Makomako, Te Mata

2188 days ago

Nominate your neighbourhood's Santa - comment below!

Reporter Sunday Star Times

We are on the hunt for New Zealand's most original, even legendary, Santas - can you help?? This will be someone that embodies the big guy with the white beard year round and who people in your neighbourhood often refer to as Santa.

Obviously, this person will also be the one that is called … View more
We are on the hunt for New Zealand's most original, even legendary, Santas - can you help?? This will be someone that embodies the big guy with the white beard year round and who people in your neighbourhood often refer to as Santa.

Obviously, this person will also be the one that is called upon each year to don the red suit to go out and about posing for photos, handing out presents and just be an all-around nice charitable person.

If you know of someone, please leave us a comment with your details and how we can get in touch with your local Santa. COMMENT BELOW!

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2186 days ago

What was the thunder and lightning like at your place?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Tuesday's storm over the Waikato caused havoc for some locals, including Clem Newby whose cows were struck by lightning. The dairy farmer said he heard a "hell of a bang" before finding four cows had died when hit by lightning. You can read the full story here, please… View more
Hi neighbours,

Tuesday's storm over the Waikato caused havoc for some locals, including Clem Newby whose cows were struck by lightning. The dairy farmer said he heard a "hell of a bang" before finding four cows had died when hit by lightning. You can read the full story here, please note however there is a graphic warning on this story as some images may be upsetting.

"The lightning was just horrific and it really frightened myself. I had never heard anything like it in my life and it really shook the cowshed," says Clem.

The storm caused power outages, school closures, and flash flooding. Even some houses were hit by lightning. So, what was it like at your place? Have you ever seen a storm like this in the Waikato before? Share your thoughts with us in the replies below.
(Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff)

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2187 days ago

*WIN* a Christmas book pack!

Simon & Schuster

Click LIKE or THANK to go into a draw to win a pack of five best-selling books!

The pack includes Cassandra Clare’s brand new blockbuster, Queen of Air and Darkness, the epic finale to The Dark Artifices series; the ever-popular Kate Furnivall returns with her deeply moving The Survivors; … View more
Click LIKE or THANK to go into a draw to win a pack of five best-selling books!

The pack includes Cassandra Clare’s brand new blockbuster, Queen of Air and Darkness, the epic finale to The Dark Artifices series; the ever-popular Kate Furnivall returns with her deeply moving The Survivors; In Pieces is actress Sally Field’s haunting and powerful memoir; Fear is the inside story of President Trump, as only Bob Woodward can tell it; and finally, take a peek into Reese Witherspoon’s world with the beautiful Whiskey in a Teacup.

Simply click LIKE or THANK to enter! Goodluck!

T&Cs apply.
See more books!

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2187 days ago

The SuperSeniors newsletter is out now!

Office for Seniors

Hi Neighbours!

The December edition of the SuperSenior newsletter is out now! It's filled with all the latest news and Super Gold Card offers

In this issue we talk about the changes to GP fees. If you have a Community Services Card you may be entitled to cheaper doctor visits.

Need some … View more
Hi Neighbours!

The December edition of the SuperSenior newsletter is out now! It's filled with all the latest news and Super Gold Card offers

In this issue we talk about the changes to GP fees. If you have a Community Services Card you may be entitled to cheaper doctor visits.

Need some motivation in the kitchen? Try our delicious Mexican Salsa Salad from the NZ Nutrition Foundation.

To subscribe, follow this link: bit.ly...

To view the current edition go to superseniors.msd.govt.nz...

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2188 days ago

Lightning strikes - Power outages

The Team from WEL Networks

Due to lightning strikes we have a number of power outages across the Western and Northern parts of the Waikato and in Hamilton city.

Our crews are heading out to the various sites to assess the damage and where possible, make repairs. We have brought in additional resources to help us out but … View more
Due to lightning strikes we have a number of power outages across the Western and Northern parts of the Waikato and in Hamilton city.

Our crews are heading out to the various sites to assess the damage and where possible, make repairs. We have brought in additional resources to help us out but your patience is appreciated.

SAFETY COMES FIRST. If the work is unsafe, staff will make the site safe and return to repair the damage at an alternate time.

Please stay away from downed lines and do not try to remove trees or debris from lines.
Power out and not on our website? Call 0800 800 935.
outages.wel.co.nz...

2188 days ago

Want a power free sewage treatment system?

NaturalFlow

Nature is one huge recycling mechanism, and the ‘NaturalFlow System’ works with 'Nature' by harnessing these forces that have been quietly working together for thousands of years to break down and decompose waste all around us.

We've positioned them in an enclosed eco-systemView more
Nature is one huge recycling mechanism, and the ‘NaturalFlow System’ works with 'Nature' by harnessing these forces that have been quietly working together for thousands of years to break down and decompose waste all around us.

We've positioned them in an enclosed eco-system that simulates the forest floor, to treat and break down your wastewater until it is perfectly safe to be re-introduced into the environment, via the soil. 'Nature' does all this for you, for FREE!

NaturalFlow has professional installers that cover every region of New Zealand, contact us to find the closest one to you.
Find out more!

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2188 days ago

Poll: Do you support having a non-traditional Santa?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Nelson's bi-cultural Christmas parade has caused a stir and some confusion among Santa's young fans. The traditional white-bearded, jolly man was replaced in the parade by a Māori man representing Santa Claus. Read the full story here.

Although many people were for the idea, some … View more
Nelson's bi-cultural Christmas parade has caused a stir and some confusion among Santa's young fans. The traditional white-bearded, jolly man was replaced in the parade by a Māori man representing Santa Claus. Read the full story here.

Although many people were for the idea, some parents felt "blindsided" that they weren't forewarned that Hana Kōkō would be stepping in for Santa Claus. The parade's organisers have since apologised.

So we want to know your view on this topic. Are you in support of modernising Christmas, or do you prefer a traditional Santa? Take part in our poll below!

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Do you support having a non-traditional Santa?
  • 8.9% Yes, I'm all for it
    8.9% Complete
  • 80.9% No, I prefer the traditional Santa
    80.9% Complete
  • 10.2% I don't mind either way
    10.2% Complete
3284 votes
2189 days ago

Who's ready for our December National Campaign?! 😁🎁

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

This month, we want to challenge everyone to come together and help those in need this holiday season. With so much going on this time of year it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities and forget about those having a difficult time.

From elderly neighbours with no one to celebrate with to … View more
This month, we want to challenge everyone to come together and help those in need this holiday season. With so much going on this time of year it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities and forget about those having a difficult time.

From elderly neighbours with no one to celebrate with to homeless families and those with disabilities struggling to just get by, reach out to someone who could use a helping hand and remind them what the holiday spirit is all about!

Share your photos and experiences using the following hashtag so we can see what you got up to.

#NSNZhelpinghands

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2189 days ago

Summer’s in our DNA

Westpac NZ

Every year, summer means an influx of Kiwis to beaches, rivers and campgrounds all over Aotearoa. Kiwis love summer – it’s in our DNA – but if we’re honest, we’re not always very good at it. Stay safe with a few tips from Westpac:

- Don’t turn your back to the waves.
- Always take … View more
Every year, summer means an influx of Kiwis to beaches, rivers and campgrounds all over Aotearoa. Kiwis love summer – it’s in our DNA – but if we’re honest, we’re not always very good at it. Stay safe with a few tips from Westpac:

- Don’t turn your back to the waves.
- Always take your lifejacket.
- Tell someone when you’ll be back.
- Don’t drive when you are tired.

And remember if you stray too far, the Choppers can help. In the last 12 months, Waikato’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter flew 668 missions keeping Kiwis safe.

Stay safe in Chopper Country.

The Westpac NZ Team
Find out more

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2190 days ago

Beware of the tiny homes scam

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Keep your eyes peeled for the latest scam to be fooling Kiwis. Scammers are taking advantage of people looking for a home to call their own, creating fake competitions and giveaways to win a tiny home.

A recent scam asked people to sign up on their page which went through a process… View more
Hi neighbours,

Keep your eyes peeled for the latest scam to be fooling Kiwis. Scammers are taking advantage of people looking for a home to call their own, creating fake competitions and giveaways to win a tiny home.

A recent scam asked people to sign up on their page which went through a process of multiple surveys so the scammers can collect more information about the Facebook user in the hope of collecting personal details, including bank accounts. To read all about the scam, click here.

A fraud education manager says:
- People are helping the scammers by liking and sharing the post as it spreads the virus
- As soon as you like the Facebook post it gives scammers access to information
- If unsure whether it's a scam or not, look for terms and conditions - often these scams do not have them
- If you think you've been made a victim of an online scam, contact Netsafe and report it immediately. You can access Netsafe's page here.

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2190 days ago

Summer’s here! Be water smart

The Team from Smart Water

There are lots of simple ways to reduce your water use this summer.

- water your garden by hand
- use a broom instead of your hose when cleaning areas like patios and driveways
- try some of our Smart Water Play ideas with your kids.

Remember, small savings add up to make a big … View more
There are lots of simple ways to reduce your water use this summer.

- water your garden by hand
- use a broom instead of your hose when cleaning areas like patios and driveways
- try some of our Smart Water Play ideas with your kids.

Remember, small savings add up to make a big difference!

Subscribe now and receive the latest water alert direct to your inbox!

Check your town’s alert level at smartwater.org.nz
Subscribe here!

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2190 days ago

Stay independent and confident

The Team from ACC New Zealand

"Staying independent, confident and healthy is important at any age, but especially if you or someone you love is over 65. Have you heard about the ‘Live Stronger for Longer’ movement? There’s a website full of practical information and advice, as well as local strength and balance … View more"Staying independent, confident and healthy is important at any age, but especially if you or someone you love is over 65. Have you heard about the ‘Live Stronger for Longer’ movement? There’s a website full of practical information and advice, as well as local strength and balance classes to keep you steady on your feet.

Go to livestronger.org.nz to find out more and keep loving your independence. Brought to you by ACC, Ministry of Health and Health Quality and Safety Commission."
Learn more

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2191 days ago

Supporting kiwi kids and learning

The Warehouse New Zealand

The Zoofari programme helps Kiwi kids enjoy a day of learning at their local zoo because we believe that teaching children today can lead to a lifetime of love for animals and the environment.

Show your support before the 18th December by donating in your local store today!

The Warehouse, … View more
The Zoofari programme helps Kiwi kids enjoy a day of learning at their local zoo because we believe that teaching children today can lead to a lifetime of love for animals and the environment.

Show your support before the 18th December by donating in your local store today!

The Warehouse, partnering with you for a better community.

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2191 days ago

Givealittle’s Celebration with the Nation

The Team from Givealittle

We’re so grateful to all the generous sorts who’ve chipped in to get us here. So, let’s lose the gifts… and turn our big day into a celebration with the nation.

For every $10 donated from you, Spark Foundation will give $10 too – up to a grand total of $10,000 across all 10 charities.
Give here

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2192 days ago

Poll: Do you think Santa can be a woman?

Neighbourly from Neighbourly.co.nz

There have been a lot of discussions lately about whether Santa could be a woman. Even National Party Leader Simon Bridges joined the debate saying "just as Mary Poppins is a woman, Santa Claus is a man". What do you think? Can Santa be a woman? Read more here.

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Do you think Santa can be a woman?
  • 11.2% Yes
    11.2% Complete
  • 75.7% No
    75.7% Complete
  • 1.3% I'm not sure
    1.3% Complete
  • 11.8% I don't care
    11.8% Complete
3749 votes
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