Waipunga, Taupo

1589 days ago

A festival of aroha – Let's make Matariki a public holiday in 2021

Stacey Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Today, Stuff is launching a campaign to make Matariki a public holiday from 2021.

Plucked from obscurity and given the breath of life, since the turn of the century, Matariki has blossomed into an inclusive, popular event.

Tied to the rising of Matariki, the Pleiades star cluster,… View more
Hi neighbours,

Today, Stuff is launching a campaign to make Matariki a public holiday from 2021.

Plucked from obscurity and given the breath of life, since the turn of the century, Matariki has blossomed into an inclusive, popular event.

Tied to the rising of Matariki, the Pleiades star cluster, in the night sky, the festival marks the start of te Mātahi o te tau, the new year.

Once a casualty of colonisation, Matariki’s comeback has fostered greater use of te reo Māori, and recognition for Māori customary practices.

We believe it is past time to officially acknowledge all Matariki stands for in our national calendar. To learn more about Stuff's campaign, click here

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1593 days ago

Poll: Is the Government doing enough to stop recyclable materials going to landfill?

The Team Reporter from Stuff

The Government has thrown $124 million at reducing the country’s growing waste pile, but not everyone agrees that’s enough.

Local Government NZ says the funding should be matched with a “strategic waste plan”, with the goal for New Zealand to be able to process its own waste onshore.

In … View more
The Government has thrown $124 million at reducing the country’s growing waste pile, but not everyone agrees that’s enough.

Local Government NZ says the funding should be matched with a “strategic waste plan”, with the goal for New Zealand to be able to process its own waste onshore.

In the last decade, the amount of waste at council landfills has increased by 48 per cent.

To read more, click here.

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Is the Government doing enough to stop recyclable materials going to landfill?
  • 13.4% Yes, more money and time is better spent elsewhere
    13.4% Complete
  • 86.6% No, NZ's waste and recycling system needs more focus
    86.6% Complete
2903 votes
1590 days ago

New Zealand International Film Festival

Resene

Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival will present the World Premiere screenings of five New Zealand films this winter for NZIFF At Home - Online available nationwide 24 July - 2 August.

Resene is proud to support this year’s homegrown selection which includes four … View more
Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival will present the World Premiere screenings of five New Zealand films this winter for NZIFF At Home - Online available nationwide 24 July - 2 August.

Resene is proud to support this year’s homegrown selection which includes four documentaries and one episodic drama. Plus there are plenty of other films to keep you entertained. Visit online for more information.

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1590 days ago

Experience the Ryman Difference!

Our villages are vibrant communities that offer something for everyone. Be social or enjoy the quiet life, go travelling, join a book club or enjoy the camaraderie of a walking group.

Enjoy the peace of mind that Ryman guarantees with resident-friendly terms, leading innovation, a caring team … View more
Our villages are vibrant communities that offer something for everyone. Be social or enjoy the quiet life, go travelling, join a book club or enjoy the camaraderie of a walking group.

Enjoy the peace of mind that Ryman guarantees with resident-friendly terms, leading innovation, a caring team and care options to suit your needs.
Get your free copy

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1591 days ago

Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival Brings The Arthouse To Your House This Week

New Zealand Film Festival Trust

The highlight event of Winter is back – and this year it’s coming right to your own living room!

Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival runs 24 July to 2 August with 79 feature films and seven short film collections from 41 countries screening in the unique At Home – … View more
The highlight event of Winter is back – and this year it’s coming right to your own living room!

Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival runs 24 July to 2 August with 79 feature films and seven short film collections from 41 countries screening in the unique At Home – Online digital edition. Browse the programme and choose from documentaries, drama, doco-drama, short films, animation and a special programme for kids, and enjoy special filmmaker introductions and Q&As.

Selected films will also screen in 16 cinemas and theatres in eight cities – Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, New Plymouth, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Gore.
Find out more

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1594 days ago

Humanely dealing with pests this winter.

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

Have you ever had a pest problem? I used to have a pet rat. They are smart, affectionate, clever little things. I'd never want to cause one unnecessary pain or suffering, which is why we've chosen to manage pests in our home with traps. It's not ideal, but it's better - and … View moreHave you ever had a pest problem? I used to have a pet rat. They are smart, affectionate, clever little things. I'd never want to cause one unnecessary pain or suffering, which is why we've chosen to manage pests in our home with traps. It's not ideal, but it's better - and safer - than poison. I've done a little research on humane, effective vermin control during the wet months, when they like to come in from the cold. Take a look:

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1592 days ago

Do you know what to plant in the garden right now?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week’s issue of our ezine Get Growing, we list the veges to plant and harvest now plus it’s time to prune and plant roses, give wisteria a winter trim, sprout kūmara runners, chit seed potatoes and choose camellias to plant now.

Meet three generations of bulb grower in Northland and … View more
In this week’s issue of our ezine Get Growing, we list the veges to plant and harvest now plus it’s time to prune and plant roses, give wisteria a winter trim, sprout kūmara runners, chit seed potatoes and choose camellias to plant now.

Meet three generations of bulb grower in Northland and nominate a gardening hero for Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year. Plus go in the draw for wild bird packs from Tui and copies of NZ Gardener’s July issue.

Delivered every Friday to your email inbox, Get Growing digital magazine offers seasonal gardening advice from the NZ Gardener magazine's team of experts. Each week we answer all your burning questions on raising fruit and veges and tell you the top tasks to do in your backyard this weekend. Subscribe here:

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1593 days ago

Volcanic Rumble moves to February 2021

Chris Marshall Reporter from Taupō Times

Next year’s Volcanic Rumble - Taupō’s homegrown transport festival - will be moving to February.
Organiser Marin Leusink said it would likely run late in the month with dates yet to be finalised.
“It will be the same format, a celebration of all types of vehicles and we’re looking forward … View more
Next year’s Volcanic Rumble - Taupō’s homegrown transport festival - will be moving to February.
Organiser Marin Leusink said it would likely run late in the month with dates yet to be finalised.
“It will be the same format, a celebration of all types of vehicles and we’re looking forward to putting in place what we learned from last year - that people are very busy in the lead up to Christmas, but also to condense it and simplify the event.”

A highlight was the approximately 200 different vehicles on the Tongariro Domain on the weekend of the Christmas Parade.

Leusink and trustees Terry Kirkham, Craig Newman and volunteer Ray Ricks handed over the $5000 raised from December’s event to Shawn Vennell of Greening Taupō on Tuesday (July14) which Leusink thought was a solid community based objective.

An earlier thought had been to put the funds towards a pedestrian bridge to cross Tongariro Street.

Taupō Hospice was the other charity the Volcanic Rumble Trust supported with its Joy Rumbling - jaunts around town in a classic vehicle for children in difficult circumstances.

Leusink thanked local businesses for their support including major sponsor Malcolm Flowers Insurance and supporters like the Taupō District Council.



Craig Newman, Terry Kirkham, Malcolm Flowers, Kevin Taylor, Taupō Mayor David Trewavas and Ray Ricks with (in front) Marin Leusink and Shawn Vennell.

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1596 days ago

Things that surprise Kiwis returning to NZ

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi everyone,
I'm working on a travel story for Stuff about the things that have surprised returning Kiwis about New Zealand. If you have recently returned from overseas or know someone who has, it would be great to hear about the things that have stood out for you, for better or for worse. … View more
Hi everyone,
I'm working on a travel story for Stuff about the things that have surprised returning Kiwis about New Zealand. If you have recently returned from overseas or know someone who has, it would be great to hear about the things that have stood out for you, for better or for worse. Whether it's to do with the weather, the cost of things, the public transport, the food, the housing, the people or something else entirely, we'd be keen to hear about it. Please remember that your comment may be included in the article, unless you say you don't want it to be. Thank you.

1593 days ago

This week’s Kind Neighbour is Ann, nominated by Georgina Hamilton from Takanini.

Neighbourly.co.nz

Have you got a Kind Neighbour in your hood? We've teamed up with our mates at AMI to shout-out the good people up and down the country that have been nominated by others in their community. Get your shout outs in to our AMI Kind Neighbour Page and you and your nominee could win a $50 Prezzy® … View moreHave you got a Kind Neighbour in your hood? We've teamed up with our mates at AMI to shout-out the good people up and down the country that have been nominated by others in their community. Get your shout outs in to our AMI Kind Neighbour Page and you and your nominee could win a $50 Prezzy® Card AND a shout out in your local paper! Check out last weeks below ⬇️⬇️

"My neighbour Ann, a retired special ed teacher, goes the extra mile for her community. On her neighbourhood walks she notices blocked drains, or dangerous pavements on school routes and spends time phoning the Council to get them fixed. She is part of a local group that petitioned for new school crossings on Takanini School Road. She volunteers at the local school for free maths tuition. She sets a really great example of looking out for her community and makes the world a better place."

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