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1917 days ago

How one couple transformed a bare block into a fernery in all its finery

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

When Kathy Lanagan and Neil Scarlett bought a bare block of land in North Canterbury back in 1993, they weren’t sure what they would do about a home.

But Lanagan, an enthusiastic gardener from an early age, started planting a garden anyway.

So when they bought the old stationmaster’s house in nearby Kaiapoi several years later and relocated it to the block – the garden had already begun.

“It’s definitely a house in a garden,” says Lanagan. “We’re not really indoor people so you mostly find us outside.”

It’s easy to see why. A 3-metre wide wooden verandah spans the length of the house, its wooden ceiling made from the repurposed sarking from the original roof. It’s punctuated with skylights to allow natural daylight and there are lights for the nighttime. There’s a serving hatch and wooden bar by the kitchen window and a green couch and chairs surround a coffee table against the backdrop of pale green weatherboards.

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More messages from your neighbours
15 hours ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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23 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.6% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.6% Complete
  • 43.5% I want to be able to choose.
    43.5% Complete
  • 46.9% Against. I want to deal with people.
    46.9% Complete
2561 votes
4 hours ago

Ready to make the most of retirement?

Charles Upham Retirement Village

From hobbies to adventures, there’s so much to enjoy!
- Explore new hobbies like gardening or painting
- Stay active with walking groups or cycling trails
- Learn something new with online courses or local classes
- Give back through volunteering or mentoring

Read the full article and take our fun quiz to find out which activities suit your personality best below!

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