Lake Matahina, Whakatane

Next Saturday is our online garage sale

Next Saturday is our online garage sale

So check out your home and take some photos of items that you want to sell!

2105 days ago

Are you ready to completely ditch plastic bags?

Sarah Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

The clock is ticking (and no, we're not referring to the Christmas countdown!) - single-use plastic bags will be out of circulation from July 1, 2019.

All retailers, ie not just supermarkets, will no longer be able to sell or give away single-use plastic shopping bags after … View more
Hi neighbours,

The clock is ticking (and no, we're not referring to the Christmas countdown!) - single-use plastic bags will be out of circulation from July 1, 2019.

All retailers, ie not just supermarkets, will no longer be able to sell or give away single-use plastic shopping bags after this date. To read more, click here.

Do you support the single-use plastic bag ban? How will the ban affect your life?

Have you already adapted to a plastic bag-free life or will this mean big changes in your household? What are your tips and tricks for ensuring the ban doesn't cause havoc when you hit the shops?

Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff

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2103 days ago

Council services availability end-of-year 2018

Richard Parfitt from Whakatāne District Council

Kia ora,

The Whakatāne District Council's main office will be closed from 5 pm Friday, 21 December and will re-open Thursday, 3 January 2019. Most Council services will either have reduced opening hours or be closed entirely during this period.

Normal hours will resume Thursday, 3 January … View more
Kia ora,

The Whakatāne District Council's main office will be closed from 5 pm Friday, 21 December and will re-open Thursday, 3 January 2019. Most Council services will either have reduced opening hours or be closed entirely during this period.

Normal hours will resume Thursday, 3 January 2019.

A full list of services' opening hours and refuse collection information over the end-of-year holiday period is available via the link below:
www.whakatane.govt.nz...

Have a safe and happy holiday.

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2103 days ago

Not to be missed this summer

Paradise Playground

Looking for some great things to do this summer? Paradise Playground has you covered - featuring the very best of Tauranga to Taupo holiday destinations and local summer events.

Don't miss out on your copy of Paradise Playground, covering Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Whakatane, Rotorua, South… View more
Looking for some great things to do this summer? Paradise Playground has you covered - featuring the very best of Tauranga to Taupo holiday destinations and local summer events.

Don't miss out on your copy of Paradise Playground, covering Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, Whakatane, Rotorua, South Waikato and Taupo.

Check out your online edition here...
Read here!

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2104 days ago

Poll: Do you know the difference between a paper wasp and regular ones?

The Team from Wasp Wipeout

As we work to control and reduce wasp populations around New Zealand it is important to know which type of wasp you are targeting.

Is it a vespula wasp (German or common) or a paper wasp? Find out the difference here.

Once you know which type of wasp to target, the next step is to use the correct… View more
As we work to control and reduce wasp populations around New Zealand it is important to know which type of wasp you are targeting.

Is it a vespula wasp (German or common) or a paper wasp? Find out the difference here.

Once you know which type of wasp to target, the next step is to use the correct control method.

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Do you know the difference between a paper wasp and regular ones?
  • 46.6% Yes
    46.6% Complete
  • 53.4% No
    53.4% Complete
1167 votes
2104 days ago

Poll: Should personal cannabis use be legalised?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

A binding referendum on personal cannabis is to be held at the 2020 general election. Do you think personal cannabis use should be legalised in NZ? Read more about the topic here.

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Should personal cannabis use be legalised?
  • 56.8% Yes
    56.8% Complete
  • 43.2% No
    43.2% Complete
2544 votes
2106 days ago

Donations flooding in!

The Team from Wasp Wipeout

Wow! Your generosity means we have already raised almost $4000 in just three days towards our fight against wasps. We've also received an amazing $35,000 sponsorship from BASF which is a fantastic boost to the campaign. Every little bit counts and by contributing, you can make wasp-free … View moreWow! Your generosity means we have already raised almost $4000 in just three days towards our fight against wasps. We've also received an amazing $35,000 sponsorship from BASF which is a fantastic boost to the campaign. Every little bit counts and by contributing, you can make wasp-free regions a real possibility. Find out more about the project and how you can contribute here: givealittle.co.nz...

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2107 days ago

Watch: Needing a break these holidays? Here are some ideas!

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

It's that time of the year where everyone is hanging out for a holiday. So here are Brook Sabin's top 10 ideas of things to do during the school break. Watch the video below and click here to read the full story. Happy Holidays!

2107 days ago

Have your say on UK-NZ trade

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

New Zealand is preparing for a future free trade agreement with the United Kingdom. We’re asking for New Zealanders’ views now, so we can take them into account right from the start of the process.

Key benefits we will be looking for include removing tariffs and other barriers that restrict… View more
New Zealand is preparing for a future free trade agreement with the United Kingdom. We’re asking for New Zealanders’ views now, so we can take them into account right from the start of the process.

Key benefits we will be looking for include removing tariffs and other barriers that restrict the flow of goods and services between our countries, and closer cooperation on progressive trade issues, including environmental protections.

To make your voice heard, just answer our quick poll question and share your thoughts.
Have your say

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2107 days ago

Spotted a Lovely Letterbox?

Resene

Is there a letterbox in your neighbourhood that makes you smile? One the kids always make you drive past? Maybe you've spotted an eye-catching roadside oddity on your Summer car trip.

We want to see the craziest, quirkiest and most colourful letterboxes in New Zealand. Share photographs of … View more
Is there a letterbox in your neighbourhood that makes you smile? One the kids always make you drive past? Maybe you've spotted an eye-catching roadside oddity on your Summer car trip.

We want to see the craziest, quirkiest and most colourful letterboxes in New Zealand. Share photographs of unique letterboxes you come across these holidays and you’re in the draw to win one of four $500 prizes including a $250 Prezzy® card and $250 Resene voucher. Plus the owner of the winning letterbox wins the same prize!

Explore the entries and share a Lovely Letterbox now.
Learn More

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2108 days ago

Know a Nice Neighbour?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We’re looking for the nicest neighbours in town. Spread a little happiness in your ‘hood by nominating someone lovely for a Nice Neighbour Award. It could be someone who has helped make a difference in your life - or the lives of others. Someone who has been there in a time of need, has helped … View moreWe’re looking for the nicest neighbours in town. Spread a little happiness in your ‘hood by nominating someone lovely for a Nice Neighbour Award. It could be someone who has helped make a difference in your life - or the lives of others. Someone who has been there in a time of need, has helped your family, surprises and delights the kids, or who regularly volunteers their time to a local charity or sports team.

If your neighbour is picked as this week's Nice Neighbour, you’ll both receive a $25 Prezzy® card plus your special neighbour will feature in community newspapers around New Zealand as an inspiration to us all.

Let us know why your neighbour is so nice by nominating now.
Make a nomination

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2109 days ago

Be ready for 2019 with Resene

The Team from Resene ColorShop Whakatane

Christmas is super busy! But so is going into the new year & what comes with it, back to work, back to school, new year new me! So why not create your own handy wall planner & easily keep track of your family’s schedule. Once you’re done simply use whiteboard markers to write on it, … View moreChristmas is super busy! But so is going into the new year & what comes with it, back to work, back to school, new year new me! So why not create your own handy wall planner & easily keep track of your family’s schedule. Once you’re done simply use whiteboard markers to write on it, then wipe off & update as needed. Easy to create with Resene testpots & Resene Write-on Wall Paint. Make the most of your weekend with this easy step by step project idea from Resene.

2109 days ago

Severe thunderstorm watch - valid until 9pm Friday

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The combination of another warm humid day and light winds are expected to produce thunderstorms about many parts of the North Island this afternoon and evening.

Between about 1pm and 9pm today, a few of the thunderstorms could be severe about inland North Island areas from Northland to … View more
The combination of another warm humid day and light winds are expected to produce thunderstorms about many parts of the North Island this afternoon and evening.

Between about 1pm and 9pm today, a few of the thunderstorms could be severe about inland North Island areas from Northland to Whanganui, Taihape and Hawkes Bay (including Auckland), and also affecting coastal parts of Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.

These thunderstorms are expected to produce localised downpours of 25-40 mm/hr (or more), hail 20mm diameter (or larger), and maybe wind gusts of 60-80km/hr.

Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.

Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.

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2109 days ago

HELP US MAKE WASPS BUZZ OFF FOR GOOD.

The Team from Wasp Wipeout

They ruin our outdoor activities, attack newly hatched birds, feed on native invertebrates, eat honeydew (a food source for our native birds and insects) and cause $130m of environmental damage a year!

Every little bit counts and by contributing, you can make wasp-free regions a real … View more
They ruin our outdoor activities, attack newly hatched birds, feed on native invertebrates, eat honeydew (a food source for our native birds and insects) and cause $130m of environmental damage a year!

Every little bit counts and by contributing, you can make wasp-free regions a real possibility. Head online now to contribute

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2109 days ago

Get them that puuurrrfect gift!

Farmlands

Swing by your local Farmlands store to ensure everyone has something to open on Christmas morning.

With 82 stores across the country, we’re proud to be supporting your community
Find nearest store

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2110 days ago

Grace Millane will 'forever be a Kiwi', her father says

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

David Millane has released a heartfelt tribute, thanking New Zealand for taking Grace "into your hearts" following her death.

Vigils for Grace were held around the country, with thousands of people lighting candles, observing a moment of silence, leaving flowers and … View more
Hi neighbours,

David Millane has released a heartfelt tribute, thanking New Zealand for taking Grace "into your hearts" following her death.

Vigils for Grace were held around the country, with thousands of people lighting candles, observing a moment of silence, leaving flowers and some evening singing Amazing Grace.

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