Woodridge, Wellington

1483 days ago

Monday Sport Blast From The Past: Jorge Sandoval

Reporter Community News

This weeks, I am using a story I wrote about cycling promoter Jorge Sandoval in 2017. I hope you enjoy it.

Cyclist Jorge Sandoval has a story that deserves to be widely known.
Recently, he was honoured with a Lifetime Service Award by Cycling New Zealand.
In the nearly quarter of a century I have … View more
This weeks, I am using a story I wrote about cycling promoter Jorge Sandoval in 2017. I hope you enjoy it.

Cyclist Jorge Sandoval has a story that deserves to be widely known.
Recently, he was honoured with a Lifetime Service Award by Cycling New Zealand.
In the nearly quarter of a century I have been a journalist, I have been lucky to meet many interesting people.
But one person who will always stand out is Jorge.
I first met him when he came to the Hutt News looking for publicity for the Tour of Wellington.
Over time, I got to know him well and understand his fascinating story, including his time in a Chilean concentration camp.
Initially, he did not want to talk about when he was thrown into the camp by the Pinochet regime aged 19. He was tortured and saw many fellow prisoners die.
One of the few prisoners to survive the camp, he began a remarkable journey that would ultimately lead to Lower Hutt.
He fled to Argentina and in 1976 came to New Zealand as a refugee.
His first job was working in a Petone factory where the workers treated him as if he was "dumb" because he could not speak English.
Trying to blend in, he picked up some of the words his fellow workers used, including the F...word.
Much to his embarrassment, the Chilean ambassador had to explain its meaning.
Jorge found refuge in cycling and once he joined a club, he soon flourished and was good enough to represent New Zealand.
The lack of local events to ride in eventually annoyed him so much, he set up the Tour of Wellington. It would become an international event.
Jorge lived for cycling and what he regarded as Kiwis' indifference to the sport infuriated him.
When retailers in Lower Hutt and Petone complained about streets being closed for the Tour, he was blunt in his assessment that they were small-minded and lacked vision.
As I got to know him he opened up about his time in the concentration camp.
He was never bitter and his ability to move on was commendable.
Jorge deserves his recent recognition but at a time when some people oppose New Zealand taking refugees, he serves as a reminder as to why we should be generous as a country.
Forty-one years after starting work in a Petone factory, Jorge is a highly successful promoter. He has helped family members settle here, runs his own business and has organised more than 30 international cycling tours.
That is pretty good for a bloke who arrived in our country with nothing but a good attitude.

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1481 days ago

“Art from the heart ” Fundraising for Te Omanga Hospice

Xin from Maungaraki

This year has made many of us reflect on how we can make a difference to our communities. Our lives have been changed so much by the virus with many of us are separated from our loved ones. It makes me even more grateful that I was able to be with my father a couple of years ago when he spent his … View moreThis year has made many of us reflect on how we can make a difference to our communities. Our lives have been changed so much by the virus with many of us are separated from our loved ones. It makes me even more grateful that I was able to be with my father a couple of years ago when he spent his final days at Te Omanga hospice in comfort. I am forever grateful for the care and love he received there.
For this reason, I have decided with several friends to organise a fundraising event for the hospice. Because art is our shared passion and has helped us through so many difficult times, the focus will be specifically on artworks.
We have a range of artwork from local artists donated for this cause.

The event will be run as a silent auction at the Dowse Museum on 21st Nov @ 4pm.

For those who attend, there will be competitive bidding on small artworks, as well as food, drink and live entertainment supplied.

Ticket can be purchased at eventfinda website: www.eventfinda.co.nz...

1481 days ago

Way Back Wednesday

Reporter Community News

Hi Neighbourly folk, this is an easy one.
Who are these gentlemen and what is the significance of the picture?

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1481 days ago

Mary Potter Hospice needs your support

Reporter Community News

Hi Neighbourly folk, it has been a tough year for hospices in the region so don't forget to support the Mary Porter Hospice.
The hospice has an annual budget of $14.5 million and has to raise $7 million annually from the community.
The next Mary Potter fundraiser is the Strawberry Festival, … View more
Hi Neighbourly folk, it has been a tough year for hospices in the region so don't forget to support the Mary Porter Hospice.
The hospice has an annual budget of $14.5 million and has to raise $7 million annually from the community.
The next Mary Potter fundraiser is the Strawberry Festival, Wednesday November 18, from 10am to 4pm, Midland Park.

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1481 days ago

Mary Potter Hospice’s Strawberry Festival

Mary Potter Hospice

Pre-order your sundaes now for Wednesday 18 November!

Show your support for Mary Potter Hospice and enjoy #SundaesForGood at the annual Mary Potter Hospice Strawberry Festival on Wednesday 18 November at Midland Park on Lambton Quay.

Gather five or more friends, colleagues or family members … View more
Pre-order your sundaes now for Wednesday 18 November!

Show your support for Mary Potter Hospice and enjoy #SundaesForGood at the annual Mary Potter Hospice Strawberry Festival on Wednesday 18 November at Midland Park on Lambton Quay.

Gather five or more friends, colleagues or family members who are keen to savour delicious strawberry and ice cream sundaes for $6 each.Pre-order on our website before Tuesday 17 November, 5pm and beat the queues!

You can collect your order from Midland Park or we can deliver for FREE within the Wellington CBD on the day between 10am-3.30pm all thanks to DeliverEasy.

Can’t make it on the day? You can help us by making a donation to Mary Potter Hospice.
Find out more.

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1484 days ago

SPCA Pet of the Day: Meet Champ

Reporter Community News

Hello, Neighbourly friends! My name is Champ. I am a sweet boy that loves to play and enjoys cuddles. I have made friends with everyone here at the SPCA and would love to settle into my forever home.
WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT ME
I listen well. I know my name and have an understanding of basic … View more
Hello, Neighbourly friends! My name is Champ. I am a sweet boy that loves to play and enjoys cuddles. I have made friends with everyone here at the SPCA and would love to settle into my forever home.
WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT ME
I listen well. I know my name and have an understanding of basic training, I feel I can be trained further with the right owner. I am very eager to please.

I love cuddles and the presence of people and dogs. Although, I can feel insecure in new situations and in unfamiliar places. Once I experience more of the world, I will become more confident. I wouldn't mind having another dog to play with and don't seem to be bothered by cats, I mostly want to say hi and try and play! Because I can be unsure in certain situations, it is best that I live with older children, teens or adults that are experienced with handling and playing with dogs.

Of course, I am one of a kind! I have a slightly abnormal hindlimb conformation which is likely due to genetics. This doesn't cause me any issues, however is something a new owner needs to be aware of as it may mean I don't live as long as most other dogs.

Any serious adopter is encouraged to discuss this with one of the vet team to fully understand my medical history. Any new home would be lucky to have me, I do hope people don't overlook me because of this. If you think that you're the right home for me, contact the canine team!

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1482 days ago

Pāuatahanui Lamb & Calf Day

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

Despite the bad early morning weather last Saturday we had a fantastic time meeting with members of the community at the Pāuatahanui Lamb & Calf Day.

We had conversations with over 300 people about sediment in our streams, riparian planting, wetlands, pest plants, pest animals and native … View more
Despite the bad early morning weather last Saturday we had a fantastic time meeting with members of the community at the Pāuatahanui Lamb & Calf Day.

We had conversations with over 300 people about sediment in our streams, riparian planting, wetlands, pest plants, pest animals and native planting.

Kids got to play with our catchment model to learn about sediment, streams, gullies and wetlands. We did trapping demonstrations and swapped weeds from gardens with gorgeous native plants! 🌱

1482 days ago

Kiwis thriving near Wellington

Reporter Community News

If you are heading to the Remutaka Forest Park this summer, please remember there is a population of wild kiwi.
Dogs are biggest threat to kiwi so please keep your dog on a lead.
There are about 200 kiwi in the park, some of them near Sunny Grove (Wainuiomata) and the population is growing thanks … View more
If you are heading to the Remutaka Forest Park this summer, please remember there is a population of wild kiwi.
Dogs are biggest threat to kiwi so please keep your dog on a lead.
There are about 200 kiwi in the park, some of them near Sunny Grove (Wainuiomata) and the population is growing thanks to the hard work of the Remutaka Conservation Trust.
The kiwi is our national bird and it needs your help to survive.

1485 days ago

Neighbourly Pet of the Day: Sydney

Reporter Community News

Meet Sydney from Napier. His owner, Lisa Brownlee, says he enjoys the warmer weather.

The Pet of the Day will no longer be appearing in the Dominion Post and instead you will find it on Neighbourly every Saturday. If you want your pet featured, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz

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1482 days ago

Family Concert: Only Ten Dollars

Orchestra Wellington

Hi Neighbours - looking for a fun-filled afternoon for the family? For just $10 for a child ticket and $15 for an adult, please join us at our Christmas concert.

With all your Christmas favourites, featuring a beautiful Samoan choir and other special guests, this promises to be a delightful day… View more
Hi Neighbours - looking for a fun-filled afternoon for the family? For just $10 for a child ticket and $15 for an adult, please join us at our Christmas concert.

With all your Christmas favourites, featuring a beautiful Samoan choir and other special guests, this promises to be a delightful day out. We’ll also have bouncy castles and face paints before the show for the little ones.

If you would like tickets, please do act quickly, as this will sell out fast.

Sunday 13 December 2.30pm at the Michael Fowler Centre. Pre-concert entertainment from 1.30pm in the Renouf Foyer.
Buy tickets now

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1483 days ago

Tātou Rohe - Our Region

Community Engagement Advisor from Greater Wellington Regional Council

Want the latest on what we’ve been up to, and what’s coming up? Check out this week’s Tātou Rohe: bit.ly...

Subscribe online to receive these directly to your inbox: gw.govt.nz/tatou-rohe

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1483 days ago

Poll: Does Wellington deserve "The Coolest Little"Capital" title

Reporter Community News

Hey Wellingtonians, the city loves to call itself the "The Coolest Little"Capital" but a group of young professionals reckon its a myth.
The capital has long sold itself not just as the seat of government but also a city with a vibrant cultural and culinary scene.
A group of 19 … View more
Hey Wellingtonians, the city loves to call itself the "The Coolest Little"Capital" but a group of young professionals reckon its a myth.
The capital has long sold itself not just as the seat of government but also a city with a vibrant cultural and culinary scene.
A group of 19 people aged between 25 and 40 and working in IT, engineering, law and accounting firms were part of a project looking at how Wellington is perceived.
Their comments form the basis of a report that was sent to councillors and local MPs over the weekend.
Many of the young professionals moved to Wellington because of its promoted personality and character. While most said there were lots of good things about the capital, they said that expensive housing, crumbling infrastructure and a lack of jobs meant there was a widening gap between the city’s sales pitch and the reality of living here.
What do you think?

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Does Wellington deserve "The Coolest Little"Capital" title
  • 73.4% Yes, it is a cool place to live
    73.4% Complete
  • 26.6% No, it is a myth
    26.6% Complete
177 votes
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1485 days ago

House for sale - Khandallah

Steve from Khandallah

Five years ago I posted on neighbourly that we were looking to buy a house in Khandallah and someone replied that a house was due to go on the market but wasnt quite ready. Long story short we got the house we are in now and although we ended up using an agent we had our offer in before it was … View moreFive years ago I posted on neighbourly that we were looking to buy a house in Khandallah and someone replied that a house was due to go on the market but wasnt quite ready. Long story short we got the house we are in now and although we ended up using an agent we had our offer in before it was advertised.

When we first looked at the house it was far from market ready.

Now looking for the reverse. We are considering selling but are a month away from listing. There are a few cosmetic things we need to do. If you know anyone looking please let them know. Its 1950's, 4 bedrooms, double glazed, two living areas, separate dining, double garage, loads of storage and double garage.

Easy 2 minute walk to the the train station.

1483 days ago

Building all-round character at Scots College

Scots College

At Scots College students from Year 1 to 13 are guided in building all-round character with many opportunities available academically, culturally, in sports, leadership and service. Through high-quality teaching, strong pastoral care programmes and small class sizes, each student is known and … View moreAt Scots College students from Year 1 to 13 are guided in building all-round character with many opportunities available academically, culturally, in sports, leadership and service. Through high-quality teaching, strong pastoral care programmes and small class sizes, each student is known and encouraged to realise their potential.

Co-educational Prep School (Years 1-6), Middle School (Years 7&9), Senior School (Years 11-13).

We are excited to introduce co-education in the Middle School from 2021 and the availability of Year 9 Girls Sports and Cultural Scholarships for 2021. Apply online before Monday 23 November.
Learn more.

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1483 days ago

Beautiful New Kitchens

Ann Beales from Absolute Design Group Ltd

Beautiful Kitchen Spaces created by Ann and Absolute Design Group Ltd 027 645 0785

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