Wairau & Waihopai Valleys, Wairau Valley

Love hearing about people in our communities?

Love hearing about people in our communities?

Read posts from interesting Kiwis on our Know Thy Neighbour page.

2375 days ago

New Zealand Post announces closure of Blenheim PostShop

Megan Leov Reporter from Marlborough Express

Well that's the end of an era.
Remember when the post office opened in 1972?
And the beautiful historic post office building that was in Market Pl?

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2376 days ago

Poll: Will you go plastic bag free?

Megan Leov Reporter from Marlborough Express

Countdown plans to phase out single-use plastic bags at 10 of its supermarkets from May 21.
Countdown in Redwoodtown is one of those 10 stores.
Read the full story here: bit.ly...

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Will you go plastic bag free?
  • 66.7% Yay, great to see
    66.7% Complete
  • 11.1% I will shop elsewhere because I never remember to bring a bag
    11.1% Complete
  • 15.3% I hope they supply cardboard boxes
    15.3% Complete
  • 6.9% I don't care because I don't shop there anyway
    6.9% Complete
72 votes
2374 days ago

Get to know your neighbours

The Team from Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management

This week is NZ Sign Language week. Make it your mission to learn a handful of NZSL words this week - we'll help!

Today's word is COMMUNITY - In an emergency a big part of getting through is banding together with your community.
Get to know your neighbours, find out who can help you… View more
This week is NZ Sign Language week. Make it your mission to learn a handful of NZSL words this week - we'll help!

Today's word is COMMUNITY - In an emergency a big part of getting through is banding together with your community.
Get to know your neighbours, find out who can help you and who might need your help.

Find out more about being prepared at www.happens.nz...

#NZSLWeek2018
(Image: nzsl.vuw.ac.nz...)

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2375 days ago

Here's what you need to know about phone scams

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In recent weeks there has been a high number of calls from false caller IDs to kiwi mobile phones. If you've noticed a missed call from a number you don't recognise (particularly international numbers), it is important that you don't call this number back and consider reporting this … View moreIn recent weeks there has been a high number of calls from false caller IDs to kiwi mobile phones. If you've noticed a missed call from a number you don't recognise (particularly international numbers), it is important that you don't call this number back and consider reporting this as a potential scam.

Phone companies are advising customers to reject these calls and if you have friends or family living overseas, it is recommended to have their numbers added as contacts in your mobile phone, so you can identify when they are calling you.

- Check out these tips from Netsafe for how to help protect yourself from scams.
- Read about the different types of scams you could be caught out by including wangiri (one ring) and 'technical support' scams
- Find out how to report a phone scam here.

If you’re not sure if something is legitimate or genuine you can contact Netsafe free advice seven days a week on 0508 NETSAFE or visit netsafe.org.nz

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2375 days ago

Is this New Zealand's best boss?

Stacey Reporter from Stuff

Hey Neighbours,

How's this for boosting workplace morale? Christchurch boss Paul Kelly is celebrating 20 years in the business by flying the entire staff to Las Vegas for a week. Has your boss ever showed incredible generosity?
To read more, click here.

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2375 days ago

Don't let the flu get you!

Stephanie Gray from Nelson Marlborough Health

Influenza, or the flu, can be anywhere. It is easy to catch and it is much worse than a cold.
Some people with flu need to stay in hospital for a while. A few people die from flu.

Did you know that many people don’t know they have had the flu as they do not feel ill? But they can still pass… View more
Influenza, or the flu, can be anywhere. It is easy to catch and it is much worse than a cold.
Some people with flu need to stay in hospital for a while. A few people die from flu.

Did you know that many people don’t know they have had the flu as they do not feel ill? But they can still pass it on and make other people very sick.

The best way to protect yourself, your family and people around you, is by having a flu shot every year. The flu shot helps your body protect itself from flu.

Ask your doctor or nurse, or check with your workplace, about a flu shot today.

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2375 days ago

You can help us save lives

Summit Real Estate

Hi neighbours, it's Baz here from the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. Summit Real Estate and the team have kick-started a fundraising campaign to help us purchase two new sets of Night Vision Goggles – used in a third of all our callouts. These do not come cheap at $18,000 each, but … View moreHi neighbours, it's Baz here from the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter. Summit Real Estate and the team have kick-started a fundraising campaign to help us purchase two new sets of Night Vision Goggles – used in a third of all our callouts. These do not come cheap at $18,000 each, but allow us to fly safely at night and save lives in the community.

You can help Summit support our service by donating here – givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/help-save-lives
Donate here!

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2377 days ago

Subscribe to Get Growing for the chance to WIN!

Rachel Clare Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

In this week's issue of Get Growing we have top tips on bringing your irrigation in out of the frost, harvesting and storing nuts, the tastiest feijoa varieties, storing cooking apples and leaving plants to self-seed.

Subscribe today and be in to WIN one of 50 copies of NZ Gardener's … View more
In this week's issue of Get Growing we have top tips on bringing your irrigation in out of the frost, harvesting and storing nuts, the tastiest feijoa varieties, storing cooking apples and leaving plants to self-seed.

Subscribe today and be in to WIN one of 50 copies of NZ Gardener's latest special edition, 365 Days of Flowers, a practical and inspirational collector’s magazine that provides expert advice on planning, planting and growing year-round flowers for the garden or vase.

Our crop of the week in Get Growing is the humble choko ("Don't knock 'em till you try them," says our Waikato queen of sustainability Sheryn Clothier) and we have a special feature on moving trees. Plus try recipes from new vegan cookbook PLANTLAB and be in to WIN some great prizes!

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.

For competition T&Cs click here.
Subscribe and you could WIN!

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2378 days ago

Poll: Should NZ have its own naked gardening day in September?

Jo Haywood Reporter from Homed

Did you know it's World Naked Gardening day today? While countless gardeners around the world are stripping off to tend to their flower beds and vege patches, falling temperatures across NZ have led to calls for the Southern hemisphere to have it's own naked gardening day in spring, when … View moreDid you know it's World Naked Gardening day today? While countless gardeners around the world are stripping off to tend to their flower beds and vege patches, falling temperatures across NZ have led to calls for the Southern hemisphere to have it's own naked gardening day in spring, when it's a bit warmer. So what do you think?

Should NZ have its own naked gardening day in September?
  • 25.2% Yes, more people would take part if it was warmer
    25.2% Complete
  • 6.1% No, it's better as a global effort
    6.1% Complete
  • 68.7% It doesn't matter, there's no way I'm gardening naked
    68.7% Complete
1751 votes
2381 days ago

Poll: Traffic lights for Blenheim?

Reporter Marlborough Express

Do you think it's a good idea to install traffic lights on Nelson St to keep traffic flowing and keep students safe while crossing the road?

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Traffic lights for Blenheim?
  • 40% Yes, traffic lights are a great idea
    40% Complete
  • 60% No need for lights, just teach the students how to cross more safely
    60% Complete
125 votes
2379 days ago

WE DESPERATELY NEED PET THERAPY VOLUNTEERS

The Team from

Do you or any friends or family members have an exceptionally social and well-mannered animal? We’re currently looking for new SPCA Outreach Therapy Pet Volunteers.

We believe that pet therapy can help people in institutions where they may feel isolated and lonely. As a volunteer with the … View more
Do you or any friends or family members have an exceptionally social and well-mannered animal? We’re currently looking for new SPCA Outreach Therapy Pet Volunteers.

We believe that pet therapy can help people in institutions where they may feel isolated and lonely. As a volunteer with the programme, you (and your pet!) will be bringing joy and comfort to people in rest homes, hospitals, and mental health wards.

Prior to being accepted into the programme, all animals undergo an assessment that measures their sociability, temperament, obedience and confidence. Unfortunately we are unable to accept animals that show signs of fearfulness or aggression. Animals are also required to undergo a Vet Health Check to ensure they are vaccinated, microchipped, desexed and in good health. Volunteers who are accepted will receive training and be placed at a facility they can continue to visit (typically weekly or fortnightly) on an ongoing basis.

If you and your animal are interested in volunteering with Outreach Therapy Pets please visit our website for more information and to apply.

Thank you for offering to share the joy your animal gives you with others.

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2380 days ago

Have you reserved a grave site in a Marlborough cemetery?

Megan Leov Reporter from Marlborough Express

We're keen to hear from anyone who has reserved a family grave site in Marlborough.
Give us a call on 027 418 9845 or email mailbox@stuff.co.nz or leave a message in the comments below.

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2380 days ago

Twins into the swing of things

Communications Team from Auckland Council

When someone messed with their monkey bars, then eight-year-old twins Ila and Jaya Patel swung into action.

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2380 days ago

New water treatment plant takes shape in Warkworth

Communications Team from Auckland Council

Watercare’s new $16 million Warkworth water treatment plant will double the town’s capacity and cater for population growth for years to come.

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2380 days ago

Pic of the day

Megan Leov Reporter from Marlborough Express

Stunning photo of nets on autumn coloured grape vines in the Brancott Valley by photographer Scott Hammond

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