Back
1241 days ago

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

Nicholas Boyack Reporter from 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.


.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
3 hours ago

Brain Burn Alert! Today’s Riddle Will Make You Think Twice!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is seen in the middle of March and April that can't be seen at the beginning or end of either month?

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.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
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.

Image
20 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

Image
1 day ago

Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.

How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

Image
How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
  • 28.4% With a city-wide public fireworks display
    28.4% Complete
  • 20.3% Small fireworks displays in each community
    20.3% Complete
  • 7.7% Keep it as is
    7.7% Complete
  • 32.7% We shouldn't celebrate it!
    32.7% Complete
  • 10.6% Anything but fireworks
    10.6% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below
    0.4% Complete
1913 votes