."

TARANAKI: Reece and family - Valentine's Valet
"Reece the owner of Valentine’s Valet, often helped by his Dad, mainly deals with lawns and gardens but he runs both a Carpet Cleaning and a Car Buffing business also. He is extremely hard-working, helpful and friendly and is happy to do the odd job that doesn’t fall into one of his usual categories. He comes to us fortnightly and we could not do without him. If anyone deserves an award it is — Reece Valentine!"

MANAWATU-WANGANUI: Jamie - JD Hair Design
"Jamie is amazing - not only does he offer incredible haircuts at an affordable price he is a genuinely caring man. With a heart of gold, everyone is whānau to him and he treats you like it. I always leave his salon looking fabulous but also feeling fabulous. He is the type of man that fills your inner well of good feelings while he makes you feel and look special."

WELLINGTON: Meredith and Craig - Avalon Service Centre
"Meredith and Craig Butland and their team do a wonderful job and go the extra mile to make sure every job is to the customer's satisfaction. They drop people at their workplaces and pick them up when work on the car is finished. They take the time to talk to customers about anything and are great neighbours to the local residents. Avalon Service Centre are definitely our local heroes in Avalon."

NELSON - MARLBOROUGH: Mary Jane and Colin - Lemon Tree Lane
"Lemon Tree Lane is a great big little gift shop. I am so grateful for Mary Jane and Colin's 'You are very welcome' and 'it's no trouble at all' attitude. Their prices are very reasonable, they always happily gift wrap with beautiful papers and ribbons as a part of their service. I truly can't speak highly enough of this community-minded couple and their classy, extensive range of items that never leave us disappointed."

CANTERBURY - WEST: Troy Cameron - ATC Accounting Services
"Troy Cameron is a local accountant. He is an awesome family man and it is not unusual to see Matilda, his Kune Kune pig, snuggled up with his dog and daughter in his lounge. It was the flying pig on his flyer that made me call him 2 years ago and as we had just gone into business which was scary in itself, let alone dealing with an accountant, we have never looked back. Troy goes the extra mile and his fees are more than reasonable"

OTAGO - SOUTHLAND: Richard Smith - CJ Sinclair
"The owner is Richard Smith whose family have been in the motor trade in the Ranfurly Naseby area for over 100 years. During the last years lock down our car broke down leaving us feeling quite uncomfortable as we live some distance from medical & other services. Richard came to our rescue. We need such companies and people in our rural areas. Richard demonstrates such excellent attributes required in our area."

Prospa Local Business Hero - who gets your vote?
  • 5.7% NORTHLAND: Wayne and Kate - Engraving Systems
    5.7% Complete
  • 13.8% AUCKLAND: Lynnae Palu - F45 Training Takapuna
    13.8% Complete
  • 7.7% WAIKATO: Team at Incredible India - Incredible India Restaurant
    7.7% Complete
  • 5.9% BAY OF PLENTY: Team at Benny and Brew - Benny and Brew
    5.9% Complete
  • 15.2% HAWKE’S BAY - GISBORNE: Jazz and his family - Bossman Dairy - Creagh St Store
    15.2% Complete
  • 5.2% TARANAKI: Reece and family - Valentine's Valet
    5.2% Complete
  • 9.7% MANAWATU-WANGANUI: Jamie - JD Hair Design
    9.7% Complete
  • 13.9% WELLINGTON: Meredith and Craig - Avalon Service Centre
    13.9% Complete
  • 11.8% NELSON - MARLBOROUGH: Mary Jane and Colin - Lemon Tree Lane
    11.8% Complete
  • 7.3% CANTERBURY - WEST: Troy Cameron - ATC Accounting Services
    7.3% Complete
  • 3.8% OTAGO - SOUTHLAND: Richard Smith - CJ Sinclair
    3.8% Complete
1034 votes
1279 days ago
1278 days ago

We need to continue conserving water 🚨

The Team from Wellington Water

We are doing well with keeping usage down in Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Porirua and Wellington, but we need to keep going!
We are on the brink of needing to move to a total outdoor water ban, but with sustained effort, and rain expected in the forecast, we may be able to keep this at bay.

If the … View more
We are doing well with keeping usage down in Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Porirua and Wellington, but we need to keep going!
We are on the brink of needing to move to a total outdoor water ban, but with sustained effort, and rain expected in the forecast, we may be able to keep this at bay.

If the rain doesn’t come next week we may be in trouble so, If we don’t continue to act, the restriction level will have to increase.

Please:
👉 Only use hand held watering devices outdoors on alternate days between 6-8am, and 7-9pm
👉 Don’t use sprinklers, irrigation systems or unattended hoses until further notice.

Alternate days: even numbered properties on even numbered dates and odd numbered properties on odd numbered dates.

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1278 days ago

Single mum not suitable for Porirua rental

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from Community News

A single mother was turned away at the door, with her child in her arms, when she went to view a house, despite the property being listed as “suitable for two tenants”.
Te Maari Papara​ had arranged to view the one-bedroom house in Porirua and brought along her 1-year-old son, Kash​.
“She… View more
A single mother was turned away at the door, with her child in her arms, when she went to view a house, despite the property being listed as “suitable for two tenants”.
Te Maari Papara​ had arranged to view the one-bedroom house in Porirua and brought along her 1-year-old son, Kash​.
“She [the property manager] just stared at me and told me to leave,” the 21-year-old mother said.
“It felt degrading.”The property manager told Papara that the house was only suitable for “professional singles or couples”. But the listing from Oxygen Property Management hadn’t mentioned that requirement – and still didn’t on Wednesday afternoon.
Do you think this is fair?

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1280 days ago

Houseplants looking sick? The plant doctor answers your questions

Mikaela Wilkes Reporter from Homed

Hi neighbours,
Thank you to everyone who submitted questions about their sickly plant babies. Houseplants might be fashionable, but they can be tricky to get right. Whether it’s the wrong light, too much or too little water, or a pesky draft, it doesn’t take much for your prize peace lily to … View more
Hi neighbours,
Thank you to everyone who submitted questions about their sickly plant babies. Houseplants might be fashionable, but they can be tricky to get right. Whether it’s the wrong light, too much or too little water, or a pesky draft, it doesn’t take much for your prize peace lily to turn yellow or an infestation of bugs to set in.

We put some of your houseplant questions to the plant doctors from Kings Plant Barn to diagnose. Find their answers here.

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