Queenstown Lakes District, Queenstown

Voted for NZ's Merriest Home yet?

Voted for NZ's Merriest Home yet?

Check out the finalists and take your pick!

989 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
989 days ago

Do you have a great local cafe?

Stuff

...or bar? Or restaurant? Or a coffee hole-in-the-wall?

Hi neighbours! After a punishing couple of years, we want to help hospitality get back on its feet and you can help us!

If you have a local you love, let us know here and we’ll share it with New Zealand in our nationwide directory of… View more
...or bar? Or restaurant? Or a coffee hole-in-the-wall?

Hi neighbours! After a punishing couple of years, we want to help hospitality get back on its feet and you can help us!

If you have a local you love, let us know here and we’ll share it with New Zealand in our nationwide directory of great places that deserve our support.
Recommend it here!

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993 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 that 4pm gap.

Subscribe by 5pm on 4 April and go in the draw to win a 65" Sony TV. For details and T&Cs see here.

Sign up here (it's free!).
Find out more

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993 days ago

Sit back and stream the best shows of 2022!

The Team from NZ Compare

Hey Neighbours!
We're all feeling a bit tired lately, you don't even need a reason to just make a cuppa, sit down and relax to the best shows to stream right now!

But with all the choice… it can be hard to actually find good shows to watch. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t … View more
Hey Neighbours!
We're all feeling a bit tired lately, you don't even need a reason to just make a cuppa, sit down and relax to the best shows to stream right now!

But with all the choice… it can be hard to actually find good shows to watch. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! We’re here to break it down for you.

We’ve covered the best shows to watch on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime and Neon right now.

Plus, we’ve got the lowdown on which broadband providers are offering free subscriptions to these streaming services!!

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994 days ago
994 days ago

Last change to get to Chooza and bid - Auctions closing tonight

The Team from Red Cross - Central Otago Service Centre

There are some great auctions closing tonight on the online charity auction site chooza. Check them out because a number close tonight between 7pm and 9pm. Exciting experiences, luxurious stays away, and heap more. All proceeds go to support the work Red Cross does in New Zealand.

🔉 Last… View more
There are some great auctions closing tonight on the online charity auction site chooza. Check them out because a number close tonight between 7pm and 9pm. Exciting experiences, luxurious stays away, and heap more. All proceeds go to support the work Red Cross does in New Zealand.

🔉 Last chance to get awesome deals on Chooza auctions and support New Zealand Red Cross

Throughout March, Chooza online auctions is donating proceeds from sales to New Zealand Red Cross in support of our annual appeal.

Just some of the items closing at 7 pm today:

Petrol Vouchers 🎫

Luxury Accommodation 🏨

Ride in an electric plane ✈️

Vivo hair and beauty voucher 💇

Pursuit Pro First Aid Kit 🩹

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998 days ago

Your warm and cosy winter home

The Warehouse

Temperatures are going down, but it's easy to bring the warmth up at home without heating up your power bill or our planet.

It's second nature to us to add layers when we go out. We pull on socks, leggings, jumpers, coats, and hats.

For a warm and inviting winter home, layer up … View more
Temperatures are going down, but it's easy to bring the warmth up at home without heating up your power bill or our planet.

It's second nature to us to add layers when we go out. We pull on socks, leggings, jumpers, coats, and hats.

For a warm and inviting winter home, layer up your spaces with our growing range of sustainable and affordable cushions, throws, and furniture.

Start adding your layers today and by the time winter really kicks in, you'll be ready to kick back and relax.
Find out more

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998 days ago

Bid to support Red Cross

The Team from Red Cross - Central Otago Service Centre

Check out some of the items that people are bidding on as part of the List, Sell, Give Hope! campaign 🤩🤩🤩

One of them could be yours! Just by clicking the “bid” button!

1003 days ago

Australian floods - reminder of climate impacts!

Climate Insights

As we have seen with the flooding in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia, climate can pose a significant threat to our homes!

Thousands of people have been evacuated, and many made homeless as a result of the floods. Our homes are often our most significant investments, and the cost of … View more
As we have seen with the flooding in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia, climate can pose a significant threat to our homes!

Thousands of people have been evacuated, and many made homeless as a result of the floods. Our homes are often our most significant investments, and the cost of these events can be devastating!

Using the Climate Insights residential property tool, you can identify any risks that your home may face in the future with a changing climate. This information, along with adaptation options, allows you to prepare!

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1000 days ago

Make meal planning easy with Stuff’s Dinner Sorted newsletter

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.

Subscribe by 5pm on 4 April and go in the draw to win a 65" Sony TV. For details and T&Cs see here.

Sign up here (it's free!).
Find out more

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1000 days ago

*WIN* with your best Neighbourly story!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Sold something in record time? Reunited with a furry friend? Or maybe you formed a friendship with a neighbour? We'd love to hear about it.

Tell us your best Neighbourly story and you could win a prize from our spot prize cupboard. We’re looking for stories from our member's … View more
Sold something in record time? Reunited with a furry friend? Or maybe you formed a friendship with a neighbour? We'd love to hear about it.

Tell us your best Neighbourly story and you could win a prize from our spot prize cupboard. We’re looking for stories from our member's experiences with Neighbourly. It doesn't have to be anything momentous; some of the simplest stories are the most heart-warming.
Share your story

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1001 days ago

Odd questions people from overseas ask about NZ

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi everyone,
With overseas tourists set to return to NZ shortly, we're looking at doing a light-hearted piece on the odd questions Kiwis have been asked about NZ. You may have seen the post doing the rounds on social media at the moment asking whether English is spoken here and suggesting NZ … View more
Hi everyone,
With overseas tourists set to return to NZ shortly, we're looking at doing a light-hearted piece on the odd questions Kiwis have been asked about NZ. You may have seen the post doing the rounds on social media at the moment asking whether English is spoken here and suggesting NZ is a state of Australia (see below). Have you ever been asked anything surprising about NZ? Feel free to message me or comment below. Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you do not want it or your name included in the article. Thanks very much for your help and happy travels.

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1001 days ago

A Year's Supply of Toilet Paper - List, Sell Give Hope! with Red Cross

The Team from Red Cross - Central Otago Service Centre

Did you know that on average a family of four uses 1.1 rolls of toilet paper a day, 8 rolls a week and 32 rolls a month 🧻🧻

Thanks to my Fundraiser.co.nz we have 240 XL rolls of toilet paper to auction; this equates to 480 regular rolls... and well over a year's supply for a family of… View more
Did you know that on average a family of four uses 1.1 rolls of toilet paper a day, 8 rolls a week and 32 rolls a month 🧻🧻

Thanks to my Fundraiser.co.nz we have 240 XL rolls of toilet paper to auction; this equates to 480 regular rolls... and well over a year's supply for a family of four!

Made from 70% hardwood pulp (Pine from Uruguay) and 30% softwood pulp (Spruce from Finland), the paper is certified sustainably sourced, flush ability tested and there are no added wet strength agents. My Fundraiser proudly offer a product that is free from plastic, right down to paper tape to seal the box.

Roll on in and place a bid on this household staple 🚽

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1001 days ago

Brilliant boards

The Team from Resene ColorShop Queenstown

Transform plain serving boards into pastel-toned works of art with a few Resene testpots. Graphic prints and geometric patterns are a big trend for summer. Take your outdoor entertaining to the next level by painting an array of wooden serving boards in pretty sorbet colours from Resene. Structured… View moreTransform plain serving boards into pastel-toned works of art with a few Resene testpots. Graphic prints and geometric patterns are a big trend for summer. Take your outdoor entertaining to the next level by painting an array of wooden serving boards in pretty sorbet colours from Resene. Structured lines or a paint-brush riot – anything goes!

Find out how to create your own.

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1001 days ago

Over dealing with SLOW internet?!

The Team from NZ Compare

Now, more than ever, a great broadband connection is vital to all Kiwis! Our lives have changed so much over the past few years with many of us now working from home.

Hyperfibre delivers insane speeds that most Kiwis can’t even imagine! Whether it’s for work, study, streaming or playing … View more
Now, more than ever, a great broadband connection is vital to all Kiwis! Our lives have changed so much over the past few years with many of us now working from home.

Hyperfibre delivers insane speeds that most Kiwis can’t even imagine! Whether it’s for work, study, streaming or playing your favourite video games, Hyperfibre is going to give you the smoothest experience possible.

Feel the need for speed? Hyperfibre has launched on Broadband Compare. Go check it out now and see if it's right for you!

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