Ruapehu District, Taumarunui

1671 days ago

Need to save on power?

Electricity Authority

If COVID-19 means you’ve been using more power, or if it’s affected your income, talk to your power company to check you’re on the best plan.

Find more advice and support at the Electricity Authority’s website.

Talk, Check, see if you can save.
Find out more

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1672 days ago

Looking forward to your next copy of NZ Gardener?

Jo McCarroll - NZ Gardener editor Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

I am (very) pleased to tell you that now that the country is in Level Three, the May issue of NZ Gardener will be sent to our printers, and the magazine will be on sale from May 7. And believe me the May issue is packed with the good stuff, with ideas of what you can sow, plant, pick and preserve … View moreI am (very) pleased to tell you that now that the country is in Level Three, the May issue of NZ Gardener will be sent to our printers, and the magazine will be on sale from May 7. And believe me the May issue is packed with the good stuff, with ideas of what you can sow, plant, pick and preserve to make the most of your garden right now, plus Lynda Hallinan reflects on 60 lessons for gardeners from the lockdown, a bumper gardening quiz, and you can visit a spectacular Taupō garden alive with birds, a whimsical wonderland in Glenorchy in full bloom and meet the clever and resourceful gardeners of the Chatham Islands... all without leaving your bubble. And thanks so much to everyone who has been in touch to offer their support to the NZ Gardener team, especially those who have subscribed or renewed or purchased a subscription as a gift (an NZ Gardener subscription is a great Mother's Day idea, just sayin'!) We are so grateful to you all, and it's your support that allows us to keep inspiring and informing gardeners from all around New Zealand as we have been doing now for more than 75 years. Please share this message with your gardening groups on social too. We’re looking forward to the many more years of celebrating the amazing gardens and gardeners of New Zealand that lie ahead.

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1672 days ago

Taupō Times is back!

Steph Rangi Reporter from Taupō Times

Hey, Taupō community!

We have just been given word that the paper will be back next week.

We'd love to see what you all got up to during the lockdown so please send some photos through to us of all the lockdown fun you had.

Photos can be emailed through to steph.rangi@stuff.co.nz

1672 days ago

Economic recovery campaign launched

Chris Marshall Reporter from Taupō Times

A ‘Love this Place’ campaign has been launched to support businesses in the Taupō District.

The campaign also aims to share inspiring stories of enterprises adapting to the current environment, and shine the light on the area.

The primary goal of the ‘Love this Place’ campaign, said its… View more
A ‘Love this Place’ campaign has been launched to support businesses in the Taupō District.

The campaign also aims to share inspiring stories of enterprises adapting to the current environment, and shine the light on the area.

The primary goal of the ‘Love this Place’ campaign, said its creators, was to stimulate the local economy post Covid-19.

The campaign is a partnership between Destination Great Lake Taupō, Enterprise Great Lake Taupō, Towncentre Taupō, Taupō Business Chamber, and Turangi Tourism Group with support from Taupō District Council, and district-wide i-SITE visitor information centres.

Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas said he was delighted to see the initiative launched and urged all locals to get on board.

“This is all about showing our love and support for everything we have right here in our backyard. The Taupō District is an amazing place to live, work and play. Now is the time for everyone to support our local businesses, explore more of our own backyard and become an ambassador for our district.”

He urged the community to unite and spend locally whenever possible.

Turangi Tourism Group Chairman, Mike Bowie, also pplauded the launch of the new initiative.

“Our business community at the southern end of the lake has been severely impacted by Covid-19, with the immediate closure of so many tourism related operations,” he said.

“We know our Turangi locals will dig deep and support our business owners to come through this, and I think this initiative is a great jumpstart.”

He encouraged local residents to check the list of Turangi businesses trading at Level 3 before they went shopping.

Marketview figures show that in the year to March 2020, local spending across the district contributed 60 per cent of the total revenue through retail, accommodation, entertainment and other consumer spending.

The remaining 40 per cent was from a mix of domestic and international tourist spending. The same data shows that Taupō district residents spent $150m in retail purchases outside the district.

Locals can see which businesses are operating at various alert levels in the district at the ‘Love this Place’ Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LoveThisPlaceTaupoDistrict) from today (Tuesday, April 28).

Businesses are encouraged to register their details to be listed as trading during Level 3 by completing the form on the Facebook page and next week, the ‘Love this Place’ team will be launching a number of activities and promotions that the whole family can take part in, like treasure hunts and shopping incentives, said project coordinator Andrea McLaren.

Locals keen to be part of ‘Love this Place’ can share their story on Facebook by tagging @LoveThisPlaceTaupoDistrict.

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1673 days ago

Need advice on a DIY fail or reno dilemma?

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

Hey neighbours, how's lockdown life treating you? If you've been trying to sort some long overdue DIY jobs around the home, with mixed results, help is at hand. 

Have you already had a DIY disaster you need to fix, or are you looking to do some home improvements but don't where … View more
Hey neighbours, how's lockdown life treating you? If you've been trying to sort some long overdue DIY jobs around the home, with mixed results, help is at hand. 

Have you already had a DIY disaster you need to fix, or are you looking to do some home improvements but don't where where to start? Email homed@stuff.co.nz to tell us all about it - including photos if you can - and we'll ask our experts for their advice on how you can fix things up, or where to start with your project. 

So whether you have a interiors design dilemma, a need for some home DIY know how, bigger plans for a reno you'd like an expert opinion on, or even a tough cleaning problem you want cleared up, we'll get you some answers. What are you waiting for? Email your questions and photos to homed@stuff.co.nz and we'll get back to you.

Please note: We are unable to recommend specific businesses or tradespeople to provide quotes etc.

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1672 days ago

New Zealand is now at Alert Level 3

New Zealand Government

Alert Level 3 is a milestone in our struggle against COVID-19. We are all responsible for what happens next. Every contact we make is a chance for the virus to spread.

We could easily lose what we have gained. Our success, or failure, depends on the decisions that we’ll each make alone – … View more
Alert Level 3 is a milestone in our struggle against COVID-19. We are all responsible for what happens next. Every contact we make is a chance for the virus to spread.

We could easily lose what we have gained. Our success, or failure, depends on the decisions that we’ll each make alone – but which in turn – will affect all of us.

Two weeks then a review
• On 11 May, we will review our progress and decide if we can safely continue to step down restrictions, or if more measures are required to protect us all.
• So the decisions we each make now, matter. Because every interaction we have is an opportunity for the virus to spread.

Keeping safe at Alert Level 3
• At Alert Level 3, the best way to keep those around you safe, is by keeping your bubble small. Interact with as few people as possible. Less people equals less risk. And continue to stay at home whenever you can.
• We should each be making the minimal number of trips. Be sure to stay local, and only make necessary trips.
• And importantly, work and learn from home if you can.

Let’s do this
We’re a team of 5 million. Formidable. And we can do this.
So thank you New Zealand for making the right decisions, when it really counts.
Find out more

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1677 days ago

Hunting rules relaxed under Alert Level 3

Chris Marshall Reporter from Taupō Times

The government has moved to placate mounting pressure from gun groups, hunting associations and rural communities to allow some hunting when the country moves to Covid-19 Alert Level 3.
Hunters will be able to hunt on private land with special restrictions but not on public conservation land, Sport… View more
The government has moved to placate mounting pressure from gun groups, hunting associations and rural communities to allow some hunting when the country moves to Covid-19 Alert Level 3.
Hunters will be able to hunt on private land with special restrictions but not on public conservation land, Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson and Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage announced on Thursday (April 23).

Hunting has not been allowed under Alert Level 4, but a shift to Level 3 next Tuesday morning will mean hunters can once again hunt locally - as long as they have the landholder’s permission and stick to the rules.
At a press conference last week Robertson said restrictions on hunting were under review.

In a press release today he said the easing of rules would strike a balance by allowing hunting in a limited way.

“We know that hunting is an important part of life for many New Zealanders, and in some cases a critical source of food. At Level 3 we also need to minimise the risk of losing the great progress we’ve made together in Alert Level 4 in stamping out the virus.”

Hunting on foot on private land would be allowed under Alert Level 3, so long as hunters stayed within their region and their bubble. Overnight trips were not.

“The use of quad bikes, off-road bikes, helicopters and other motorised vehicles is prohibited.”

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said hunting on public conservation land was not allowed until a decision had been made for a return to Alert Level 2.

“While many hunters may want to head to popular spots on public land to target the last stag of the roar, under Alert Level 3 hunting on public conservation land will remain off limits.

“This helps with consistency across walking and mountain biking where people must stay local, rather than travelling to backcountry conservation land.

“The start of the duck hunting season is being postponed from May 2 to start on the second weekend after the date that is decided for when New Zealand moves to Alert Level 2. The season will also end later,” she said.

The two-week delay to the start of the season following any move to Level 2 was determined in consultation with the New Zealand Fish and Game Council

“All New Zealanders will still have an opportunity to hunt ducks, at the same time, once we return to Alert Level 2,” said Sage.

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1678 days ago

Please share an ANZAC Story with us Manawatu and Wanganui...

RSA

Dear Manawatu and Wanganui - ANZAC Day will look a little different for us this year - however there are many ways for you to acknowledge the incredible men and women who have served our communities and given their lives for our country.

We invite you to share a memory or photo to commemorate … View more
Dear Manawatu and Wanganui - ANZAC Day will look a little different for us this year - however there are many ways for you to acknowledge the incredible men and women who have served our communities and given their lives for our country.

We invite you to share a memory or photo to commemorate this special day on Neighbourly below. It could be a story of a member in your family who served - or perhaps the way you and your family celebrate ANZAC Day each year. (It might even be a photo of your freshly baked can't be-beaten ANZAC cookies).

We also invite you to take part in Stand at Dawn and join us at 6:00 am on Saturday 25 April. Stand at your letterbox, at the front door, in your lounge rooms, balconies, in your driveway. Wherever you are in the world, stand with us and take a moment to remember our fallen – but please stay within your ‘bubble’.

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1674 days ago

Small business owners - we have a gift for you!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

To show our appreciation for those running small business in our communities, we are giving away our 3 month Premium Business Listings for FREE*.

Usually $150, your Premium Listing enables you to stay visible and connected to those around your business. Let your neighbours know how you're… View more
To show our appreciation for those running small business in our communities, we are giving away our 3 month Premium Business Listings for FREE*.

Usually $150, your Premium Listing enables you to stay visible and connected to those around your business. Let your neighbours know how you're operating in Alert Level 3, share tips and tricks unique to your industry, send a few shoutouts - or share how your community can support you at this time.

There's no catches and no hidden fees. It's just our small way of saying thank you for playing such an essential part in our communities.

Grab a FREE 3 Month Premium Business Listing now. (Feel free to share the news with your fellow small business owners too!)

*limited time only
Get 3 Months Free

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1675 days ago

Stories from the ANZACs

ANZAC Day will be marked a little differently this year. We’ll be warm and cosy at home and The Last Post won’t start until you press play. But one thing will be the same – remembrance.

To help us remember those who served and understand what ‘to serve’ meant, … View more
ANZAC Day will be marked a little differently this year. We’ll be warm and cosy at home and The Last Post won’t start until you press play. But one thing will be the same – remembrance.

To help us remember those who served and understand what ‘to serve’ meant, Ryman recorded their ANZAC resident’s stories. Some are humorous, others are tragic and eye-opening, but they all offer insight into the courage, bravery, and determination required to serve.

What better way to remember than to read the memories of those who were there?
Learn more

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1675 days ago

Support Stuff’s local and national news teams

The Team Reporter from Stuff

For over 150 years, the news and information we uncover and provide have relied on your support, either through subscription to our newspapers, consuming news via our online sites, or indirectly through the patronage you provide to those who advertise with us.  

Now there’s a … View more
For over 150 years, the news and information we uncover and provide have relied on your support, either through subscription to our newspapers, consuming news via our online sites, or indirectly through the patronage you provide to those who advertise with us.  

Now there’s a new way you can support us: by making direct financial contributions to help power our news teams up and down the country. 

Make a contribution and you’ll help our journalists continue to do what they do best: provide our readers with trustworthy, accurate and reliable news.
Contribute here

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1676 days ago

Attract birds into your garden

The Team from Resene ColorShop Taupo

Create a simple hanging bird feeder from a few pieces of plywood and a terracotta pot and saucer.

Make the most of this weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene. Find out how to create this quick and easy project yourself

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