Matahina Forest, Whakatane

2183 days ago

Nominate your neighbourhood's Santa - comment below!

Reporter Sunday Star Times

We are on the hunt for New Zealand's most original, even legendary, Santas - can you help?? This will be someone that embodies the big guy with the white beard year round and who people in your neighbourhood often refer to as Santa.

Obviously, this person will also be the one that is called … View more
We are on the hunt for New Zealand's most original, even legendary, Santas - can you help?? This will be someone that embodies the big guy with the white beard year round and who people in your neighbourhood often refer to as Santa.

Obviously, this person will also be the one that is called upon each year to don the red suit to go out and about posing for photos, handing out presents and just be an all-around nice charitable person.

If you know of someone, please leave us a comment with your details and how we can get in touch with your local Santa. COMMENT BELOW!

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2182 days ago

*WIN* a Christmas book pack!

Simon & Schuster

Click LIKE or THANK to go into a draw to win a pack of five best-selling books!

The pack includes Cassandra Clare’s brand new blockbuster, Queen of Air and Darkness, the epic finale to The Dark Artifices series; the ever-popular Kate Furnivall returns with her deeply moving The Survivors; … View more
Click LIKE or THANK to go into a draw to win a pack of five best-selling books!

The pack includes Cassandra Clare’s brand new blockbuster, Queen of Air and Darkness, the epic finale to The Dark Artifices series; the ever-popular Kate Furnivall returns with her deeply moving The Survivors; In Pieces is actress Sally Field’s haunting and powerful memoir; Fear is the inside story of President Trump, as only Bob Woodward can tell it; and finally, take a peek into Reese Witherspoon’s world with the beautiful Whiskey in a Teacup.

Simply click LIKE or THANK to enter! Goodluck!

T&Cs apply.
See more books!

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2183 days ago

The SuperSeniors newsletter is out now!

Office for Seniors

Hi Neighbours!

The December edition of the SuperSenior newsletter is out now! It's filled with all the latest news and Super Gold Card offers

In this issue we talk about the changes to GP fees. If you have a Community Services Card you may be entitled to cheaper doctor visits.

Need some … View more
Hi Neighbours!

The December edition of the SuperSenior newsletter is out now! It's filled with all the latest news and Super Gold Card offers

In this issue we talk about the changes to GP fees. If you have a Community Services Card you may be entitled to cheaper doctor visits.

Need some motivation in the kitchen? Try our delicious Mexican Salsa Salad from the NZ Nutrition Foundation.

To subscribe, follow this link: bit.ly...

To view the current edition go to superseniors.msd.govt.nz...

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2184 days ago

Poll: Do you support having a non-traditional Santa?

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Nelson's bi-cultural Christmas parade has caused a stir and some confusion among Santa's young fans. The traditional white-bearded, jolly man was replaced in the parade by a Māori man representing Santa Claus. Read the full story here.

Although many people were for the idea, some … View more
Nelson's bi-cultural Christmas parade has caused a stir and some confusion among Santa's young fans. The traditional white-bearded, jolly man was replaced in the parade by a Māori man representing Santa Claus. Read the full story here.

Although many people were for the idea, some parents felt "blindsided" that they weren't forewarned that Hana Kōkō would be stepping in for Santa Claus. The parade's organisers have since apologised.

So we want to know your view on this topic. Are you in support of modernising Christmas, or do you prefer a traditional Santa? Take part in our poll below!

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Do you support having a non-traditional Santa?
  • 8.9% Yes, I'm all for it
    8.9% Complete
  • 80.9% No, I prefer the traditional Santa
    80.9% Complete
  • 10.2% I don't mind either way
    10.2% Complete
3284 votes
2184 days ago

Who's ready for our December National Campaign?! 😁🎁

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

This month, we want to challenge everyone to come together and help those in need this holiday season. With so much going on this time of year it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities and forget about those having a difficult time.

From elderly neighbours with no one to celebrate with to … View more
This month, we want to challenge everyone to come together and help those in need this holiday season. With so much going on this time of year it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities and forget about those having a difficult time.

From elderly neighbours with no one to celebrate with to homeless families and those with disabilities struggling to just get by, reach out to someone who could use a helping hand and remind them what the holiday spirit is all about!

Share your photos and experiences using the following hashtag so we can see what you got up to.

#NSNZhelpinghands

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2185 days ago

Beware of the tiny homes scam

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Keep your eyes peeled for the latest scam to be fooling Kiwis. Scammers are taking advantage of people looking for a home to call their own, creating fake competitions and giveaways to win a tiny home.

A recent scam asked people to sign up on their page which went through a process… View more
Hi neighbours,

Keep your eyes peeled for the latest scam to be fooling Kiwis. Scammers are taking advantage of people looking for a home to call their own, creating fake competitions and giveaways to win a tiny home.

A recent scam asked people to sign up on their page which went through a process of multiple surveys so the scammers can collect more information about the Facebook user in the hope of collecting personal details, including bank accounts. To read all about the scam, click here.

A fraud education manager says:
- People are helping the scammers by liking and sharing the post as it spreads the virus
- As soon as you like the Facebook post it gives scammers access to information
- If unsure whether it's a scam or not, look for terms and conditions - often these scams do not have them
- If you think you've been made a victim of an online scam, contact Netsafe and report it immediately. You can access Netsafe's page here.

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2189 days ago

Needle found in capsicum no cause for panic, MPI say

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

A Tauranga woman was recently left with a sharp taste in her mouth after finding a needle in a capsicum. The needle scratched her tongue but luckily did not do any serious damage. Police and MPI are investigating the incident.

Although a needle was also found in a strawberry in … View more
Hi neighbours,

A Tauranga woman was recently left with a sharp taste in her mouth after finding a needle in a capsicum. The needle scratched her tongue but luckily did not do any serious damage. Police and MPI are investigating the incident.

Although a needle was also found in a strawberry in Geraldine this week, MPI currently believe they are isolated incidents.

The public are being urged to report anything out of the ordinary to the retailer or MPI.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Are you a vegetable grower that could be affected by this incident? Or have you ever found things like this in your food? Share your views with us in the replies below!
(Please add "NFP/not for print" if you do not want your images/ comments used on Stuff)

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2185 days ago

Stay independent and confident

The Team from ACC New Zealand

"Staying independent, confident and healthy is important at any age, but especially if you or someone you love is over 65. Have you heard about the ‘Live Stronger for Longer’ movement? There’s a website full of practical information and advice, as well as local strength and balance … View more"Staying independent, confident and healthy is important at any age, but especially if you or someone you love is over 65. Have you heard about the ‘Live Stronger for Longer’ movement? There’s a website full of practical information and advice, as well as local strength and balance classes to keep you steady on your feet.

Go to livestronger.org.nz to find out more and keep loving your independence. Brought to you by ACC, Ministry of Health and Health Quality and Safety Commission."
Learn more

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2186 days ago

Supporting kiwi kids and learning

The Warehouse New Zealand

The Zoofari programme helps Kiwi kids enjoy a day of learning at their local zoo because we believe that teaching children today can lead to a lifetime of love for animals and the environment.

Show your support before the 18th December by donating in your local store today!

The Warehouse, … View more
The Zoofari programme helps Kiwi kids enjoy a day of learning at their local zoo because we believe that teaching children today can lead to a lifetime of love for animals and the environment.

Show your support before the 18th December by donating in your local store today!

The Warehouse, partnering with you for a better community.

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2186 days ago

Givealittle’s Celebration with the Nation

The Team from Givealittle

We’re so grateful to all the generous sorts who’ve chipped in to get us here. So, let’s lose the gifts… and turn our big day into a celebration with the nation.

For every $10 donated from you, Spark Foundation will give $10 too – up to a grand total of $10,000 across all 10 charities.
Give here

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2187 days ago

Severe weather watch - high winds and heavy rain

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Heavy rain for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, northern Gisborne, and northwest Nelson. Gale northeasterlies for Auckland

A front associated with a large low-pressure system over the northern Tasman Sea is forecast to move south over northern and central New Zealand … View more
Heavy rain for Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, northern Gisborne, and northwest Nelson. Gale northeasterlies for Auckland

A front associated with a large low-pressure system over the northern Tasman Sea is forecast to move south over northern and central New Zealand during Friday, Saturday and Sunday, bringing periods of heavy rain. This Watch covers the possibility of rainfall accumulations approaching warning criteria in Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, northern Gisborne, and northwest Nelson.

Additionally, northeasterly gales are expected ahead of this front, and a Watch remains in place for possible severe northeast gales in exposed parts of Auckland from Friday evening till Saturday evening.

Please note, that Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, northern Gisborne, and northwest Nelson have been added to the Watch for heavy rain. More information here.

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2189 days ago

Make your best Split Second Decision

The Team from ACC New Zealand

No matter how long you’ve been riding, the unexpected can always happen. Be an even better rider with Ride Forever coaching. Find out more!

2190 days ago

Share your festive fail moments with us

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Hi neighbours,

Christmas is supposed to be the jolliest time of year - full of whimsical family reunions, selfless gift-giving and Masterchef-worthy feasts.

But sometimes this just isn't captured on camera. We're after those amazingly awkward Christmas moments that have been captured on… View more
Hi neighbours,

Christmas is supposed to be the jolliest time of year - full of whimsical family reunions, selfless gift-giving and Masterchef-worthy feasts.

But sometimes this just isn't captured on camera. We're after those amazingly awkward Christmas moments that have been captured on film.

Maybe it was the time you went to visit Santa and your little one didn't want a bar of it. Maybe it was a self-timed family shot that went horribly awry. Or a Christmas meal that was more a festive fail.

Whatever the not-so-merry moment, we want to see it! Share your pictures and a little bit about them with us in Stuff Nation. We look forward to seeing them! Here's the link to contribute.

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2191 days ago

Want a REAL future in Dairy?

Taratahi Institute of Agriculture

There are only four of the 10 places still available in 2019 at the prestigious Central North Island Dairy Academy (CNIDA), which starts in February. All of the 2018 class have begun, or are about to begin their first advanced roles in dairy, and tutor/farmer Dave Horner says there are already … View moreThere are only four of the 10 places still available in 2019 at the prestigious Central North Island Dairy Academy (CNIDA), which starts in February. All of the 2018 class have begun, or are about to begin their first advanced roles in dairy, and tutor/farmer Dave Horner says there are already employers lining up for the next group of graduates.

It’s an intensive 37-week residential programme, based near Taupo, which combines theory, practical training and on-farm experience based around the Massey University Diploma in Agriculture (Level 5). To find out more and to enrol, visit the Taratahi website.
Find out more!

2191 days ago

When poppies get the blues

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

We love poppies, and this Tibetan blue (Meconopsis betonicifolia) is especially eye-catching. They are available from a number of nurseries, including Blue Mountain in Tapanui.

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