For customers
A brave new world
My dad didn’t listen to what other people thought about tradespeople they'd employed. Instead, word of mouth to him was listening to what his friends said about the things we wanted to make our lives easier and telling us they were all death traps. Microwave? Nah....
Keeping the home fires burning
It’s hard to beat a roaring fire in winter but ensuring that your fire delivers the performance it should and is safe as possible means you need to be vigilant in keeping your chimney clean and regularly inspected for any possible repairs. Though the idea of needing a...
Negative reviews are part of an honest assessment of a business
Because I am in the online review business, I read as much as I can about reviews, how consumers read and use reviews, and how much reviews help businesses online. Personally, I find the whole thing fascinating and so many times when I'm reading about consumer...
Paperless travel leaves some of us behind
For the past few weeks I've been travelling in Europe, accompanying my father, on what may well be his last trip. He's a few weeks shy of 80 and the advancing years have slowed him down, without diminishing the joy he experiences from new adventures and encountering...
We want to be heard!
So why leave a review? Recently I was re-reading an article from a few years ago focused on the reasons consumers leave reviews and one part of it perfectly expressed an element that is isn't given the attention that it deserves - that we leave feedback because we...
Why your feedback counts
If you're reading this then it's likely that you have left feedback for a tradie or business on NoCowboys before. You may have done it because you were asked or you may have done it unsolicited because you were delighted with the work done, or perhaps unhappy. Either...
Not all reviews are the same
We've written before about the importance of knowing which online reviews have more voracity than others and treating reviews on a business' own website with a good degree of suspicion. Again a New Zealand company is in the news for allegedly creating a false sense of...
Want to refer a great business? We make that so simple
Since NoCowboys began in 2006 our focus has been providing the best information for Kiwis to make informed choices before commissioning a business or tradie and now you can share your favourite businesses with family, friends, acquaintances, or, well anybody really!...
Why do we leave feedback?
Each year a company in the US publishes the results of an annual survey examining online reviews and consumer behaviour. It's always a fascinating read and it continues to affirm how essential reviews are to consumers making online purchasing decisions. This year's...
We are not all leaders but not all of us know that
Following the deadly climate event unleashed upon Auckland and current mayor, Wayne Brown's much criticised leadership 'performance' I have been thinking about leadership, leaders, and the people who are incredibly good at leading and those who, well, aren't. In doing...
Tune out, turn off, drop out – how to remove online anger
There's been a lot of discussion about online abuse in the past week, since the prime minister, Jacinda Ardern resigned and it is a sobering reminder of what online is, what it could be, and what it shouldn't be. It's important to remember that online is a human...
What to look for in online reviews
Every now and again we will get enquiries from Kiwis using our site or seeing NoCowboys reviews online. I thought it would be useful to point out a few important factors about online reviews and ours, in particular, to make the process of reading them easier. How are...
A little less conversation, a little more action, please
Around this time of year there is the usual slew of summaries of the worst and the best of the preceding twelve months - movies, TV shows, albums, political events, sporting successes, personal glories or failures. They tend to segue seamlessly into the obligatory New...
Hotel To Be Redeveloped, Generous Stranger, and Thoughtful Postie
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Christchurch icon gets new lease of life Growing up in Christchurch, Noahs Hotel on Oxford Terrace was a familiar...
Passport Eating Dog, Hodgkins’ Painting Discovered, and Inspirational Teacher Passes
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Teacher who inspired and created leaders I recently stumbled across a story about a Wellington teacher and athletic...
Massive Lighting, Huge Aussie Insect, and Message Found A Century Later
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Mother nature is truly amazing This story is rather mind boggling and proves yet again just how awesome - in the...
Board Game Awarded, Kiwi Loves Milk Tankers, And Fantastic Road Worker
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. A man who loved milk tankers This a lovely tale about a Kiwi with a rare illness and how one of our biggest companies...
Curious Whale, Norsewear Pushes Kiwi Made, and World’s Best Country
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Whale of a time in Sydney Harbour Water traffic in Sydney Harbour faced a novel issue last week - a curious humpback...
Hero Coast Guard Swimmer, Lasers Sort Seagulls, and Tapestry Home On Loan
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Hero swimmer saves lives during floods The recent floods in Texas, United States claimed over 100 lives and a Coast...
Small Pubs, Kiwi Ad Lauded, and NZ Gins Take Prizes
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Tiny pubs a big hit A Christchurch business created during Covid lockdowns has grown to become a national enterprise...
Bird Survey Begins, Kiwi Record Breaker, and Beer Saves Pub
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Beer douses pub fire This story sounds as if it comes from the lyrics of a country and Western song. When a minor fire...
Moth Navigation, Bear Rescued, and Endeavour Found
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Migratory moths navigate by the stars From the amazing world of insects comes the story of the incredible Australian...
Kiwi Rugby Final, Ancient Tomb Found, and NZ Team On Big Stage
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. All Kiwi Super Rugby final A weekend of semi-finals in the Super Rugby Pacific competition saw the Canterbury...
Ship Fails To Wake Sleeper, Kiwi Speedster, and Otago Eatery Awarded
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. NZ restaurant makes influential list For the first time ever a Kiwi eatery, Otago's Amisfield restaurant, has been...
Lorde Surprises Fans, Moose Mystery, And Northlander Helps Troubled Youth
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Lorde crashes Lorde party New Zealand musician Lorde was a very welcome and surprise guest at a party in Sydney...
NZDF Turns To Local Sock Maker, Cemetery Bust Found, and Kiwi Photographers Rewarded
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Long lost cemetery bust turns up in police raid 37 years after it disappeared, the bust that once adorned Jim...
Scrapping Native Creatures, Copy Proves To Be Valuable Original, and Clothes Line Mystery Solved
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Cheap copy turns out to be valuable original This story mirrors those best moments in 'Antiques Roadshow' where...
Local Hero, 70,000 Lollipop Carnival, and Heart Transplant Marathons
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Local hero is a serial helper Most communities in New Zealand have local heroes who help out whenever they can,...
Tradies Charity Build, Champion Cheese, And Teenage Cricketer Hits Century
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Build for charity in Christchurch What began as one building company owner's idea to pay something back after getting...
Auckland FC Win Title, Kiwi Conservation Effort, And Lost Dachshund Found
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Auckland FC make history Few teams win the league in their debut season in any sporting competition but Kiwi football...
Centurion Eases Up, Kiwis Love Feijoas, Moose Migration
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Centurion dials back competitive streak After reaching 100 years of age, croquet master Neville Sandiford decided it...
Hāngī Business Takes Off, Truckie Hero, and Tourist Hails Kiwi Kindness
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Hāngī business fills gap in the market Hutt Valley local CJ Collier took a lack of local hāngī food and created a...
Inspirational Black Fern, App For Best Pies, and Amazing Channel Swim
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Black Fern a true inspiration Rugby World Cup winner, Ruby Tui is more than just a force to be reckoned with on a...
All Whites Off To World Cup, Speedy Octopus, And Forgetful Pilot
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. All Whites going to the World Cup For the third time in their history, the All Whites will be competing at the World...
Speedy Kiwi Teenager, Fog Busters, and Lost Christchurch In Miniature
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Teenager beats world record It's 71 years since Roger Bannister ran the first sub four minute mile and since then...
Impressive Native Insect, Last Metal Road Sealed, and Garden City Airport a Cracker
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Bug of the year is an ancient handful From the 'I never knew we had a bug of the year competition' files comes the...
Busy Beavers, Hercules Last Flight, and Dump May Hold Treasure
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Beavers get the job done This is a rather uplifting tale that yet again illustrates the pluck and ingenuity of our...
Pub Pays Out For Goal Fest, Banana Mystery, and Kiwi Cricketer Makes History
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Pub pays for footballs club's success Nottingham Forest are defying expectations this year in the English Premier...
Over-travelled Cat, Ohakune Booming, and Injured Snowboarder Makes History
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Small town benefits from highway closure I've always been a little perplexed by the need to create bypasses on our...
Lucky Kitten, Unhappy Sunfish Revitalised, and Pompeii Reveals Hidden Gem
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Abandoned kitten survives gruelling ordeal This is a good news story with a whole lot of bad news at the beginning of...
Maligned Kiwi Classic, Love Rekindled, and Dinosaur Highway Found
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Kiwi classic gets rough treatment Obviously we all have different tastes when it comes to food and we don't all like...
Kiwi in Top Form, Miracle Survival and Marathon Effort
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Kiwi striker is the real deal The English Premier League is arguably the most difficult football league in the world...
New Year Promise, Football on the Rise, and Spooky Predictions
New Year Promise Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. As 2024 draws to a close it's time to both look back and to look forward. New Year is that special...
Lost & Found: Scooters, Cash, and Treasure
Scooters, cash and treasure - taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. This will be the last installment of Good News NZ for a few weeks, as we redesign the...
World Records, New Reefs, and a Tradie’s Triumph
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Haka world record claimed at huge event at Eden Park Last weekend over 6,500 people took part in a mass haka that...
Time Change, Panda Fakes, and Baby Aisle Kindness
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Daylight savings starts this weekend This Sunday clocks go forward an hour and we begin a period of daylight savings...
Feline Escapes, Kiwi Houseguest, and Buffet Revival
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Cat tries to escape 'diet centre' In Russia, a rather portly feline named Kroshik, or Crumbs, had had enough of the...
Tom cruises Olympics, Rare Coin Windfall, and Mystery Deepens
Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer. Tom Cruise 'performs' at Olympics closing ceremony for free Sure, he's one of the richest actors on the planet and may...