Iwitahi, Taupo

Fair play

Fair play

Whether it’s a playhouse, she shed or teenager’s sleepout, a stencil-painted floor in Resene Clockwork Orange will elevate it from meh to wow.

1453 days ago

First home buyer burned by sunset clause finally secures dream house in Lower Hutt

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

Remember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. … View more
Remember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. She ended up giving me a bit of a masterclass in tenacity and not giving up on your home owning dreams.
Find out how Bailey found her first home, and what it means to her after such a big let down.

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1448 days ago

Watch Stuff Circuit’s new documentary, Emma

The Team Reporter from Stuff

At two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her… View moreAt two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her became a nightmare, and it ended in tragedy.

Emma has faced more challenges and rejections than most people could cope with. And now, she wants to take on the biggest challenge of her life - finding answers to those most fundamental questions: who am I? Where did I come from?
Watch now

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1450 days ago

Happy Diwali to New Zealand!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Diwali has different meanings worldwide depending where you live but primarily it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Whether you are celebrating at home by lighting lamps & eating treats, or you are going to a nearby festival, we'd love to hear about your Diwali celebrations. Feel … View moreDiwali has different meanings worldwide depending where you live but primarily it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Whether you are celebrating at home by lighting lamps & eating treats, or you are going to a nearby festival, we'd love to hear about your Diwali celebrations. Feel free to share your photos and best wishes to your community below.

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1449 days ago

Experience NZ like never before

Stuff Travel

Save up to 25% off 5 / 7 / 9 or 13 day tours of North and South Islands, exclusive to Stuff Travel.

From renowned operator Kirra Tours, these land cruising packages will leave you in awe of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, heritage and culture, impressing even the most discerning … View more
Save up to 25% off 5 / 7 / 9 or 13 day tours of North and South Islands, exclusive to Stuff Travel.

From renowned operator Kirra Tours, these land cruising packages will leave you in awe of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, heritage and culture, impressing even the most discerning traveller, and creating plenty of memories and stories to share for years to come.

Tours include a private luxury coach, rail tickets, tour guide, some meals and more.

Buy now, book dates later with a NZ based travel concierge.
Find out more

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1449 days ago

Get deck-orating with Resene!

Resene

Get your place in shape for the holidays and summer. One of the easiest jobs to get done quickly is to clean and rejuvenate your deck and outdoor furniture. Simply wash down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash then finish with the Resene Woodsman range of wood stains. Choose from a wide range of … View moreGet your place in shape for the holidays and summer. One of the easiest jobs to get done quickly is to clean and rejuvenate your deck and outdoor furniture. Simply wash down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash then finish with the Resene Woodsman range of wood stains. Choose from a wide range of colours, from traditional wood stains to a beachy whitewashed finish. Or go for the natural look with Resene Furniture and Decking Oil.

If you’re planning on a dark colour, remember to choose a Resene CoolColour version of your colour. This will help to reflect more heat to keep your deck and furniture cooler and more comfortable to walk or sit on.

Visit your local Resene ColorShop and see the huge range of options on their woodcare stand to help you bring out the best in your home.
Find your Resene ColorShop

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1451 days ago

First Rung: Debt Free Diva saves deposit for first home in 12 months

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's … View more
One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's talking about, too. Not only did she smash more than $90k of debt in three years, but in the year since she paid it off, she's saved enough, on top of her Kiwisaver, to pay the deposit on a home of her own.
It wasn't easy, and Tracy would be the first person to tell you that! But it is doable. Check out how, and have a listen to our episode of First Rung about Settlement day, on this link below. It includes some tips from Tracy on setting up a budget to manage your finance when you have a mortgage to pay.

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1454 days ago

Reno blogging saved one couple $35k... but it didn't come cheap

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

I've always thought of reno blogging as a way to document a difficult process in a fun, relatable way. The benefit? Emotional support and maybe advice from folks following your journey - and maybe a little ego bump from showing off your mad wallpapering skills.
If you're lucky, and good,… View more
I've always thought of reno blogging as a way to document a difficult process in a fun, relatable way. The benefit? Emotional support and maybe advice from folks following your journey - and maybe a little ego bump from showing off your mad wallpapering skills.
If you're lucky, and good, you might be given a couple of cans of paint from your local hardware store, to help you on the way - but that would be the icing on the tip of the social media cake.
Few of us would have the energy or knowhow to turn their reno into a part time side hustle that's both creatively fulfilling, and engaging.
But that's exactly what Moochstyle's Shayden and Georgia Whipps have done - with some pawsome help from their gorgeous dog Frankie. They've been blogging their Christchurch villa reno since they bought their home and Shayden shared their story with us for the final episode of First Rung, our podcast. A first time homeowner and renovator, Shayden is such an inspiring guy to chat with. He makes you want to jump in and give it go. Check out his story and let us know what you think.

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1451 days ago

Let's work together to make Aotearoa New Zealand a more compassionate place.

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

To address any issue in our community we need to know what we're up against.

Here's some simple ways you can help to end family violence:

+ Learn! The first step to change is awareness

+ Share facts, resources and helplines
View more
To address any issue in our community we need to know what we're up against.

Here's some simple ways you can help to end family violence:

+ Learn! The first step to change is awareness

+ Share facts, resources and helplines

+ Know the signs. Family violence can affect anyone

+ When you see it, report it to New Zealand Police

+ Support victims: check-in regularly, listen, refer

+ Volunteer / make a donation to a relevant charity

1453 days ago

Banking

Michael from South Taupo

Well very very annoyed went to the Cooperative Bank in Taupo this morning only to be told by a security guard on the door that it will be by appointment only now for everything, including depositing money. Well thats customer service well out the door with this bank.How much lower is the banking … View moreWell very very annoyed went to the Cooperative Bank in Taupo this morning only to be told by a security guard on the door that it will be by appointment only now for everything, including depositing money. Well thats customer service well out the door with this bank.How much lower is the banking system going to sink. It seem to me there ulterior motive is less service and more profit.To hell with the customer service.My wife and i have banked with them since 1980 when they were the Psis.and we have been loyal customers ever since.And being a kiwi bank it was a easy decision. Profits stayed in N.Z. But this latest announcement as really dented our loyalty. Which to me should work both ways,seems not well we are looking to change banks but there is not much alternative out there. considering most are overseas owned. Cooperative Bank the Bank of the people Yeah right they suck.

1452 days ago

Respite care when you need it

Time spent in respite care lets you experience Ryman’s dedicated care teams and the togetherness of village communities. Whether you need rehabilitation or support for family during the holidays.

Respite care is offered in rest-home, hospital and dementia-level care. Being there is just one … View more
Time spent in respite care lets you experience Ryman’s dedicated care teams and the togetherness of village communities. Whether you need rehabilitation or support for family during the holidays.

Respite care is offered in rest-home, hospital and dementia-level care. Being there is just one of the ways we’re pioneering a new way of living for a new retirement generation.
Learn more

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1453 days ago

The one-stop-shop for boosting your business online.

Rocket Spark

Get hands-on help from friendly local business experts. Whether you're just starting out on your business journey, or you want to grow your business, there'll be a seminar or workshop for you.

Walk away with a new plan, and a new mindset for your future.

The Digital Pop-up Shop is … View more
Get hands-on help from friendly local business experts. Whether you're just starting out on your business journey, or you want to grow your business, there'll be a seminar or workshop for you.

Walk away with a new plan, and a new mindset for your future.

The Digital Pop-up Shop is conveniently located in Garden Place from Monday November 23rd - Friday 27th.

With sessions across the week, find a time and topic that suits you.
FIND OUT MORE

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1453 days ago

This week's latest Blueprint

Hamilton Harcourts

View Hamilton Harcourts' latest interactive Blueprint.

If you'd like to receive Blueprint in your inbox each week, subscribe here.
Read now

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1454 days ago

We Say, You Say: Lake Taupo Highlights

Neighbourly.co.nz

As the school and tertiary holidays approach, many Kiwis will be travelling out of their towns and cities to Aotearoa tourist hotspots.

One such popular destination on a tiki tour is Lake Taupo: with renewable energy potential in geothermal reservoirs, a rich cultural history and good trout … View more
As the school and tertiary holidays approach, many Kiwis will be travelling out of their towns and cities to Aotearoa tourist hotspots.

One such popular destination on a tiki tour is Lake Taupo: with renewable energy potential in geothermal reservoirs, a rich cultural history and good trout fishing, New Zealand's largest lake has a great deal of tricks up its sleeve.

What are your tourist activity recommendations or memories of Lake Taupo?

*Type NFP if you don't want your comment to feature in the 'Conversations' section of the Taupo Times.

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1457 days ago

Reach Out 🤝 Look Out 👀 Help Out 💖

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

To find your nearest Neighbourhood Support or to get in touch about setting up a new one, go to:

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1457 days ago

Recycle a school desk

The Team from Resene ColorShop Taupo

Make homework fun by transforming an old school desk into a bright and appealing workstation using your children’s favourite Resene colours.

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

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