A home for your excess veges: New scheme aims help elderly with rising living costs
Seeing the elderly go without fresh fruit and vegetables led one North Canterbury woman to set up what she hopes will become a nationwide scheme that connects gardeners with excess produce to those most in need.
Julie Lamplugh has set up The SEDE Project in Rangiora and is hoping its success may lead to other communities through-out New Zealand doing the same to help pensioners who may be struggling with the cost of living.
After hearing about 93-year-old Christchurch man Keith Simmonds struggle to afford to eat fresh produce, Lamplugh wanted to help.
“We’ve managed to find a gap where the need isn’t being met.”
A community-led initiative, SEDE which stands for Supporting Elderly Diet Enrichment, aims to coordinate contact between home gardeners and pensioners who would welcome free produce.
The service will also offer isolated elderly residents ongoing contact with people in their neighbourhoods.
Read more here.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
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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9.4% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.4% I want to be able to choose.
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47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
Poll: Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦
Canterbury, you have a hidden treasure right on your doorstep ... though it does come with a 1.5-hour walk up the stunning Rakaia Gorge Walkway.
Along the trail you’ll find The Fantail Shop showcasing small artworks by local artisans. Even better, every purchase supports the Fantail Trust, helping protect and restore biodiversity on the north bank of the gorge.
So we’re curious: would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? (And for local biodiversity, of course 🌿)
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31.6% Yes!
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68.4% No thank you.
Musicians Wanted
‘Rangiora Bells’ is seeking musicians to join the handbell choir. We are a friendly group of handbell ringers who enjoy making music and entertaining at community groups.
If you would like to come and have a go at ringing handbells, please come along to one of our practice sessions. No commitment necessary if you decide that this is not for you.
An ability to read basic music notation preferred.
Practice days – Thursdays 1pm – 2.30pm
(beginning 19th February 2026)
In the lounge at Trinity Methodist Church
176 King Street
Rangiora
Clare Dolheguy
Phone 027 583 7504
claredoll6@gmail.com
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