Ahuriri Conservation Park, Ahuriri Conservation Park

230 days ago

From Central Otago to Central Europe: The Kiwi tot dubbed 'the world's most well-travelled baby'

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

When Atlas Montgomery grows up he is going to have plenty of reading material about his first few months on this planet.

The infant has been dubbed in UK and US media “the world's most travelled baby” having chalked up 23 countries before he has even turned 11 months old.

Atlas’ … View more
When Atlas Montgomery grows up he is going to have plenty of reading material about his first few months on this planet.

The infant has been dubbed in UK and US media “the world's most travelled baby” having chalked up 23 countries before he has even turned 11 months old.

Atlas’ first trip took place when he was just six weeks old, as mum Becs Lewis and dad Will Montgomery flew him from their Queenstown home to Singapore to begin their year-long worldwide travels. Since then the trio have been campervanning across Europe, clocking up the kilometres and the countries.

Read the full story from reporter Alan Granville here.

231 days ago

Proposed Central Otago airport could host 3.6 million passengers and operate 24 hours a day

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

The backers of an international airport proposal in remote Central Otago say the airport could serve 3.6 million passengers a year during a 24-hour operation.

Christchurch Airport plans to build the airport on a 800ha site at the town of Tarras, about 30km north of Cromwell.

On Tuesday, the … View more
The backers of an international airport proposal in remote Central Otago say the airport could serve 3.6 million passengers a year during a 24-hour operation.

Christchurch Airport plans to build the airport on a 800ha site at the town of Tarras, about 30km north of Cromwell.

On Tuesday, the company revealed its preferred runway alignment and more details of its business case.

It included projections that demand for air connectivity to and from Central Otago, including Queenstown and Wānaka, was likely to grow to about 6.8 million passengers by 2050.

Read the full story by reporter Debbie Jamieson here.

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231 days ago

Gas Leak - Central Dunedin

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

A gas leak in George St has caused road closures and evacuations in the Dunedin CBD this morning. Police as well as Fire and Emergency New Zealand are on the scene.

What you need to know:
- George Street (the block of Frederick St and Hanover St) has been closed for the time being.
- The gas … View more
A gas leak in George St has caused road closures and evacuations in the Dunedin CBD this morning. Police as well as Fire and Emergency New Zealand are on the scene.

What you need to know:
- George Street (the block of Frederick St and Hanover St) has been closed for the time being.
- The gas leak was located in an area undergoing street refurbishment and contractors are working to isolate the leak.
- It is unclear at this stage if the leak is hazardous to those in the area.

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234 days ago

Are You a Low or Standard User?

The Team from NZ Compare

Another energy mystery that leaves many of us a tad confused…

Don’t be tricked into thinking a Low User plan means low costs. If you're a Standard User, sticking to Standard User plan is key to maximize savings. Compare plans wisely to make the right choice!

Your plan can change … View more
Another energy mystery that leaves many of us a tad confused…

Don’t be tricked into thinking a Low User plan means low costs. If you're a Standard User, sticking to Standard User plan is key to maximize savings. Compare plans wisely to make the right choice!

Your plan can change based on how many people are living at your house, what appliances you have running and/or what is used to cook with and heat the home.

Make sure you're on the right plan, take a squizz at our handy guide.
Learn more now

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235 days ago

Cozy up with a coffee and your favourite magazine this winter

Mags4Gifts

Until 3 September, purchase any magazine or newspaper on Mags4Gifts and automatically go in the draw to win a Sunbeam Barista Max Espresso Machine worth $499.

Mags4Gifts has a wide range of magazine and newspaper subscriptions. There’s something for the whole family! Start by browsing our best… View more
Until 3 September, purchase any magazine or newspaper on Mags4Gifts and automatically go in the draw to win a Sunbeam Barista Max Espresso Machine worth $499.

Mags4Gifts has a wide range of magazine and newspaper subscriptions. There’s something for the whole family! Start by browsing our best sellers which include NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, and The TV Guide. T&Cs apply.

The team at Mags4Gifts
Find out more

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236 days ago

Takahē released near Queenstown to create third wild population

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Takahē have returned to Ngāi Tahu land near Queenstown where it is hoped a third wild population will be established.

Ngāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation released 18 takahē on the Ngāi Tahu tribal property Greenstone Station on Wednesday.

It was overseen by Ngāi Tahu rangatira … View more
Takahē have returned to Ngāi Tahu land near Queenstown where it is hoped a third wild population will be established.

Ngāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation released 18 takahē on the Ngāi Tahu tribal property Greenstone Station on Wednesday.

It was overseen by Ngāi Tahu rangatira Tā Tipene O’Regan who first saw the birds during an expedition with Dr Geoffrey Orbell in 1949, one year after they were rediscovered, having previously thought to be extinct.

“I have been enraptured by takahē since I was a boy, so it is very satisfying to release our taonga on our own whenua as we move towards a shared goal of seeing takahē throughout the Ngāi Tahu Takiwā,” he said.

Read reporter Debbie Jamieson's full story here.

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237 days ago

Worried About Winter Bills?

The Team from NZ Compare

Final call for winter deals, neighbours!
Worried about facing those winter bills? No worries, our budget-friendly power and broadband plans have you covered. Stay cozy, stay connected, and stress less. Hurry, these offers won't last!

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237 days ago

Proposed triple-chair swing for Queenstown thrill-seekers who don't bungy

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

A proposed triple-person swing over the Kawarau River in Queenstown will appeal to thrill-seekers who don’t want to do a bungy jump, the proposers say.

AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has applied for consent to develop the swing at its original Kawarau Bungy Bridge site.

It would launch from a… View more
A proposed triple-person swing over the Kawarau River in Queenstown will appeal to thrill-seekers who don’t want to do a bungy jump, the proposers say.

AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has applied for consent to develop the swing at its original Kawarau Bungy Bridge site.

It would launch from a platform on the upper northern banks of the river, enabling guests to swing up to 35 metres above the river before being winched back to the platform.

Would you give it a go? Read the full story from reporter Debbie Jamieson here and let us know in the comments.

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267 days ago

Cook a Heart Healthy Meal Today!

Heart Foundation NZ

A heart healthy diet is one rich in fruit and vegetables. Not only are they better for your heart, but they allow you to feel fuller with less calories. This amazing Vegetarian Lasagne from the Heart Foundation is definitely delightful. It's a perfect winter dish to warm you up and help keep … View moreA heart healthy diet is one rich in fruit and vegetables. Not only are they better for your heart, but they allow you to feel fuller with less calories. This amazing Vegetarian Lasagne from the Heart Foundation is definitely delightful. It's a perfect winter dish to warm you up and help keep your heart healthy. Let's get cooking! #HeartHealthy #EatingWell

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237 days ago

Have you got a great recipe for peas?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours, every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of reader recipes using a seasonal crop. This month, we're on the hunt for pea recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by August 27, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the September issue of NZ Gardener.

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237 days ago

More Kiwis eligible for insulation grants

EECA

Everyone deserves a warm, dry, healthy home – see if you’re eligible for financial support to insulate and heat yours.

Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat … View more
Everyone deserves a warm, dry, healthy home – see if you’re eligible for financial support to insulate and heat yours.

Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% - 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat pump. In August, the eligibility criteria were extended so over 50,000 more households are eligible for insulation grants.

And you may get it even cheaper than that - lots of community organisations offer extra funding to reduce the cost further.

Check your eligibility, or check for your whānau.
Find out more

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238 days ago

New Central Otago river minimum flows could cost '$100m plus' - farmers

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Central Otago farmers say it could cost more than $100 million for the community to meet proposed minimum flows for the Manuherekia River.

The Otago Regional Council received a report this week that summarises recent hydrology and ecology work on the river and … View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Central Otago farmers say it could cost more than $100 million for the community to meet proposed minimum flows for the Manuherekia River.

The Otago Regional Council received a report this week that summarises recent hydrology and ecology work on the river and suggests setting a minimum flow of 2000 and 2500 litres per second.

The 85km river, which runs from the Maniototo to Alexandra, has a long history of water use for gold mining and irrigation with about 75% of its water currently taken – compared to about 25% in other regions of New Zealand.

In an effort to meet the Government’s National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management the council considered a plan to set a low flow of between 1200 and 3000 litres per second, in August 2021.

A bitter discussion followed, resulting in one councillor resigning, calls for the Environment Minister to replace councillors with commissioners, and a vote for more “science” to be undertaken.

Two years later, that work is complete, and the new report is on the table.

However, Matakanui Station owner and Manuherekia Catchment Group interim chairperson Andrew Paterson said the farming community was not happy with the recommended flow, which was double the 1100 litres per second suggested by farmers.

“We don’t disagree that there should be an increase in minimum flow. We just disagree on how high it should be.

“We all love the river. It’s the lifeblood of the valley. It keeps the valley and the communities pumping, and we don’t want to cut that off,” he said.

Reaching the proposed flow in summer would require use of water stored in the Falls Dam or community reservoirs, which could cost more than $100 million to build, he said.

That was a cost that should be met by the wider community as it extended beyond the interests of farmers, he said.

Farmers were suspicious that the council was attempting to make the science fit a figure and felt that the arguments were stacked against farmers, he said.

Between 400 and 500 farms, orchards and vineyards were reliant on the river and would continue to be involved in the process.

It had the potential to go to the Environment Court, Paterson said.

“The views of the farming community compared to the views of the community are poles apart. We could never come to an agreement.”

Councillor Alexa Forbes said receiving the report during a briefing on Tuesday felt like reaching a milestone after a long and bitter journey.

“The feeling around the table was so much more positive and workable than that dreadful day in August 2021 when we really found no common ground at all,” she said.

Draft recommendations would be developed and put before the council for noting in September, ahead of a public consultation period.

239 days ago

Win this brand-new home!

Heart Foundation

Dreaming of calling the City of Sails home?

For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished home in Glenbrook, Auckland in the Heart Foundation Lottery. Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen… View more
Dreaming of calling the City of Sails home?

For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished home in Glenbrook, Auckland in the Heart Foundation Lottery. Worth over $1 million and built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this home features four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen plus walk-in pantry, two beautiful living rooms and is only a short walk away from Glenbrook Beach with stunning views out to Āwhitu Peninsula.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
Buy tickets now

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240 days ago

The power of social connection - your health depends on it!

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

Did you know that socially well-connected people are happier and healthier according to the latest research? Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or catch up with your loved ones to benefit your mental health and wellbeing.

Read our blog on social connection to find out more!

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241 days ago

Refresh your home with Resene!

Resene

Get 20% off Kiwi-made Resene quality paints, primers, sealers and wood stains.

Plus buy one testpot get one free on 60-80ml testpots 60-80. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.

Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints … View more
Get 20% off Kiwi-made Resene quality paints, primers, sealers and wood stains.

Plus buy one testpot get one free on 60-80ml testpots 60-80. Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and get started on your decorating project.

Choose from the widest range of Eco Choice approved paints available in New Zealand!
Find out more

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