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Cyclone Gabrielle has had a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Kiwis. As the long clean up begins and support becomes more and more needed, Stuff is calling for readers to support the Red Cross and Mayoral Relief Funds in areas where a local state of emergency has been declared. … View moreCyclone Gabrielle has had a devastating impact on hundreds of thousands of Kiwis. As the long clean up begins and support becomes more and more needed, Stuff is calling for readers to support the Red Cross and Mayoral Relief Funds in areas where a local state of emergency has been declared. We'd love your support. You can donate here.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive taro recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Feb 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ … View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive taro recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Feb 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ Gardener.
It's been a tough few weeks for our communities, including our small businesses. To help small businesses keep connected with their neighbours, we’re offering Neighbourly Premium Business Listings FREE for three months. You’ll feature in the local business directory, plus be able to engage… View moreIt's been a tough few weeks for our communities, including our small businesses. To help small businesses keep connected with their neighbours, we’re offering Neighbourly Premium Business Listings FREE for three months. You’ll feature in the local business directory, plus be able to engage with neighbours to ask for help, share new operating hours, move damaged stock, or simply give thanks for recent support. T&Cs apply.
If your answer is yes (or even a maybe), send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds to win amazing prizes worth more than $2000. The Resene Shed of the Year 2023 winners will be announced in the April issue of … View moreIf your answer is yes (or even a maybe), send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken coops and potty potting sheds to win amazing prizes worth more than $2000. The Resene Shed of the Year 2023 winners will be announced in the April issue of NZ Gardener.
The team at NZ Compare hope everyone is keeping safe and snuggled up with their loved ones n this terrible weather. 🥰
We've got the down-low on the best shows to stream on rainy days, take a look!
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
ZZ Top bass guitarist Elwood Francis delighted fans with an unscheduled stop at a Queenstown music shop this week.
Francis and band frontman Billy Gibbons are in Queenstown to perform at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert on Saturday.
Maya Music store… View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
ZZ Top bass guitarist Elwood Francis delighted fans with an unscheduled stop at a Queenstown music shop this week.
Francis and band frontman Billy Gibbons are in Queenstown to perform at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert on Saturday.
Maya Music store owner Deo Bohn, himself a keen guitar and bass player, was surprised to see the distinctive rocker walk into his store early in the week.
“He just walked in the door with a roadie. They were looking at some instruments,” he said.
He had a chat with Francis, who shared some photos of the band’s concert in Taupō from the weekend, and grabbed a few photos.
Francis and Gibbons had stopped in a record store in Taupō and Bohn hoped Gibbons would call by his Queenstown store also.
Bohn had brought his copy of ZZ Top’s First Album into the store, just in case he could get it signed by Gibbons.
Gibbons has been with the band – famous for beards, hot rods and spinning guitars – since it formed in 1969.
Francis, previously the band’s guitar technician and famous in his own right for performing with a 17-string guitar, stepped into his role after the death of original band member Dusty Hill in 2021.
Queenstown man Andrew Wesney was having a guitar lesson when Francis called into the store.
“I was pretty stoked to see him and get to meet him in person. It was cool,” he said.
Bohn said it was not unusual for visiting musicians to call into the store, which was near Queenstown’s airport.
Some Kiwi artists such as The Black Seeds and Kora would book practice space at the shop before a gig.
“You never know who’s going to walk in the door in Queenstown,” he said.
Musicians Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo have also been in Queenstown during the week, posting a photo overlooking Lake Wakatipu, towards Cecil Peak, on their Facebook page on Monday.
Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen posted a photo of the pair having lunch there on Thursday.
The Greenstone Summer Concert returned this year after being cancelled due to the difficulties of bringing in international artists under Covid-19 border restrictions last year.
ZZ Top is headlining the show, along with 90s grunge legends Stone Temple Pilots, four times Grammy Award winners Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, and Aussie rockers The Angels.
They performed at Taupō on Saturday but the Whitianga Summer Concert scheduled for Sunday was cancelled due to weather conditions.
About 15,000 people are expected at Saturday’s Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert in Queenstown, which starts with Wānaka band Powder Chutes at 11.30am.
Organisers said it was forecast to be a warm and sunny summer’s day, so people should stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
Swap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!
Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.
By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help… View moreSwap food for a FREE Resene testpot with Hunger for Colour!
Simply bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). We'll donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.
By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help those in need.
The newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!
Start 2023 right! Forget overspending and getting stuck with a plan that offers too much or too little.
Whether you’re … View moreThe newest addition to the NZ Compare suite of comparison brands has landed - Mobile Compare is the home of Kiwi Mobile Plans. A one stop shop for Neighbours everywhere!
Start 2023 right! Forget overspending and getting stuck with a plan that offers too much or too little.
Whether you’re after unlimited minutes and calling, endless data or flexible payment options to fit your budget, Mobile Compare has it all from your favourite providers. Plus, the website is super easy to use — you’ll find a fantastic deal in no time! Check it out today!
The Cromwell Sports Club’s upgrade plans to cater for a growing community have been given a much-needed boost from the Cromwell Community Board.
The board considered a funding request on Thursday from the Cromwell Sports Club Incorporated to upgrade its facilities on Anderson Park Recreation … View moreThe Cromwell Sports Club’s upgrade plans to cater for a growing community have been given a much-needed boost from the Cromwell Community Board.
The board considered a funding request on Thursday from the Cromwell Sports Club Incorporated to upgrade its facilities on Anderson Park Recreation Reserve and agreed to release $69,333 from the Cromwell Sports Club Fund Reserve for the upgrade subject to the club achieving its fundraising targets from other funders.
The club had also requested $250,000 in addition to the $69,333 Cromwell Sports Club Fund Reserve. The board resolved to consider any further financial contribution towards the upgrade as part of the 2024-34 long-term plan process, which would allow for consultation with the community.
The existing clubrooms were built in 1980 by the club on land leased from the council. Cromwell Sports Club Inc has eight member clubs: Cromwell Rugby Football Club, Cromwell Junior Rugby Club, Cromwell Associated Football Club, Cromwell Basketball Club, Cromwell Cricket Club, Cromwell Lawn Tennis Club, Cromwell Netball Club and the Golden Oldies Netball Club.
Its premises were no longer suitable for the growing Cromwell community, so in late 2019 the club decided to embark on an upgrade programme. In May 2020, the Cromwell Community Board agreed to a variation of the club’s lease to increase the clubroom area to 727m2, to provide for the construction of new changing facilities and storage areas.
The club wanted to future proof the building for the next 35+ years – acknowledging the 35+ years it had already served in the community.
The club invested $40,000 on concept design plans that incorporated feedback from consultation with its members and the wider public.
The proposed upgrade includes increasing the building from 146m2 to 250m2, adding four changing sheds to the building, improving accessibility and creating a small and large meeting room.
The club estimated the total upgrade would cost about $2.1 million, and has been fundraising, with $200,000 raised to date.
Our February issue of our Seniors Newsletter is out now. In this issue we're keeping you in the know how on copper withdrawal and how that may affect you, plus lots more.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, subscribe to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, or TV Guide online at Mags4Gifts and receive an iconic box of Guylian Belgian seashells.
Simply enter the promo code ‘VALENTINES’ at the checkout to redeem this great offer. Valid until 11:59pm 14 February … View moreTo celebrate Valentine’s Day, subscribe to NZ House & Garden, NZ Gardener, or TV Guide online at Mags4Gifts and receive an iconic box of Guylian Belgian seashells.
Simply enter the promo code ‘VALENTINES’ at the checkout to redeem this great offer. Valid until 11:59pm 14 February 2023, white stocks last. For full terms and conditions click here.
The team at Mags4Gifts.
Following the summer holiday pause on roadworks, resealing is set to resume on sections of SH6 in the Kawarau Gorge and at the SH6-Jack Hanley Drive intersection.
The work by Aspiring Highways is part of the biggest nationwide summer works programmes ever undertaken by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport … View moreFollowing the summer holiday pause on roadworks, resealing is set to resume on sections of SH6 in the Kawarau Gorge and at the SH6-Jack Hanley Drive intersection.
The work by Aspiring Highways is part of the biggest nationwide summer works programmes ever undertaken by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Because of the large volume of daytime traffic on SH6, work will be done at night with rolling closures, Waka Kotahi maintenance contract manager Peter Standring said.
“The road will open at least hourly for a contractor vehicle to pilot waiting drivers through the site. This will keep construction crews and road users safe and lessen damage to the new seal.”
All sealing work needs fine, warm weather, with the dates below subject to these conditions:
- SH6 Kawarau Gorge from Victoria Flats Bridge to east of Pearson Road:
Sunday, February 12, and Monday, February 13, 9pm to 5am
- SH6 Kawarau Gorge from Crown Range intersection to Bungy Bridge:
Tuesday, February 14, and Wednesday, February 15, 9pm to 5am
- SH6 intersection with Jack Hanley Drive, Jack’s Point:
Thursday, February 16, 9pm to 5am
“This work is necessary to improve the surface on these sections of highway, and ultimately makes our roads safer for people,” Standring said.
“We understand resealing can be noisy, our team will be doing all we can to get this job done as quickly as possible to minimise the impact of this work on households and businesses.”
Speed restrictions will be in place after the work is completed to enable the seal to fully set.
All too often, our older community are found at home alone, suffering, physically hurt and unable to help themselves. If you’re living alone and would like some extra support, get to know your neighbours, reassure them that you're okay with them checking in on you, and together make a plan … View moreAll too often, our older community are found at home alone, suffering, physically hurt and unable to help themselves. If you’re living alone and would like some extra support, get to know your neighbours, reassure them that you're okay with them checking in on you, and together make a plan and talk through what warning signs to look out for should something be wrong. It could just save your life.
For more information, and tips to help you make a plan go to thehelloproject.nz
Needless to say, it's been a horrible week for a lot of us with the scary weather and all it's brought with it. If you're doing it tough, here's something which might help.
Stuff's podcast Stuff Explained has been talking with Hummingly's Jolie Wills, a … View moreNeedless to say, it's been a horrible week for a lot of us with the scary weather and all it's brought with it. If you're doing it tough, here's something which might help.
Stuff's podcast Stuff Explained has been talking with Hummingly's Jolie Wills, a psycho-social expert in disaster and disruption. In this short podcast interview, Jolie shares her expert advice on what you, or the people you want to support, may need right now.
Whether you're currently involved, or you want to help others, it's worth a quick listen!
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Queenstown’s only indoor public swimming pool will close on weekends, indefinitely, with the council blaming a lifeguard shortage.
And the news for families in the area gets worse: Arrowtown’s outdoor pool will close about a month early – on February 13 … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Queenstown’s only indoor public swimming pool will close on weekends, indefinitely, with the council blaming a lifeguard shortage.
And the news for families in the area gets worse: Arrowtown’s outdoor pool will close about a month early – on February 13 – for the same reason.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council-owned pools are the latest businesses to be hit by a widespread staff shortage, exacerbated in Queenstown by an extensive housing shortage.
Council sport and recreation manager Simon Battrick said the decision to close Alpine Aqualand in Frankton, Queenstown on weekends from February 18 was unavoidable due to a lack of staff.
The council chose to close on weekends to avoid disrupting swimming and fitness programmes.
Battrick said the district’s pools always struggled to find staff in February when high school and university students returned to their studies.
However, a global shortage of lifeguards and Queenstown’s local staff shortage meant the situation was worse this year.
Alpine Aqualand was down to nine staff and needed another 10 (full-time and part-time) to fill rosters.
A minimum of three full-time and one part-time lifeguards were needed to open on weekends.
The Queenstown Lakes district was not the only area suffering a shortage of lifeguards. In the Timaru District several pools have also been forced to reduce their operating hours in the last week.
Battrick said anyone who could swim 200 metres in under six minutes could apply to be a lifeguard.
Staff underwent two weeks training and two weeks supervision before being independent lifeguards.
The starting pay rate was $23.65 an hour and tops out at about $26.
As of the first of April the pool would be able to sponsor migrant workers but needed to pay a minimum $29.66 an hour, which was too high, he said.
“The reality is that this is an entry level job. “We have to live within our means.”
The hourly rate in the Queenstown Lakes was higher than at many other pools around New Zealand, as it recognised the higher cost of living in the district.
The council had advertised the roles extensively and had some bites, he said.
“It’s just really hard at the moment.
“Someone can give us a call, and we can take them through the process, give them a contract, and then next day they say they’re taking a job at the supermarket.”
There would be some exceptions to the use of the pool on the weekend including the locals swimming club, which was coached by a qualified lifeguard and swimming lessons.
The weekend closures would hit families and children who visit and play at the pool,
The situation would continue until more staff were available.
Mayor Glyn Lewers said the staff shortage issue was being felt right across council and there was no magic solution.
He was concerned about the impact of the closure of the pool on local families on weekends when the weather was not good for swimming in local waterways.
The pools provided a low cost recreational activity and social connection.
Now there was a barrier to providing that.
“We went through this with Covid. We don’t want to go through it again,” he said.
This was the first time in six years the pool had been closed, except during Covid-19.
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