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Are you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a … View moreAre you overdue a getaway? You could win a 13-day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer South Island Rail & Coach tour by participating in Neighbourly’s 8th birthday celebration.
To enter the competition, just tell us what you love about your neighbourhood. It could be your favourite spot, a beautiful view, or something that makes you smile. You could be in for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway!
The owners of Lake Hawea Station are dismissing criticism of their ‘woke’ farming practices after they featured on the TV show Country Calendar.
Geoff and Justine Ross run Australasia's first certified carbon zero farm on the shores of Lake Hawea in Central Otago. They appeared on the … View moreThe owners of Lake Hawea Station are dismissing criticism of their ‘woke’ farming practices after they featured on the TV show Country Calendar.
Geoff and Justine Ross run Australasia's first certified carbon zero farm on the shores of Lake Hawea in Central Otago. They appeared on the TVNZ rural magazine show on Sunday and have been the subject of online vitriol since.
One segment of the show covered sheep shearing at the station. Viewers labelled the Ross’ practices in the shearing shed, intended to keep the sheep calm, "woke," and "PC BS". The Ross' painted the shearing board white to show any blood on the sheep, they also had mattresses placed at the bottom of the chute sheep are fed through after being shorn, to protect the animals from bruising. Classical music was played and progress monitored based on sheep experience rather than each shearer’s tally.
”Tonight was a load of woke bollocks,” one viewer commented on Twitter, “If everyone farmed like that the world would starve.”
Geoff Ross rejected the criticism. “Doing nothing will not advance our sector,” he said.
“Whilst some may see it as PC BS, we see it as ways to generate premiums. In farming we should be investing ways to increase returns. Which this is."
Ross said the farm will keep pursuing environmentally sustainable practices.
“In any sector, advancement only happens through trialling new methods. Agriculture currently faces multiple challenges across climate change and consumer perception.
“We believe that New Zealand has an opportunity to be a global leader in the growing of food and fibre. And in doing so, generate premiums for our farmers.”
The criticism was so fierce, Country Calendar responded on its Facebook page.
"We've had a huge response to the show about carbon reduction and animal welfare at Lake Hawea Station. And although it was our highest-rating episode of the year, most of your comments are negative!"
Some believe the segment showcased an unrealistic version of farming in New Zealand. One called for "real farming" to be depicted, featuring "real people with real mortgages and real challenges".
Not all the feedback was negative.
Justine Ross said she had received 1000s of positive messages since the show aired on Sunday night. As well as some negative feedback, which she understood as farmers were doing it tough.
“Good on them for thinking outside the box and trialling things that they are passionate about,” one commenter posted on the Country Calendar Facebook page.
“And good on them for working towards improving the land for future generations, good on them for taking pride in their branding and their farm as a business also.
“I enjoyed seeing something different on the show and a farm that's not your 'traditional' way of doing things.”
“Well done to their conservation measures and thinking outside the box,” another viewer commented.
Ross said the aim was to educate overseas consumers who believe shearing is harmful to sheep.
“We will continue to trial new methods and open source our learnings with all.
“We are seeing higher earnings from customers for climate positive farming and are achieving similar with our animal welfare programmes.
The Ross’ started the successful 42 Below vodka company. They sold to Bacardi in 2006 as part of a $138 million investment. They also are investors in companies Ecoya and Trilogy.
Geoff Ross is a third generation farmer and said he is passionate for the agriculture sector. The couple went back farming in 2019, buying the 6500ha high country station and converting it into a carbon zero certified farm, where they now run 10,000 merino sheep.
Unleash the artist within you, showcase your DIY creative skills and spruce up an old item or completely repurpose it! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
We want to see your amazing creations so don't be afraid to go … View moreUnleash the artist within you, showcase your DIY creative skills and spruce up an old item or completely repurpose it! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
We want to see your amazing creations so don't be afraid to go all out! Check out some of the previous entires here.
Take part in the 2022 Resene Upcycling Awards. There are four great prizes worth $500 up for grabs: a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!
As partners of the Elemental festival, Stuff Travel is giving away 2 amazing packages! For each you'll win 2 nights of luxury stay at Fable Auckland with a welcome dinner and daily breakfasts. You'll also get tickets to either the Takurua - Nafanua, The War Goddess or the Auckland Fried … View moreAs partners of the Elemental festival, Stuff Travel is giving away 2 amazing packages! For each you'll win 2 nights of luxury stay at Fable Auckland with a welcome dinner and daily breakfasts. You'll also get tickets to either the Takurua - Nafanua, The War Goddess or the Auckland Fried Chicken Festival.
Flights included for those out of Auckland.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for tamarillo recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before July 8, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown … View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for tamarillo recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before July 8, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Homegrown Recipes.
Dear neighbours,
You have just a few more days to send your entries for our Houseplant Hero competition. You could win some great prizes and of course, more houseplanst!
We're planting native trees to restore the Tūmai Beach waterways! Sixteen families co-own 39 hectares of retired farmland alongside Te Hakapupu (Pleasant River Estuary) in northern Otago.
They're busy facilitating and managing the … View moreWe're planting native trees to restore the Tūmai Beach waterways! Sixteen families co-own 39 hectares of retired farmland alongside Te Hakapupu (Pleasant River Estuary) in northern Otago.
They're busy facilitating and managing the restoration of the ecological systems and native flora and fauna within the Tūmai Beach Farm Park. To date they have planted 21,467 plants into retired pasture—and they'd love your help to plant the next 3,500!
What to do for a warm home when the frost of winter and the cost of living are both on the rise? Click on over or come see us at The Warehouse.
You don’t need to spend big to create a healthy home, and you can start with good curtains. Open them during the day to let the warmth in, then close … View moreWhat to do for a warm home when the frost of winter and the cost of living are both on the rise? Click on over or come see us at The Warehouse.
You don’t need to spend big to create a healthy home, and you can start with good curtains. Open them during the day to let the warmth in, then close them at night to keep cold air out. A low-cost heater will keep your air warm at night while you snuggle under blankets and flannelette sheets.
Keep your whānau cosy this winter with us.
Most elder abuse is hidden in plain sight. Abusers are often someone close – a family member, a caregiver, someone trusted. If you’re concerned about how someone is being treated, it’s OK to get help. #ItsOKtoHelp #WEAAD
This June help the New Zealand Trees That Count programme! Simply visit your local Resene ColorShop, choose your favourite green testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to the New Zealand Trees That Count programme.
Offer applies to all Resene green 60mL testpots (excludes … View moreThis June help the New Zealand Trees That Count programme! Simply visit your local Resene ColorShop, choose your favourite green testpots and for each one you buy Resene will donate $1 to the New Zealand Trees That Count programme.
Offer applies to all Resene green 60mL testpots (excludes metallic and wood stains) purchased by retail customers between 1-30 June 2022 at Resene owned ColorShops.
Trees That Count runs the country’s only marketplace which provides a place for anyone to fund or gift native trees. For more information on Trees That Count, visit www.treesthatcount.co.nz...
Do you ever walk past a business affected by Covid and wonder what you could do to help? We created Short Notice to link community members with spare time on their hands to surrounding businesses in need.
Whether you have a week, a day or an hour to volunteer, head to the … View moreDo you ever walk past a business affected by Covid and wonder what you could do to help? We created Short Notice to link community members with spare time on their hands to surrounding businesses in need.
Whether you have a week, a day or an hour to volunteer, head to the Short Notice community hub to introduce yourself and share how you can lend a hand.
If you're a business owner sign up for a FREE Premium Business listing to get access to Short Notice and let your community know what help you need.
Together, let's help keep our small businesses thriving!
Ever wondered where the sweetest places to live in Aotearoa are?
Stuff’s Homed team has done some serious data crunching to crown the seven best spots for 2022.
Congratulations to Berhampore, Wellington which took out the overall sweetest spot! You can check out the full list of winning … View moreEver wondered where the sweetest places to live in Aotearoa are?
Stuff’s Homed team has done some serious data crunching to crown the seven best spots for 2022.
Congratulations to Berhampore, Wellington which took out the overall sweetest spot! You can check out the full list of winning suburbs in the Sweet Spots section on Stuff.
There’s also an interactive tool that you can tinker with to find your perfect place, based on the criteria that matter to you. Who knows, you might be inspired to make a change.
Unleash the artist within you, showcase your DIY creative skills and spruce up an old item or completely repurpose it! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
We want to see your amazing creations so don't be afraid to go … View moreUnleash the artist within you, showcase your DIY creative skills and spruce up an old item or completely repurpose it! Resene and Neighbourly are challenging everyday Kiwis like YOU to take part in the Resene Upcycling Awards.
We want to see your amazing creations so don't be afraid to go all out! Check out some of the previous entires here.
Take part in the 2022 Resene Upcycling Awards. There are four great prizes worth $500 up for grabs: a $200 Resene voucher and a $300 Prezzy® card!
Retirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.
Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little… View moreRetirement is an exciting time, filled with possibilities. Our fixed fee guarantee is one of the ways we provide financial certainty. Ryman residents love it as it helps them reduce rising living costs and surprise expenses.
Enjoy the quality amenities at every Ryman village and splurge a little on yourself if you feel like it! Take up that hobby you’ve dreamed of or plan a holiday somewhere warm.
It’s easy to live life your way when you have freedom to do the things you enjoy. It’s another example of how we’re pioneering retirement living.
Popular cookie brand Mrs Higgins has recalled a specific batch of their product due to the possible presence of white plastic.
The cookies affected are the Mrs Higgins Shortbread Cookies in the 350g bag with a Best Before date of 4/10/22.
These cookies are found at all Countdown stores across… View morePopular cookie brand Mrs Higgins has recalled a specific batch of their product due to the possible presence of white plastic.
The cookies affected are the Mrs Higgins Shortbread Cookies in the 350g bag with a Best Before date of 4/10/22.
These cookies are found at all Countdown stores across New Zealand and customers can return these affected goods for a full refund.
This recall does not affect any other of the Mrs Higgins products.
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