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1265 days ago

Cemetery caretaker finds peace in 43 years on the job at Akatārawa

Reporter Community News

I posted something on this week last but it is such a nice story I am posting it again.

When people find out Neil Whiteman tends to graves for a living they often remark that he must have seen a fair few ghosts after nearly 43 years on the job. But the 72-year-old insists he’s never encountered one.​
For him, Akatārawa Cemetery is a peaceful place.
As a boy, he’d help his father Dave Whiteman​ dig graves during the weekend. In 1978, when Dave Whiteman retired from his role as the sexton at the Upper Hutt graveyard, Neil Whiteman took up the role.
For him, Akatārawa Cemetery is a peaceful place.
Whiteman's dedication to caring for the cemetery earned him the Individual Excellence Award at the New Zealand Cemeteries and Crematoria Awards last month.


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12 hours ago

Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.

This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.

Do you think this ban is reasonable?

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Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
  • 76.5% Yes
    76.5% Complete
  • 22.7% No
    22.7% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below
    0.8% Complete
520 votes
17 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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1 day ago

Think You’ve Got the Answer? Today’s Riddle Says ‘Prove It’!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If eleven plus two equals one, what does nine plus five equal?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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