Banks Peninsula, Akaroa

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517 days ago

The most beautiful spot in every region of NZ

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi there,
We're on the lookout for the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, and would love to hear your favourites.
While it will be impossible to include all of them in one article, we'd appreciate your help in narrowing it down. What do you think are most beautiful places in … View more
Hi there,
We're on the lookout for the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, and would love to hear your favourites.
While it will be impossible to include all of them in one article, we'd appreciate your help in narrowing it down. What do you think are most beautiful places in NZ's regions? Do you have a favourite spot in the Waikato, Taranaki, Canterbury, Southland or elsewhere?
Feel free to comment below, send me a message or email me at lorna.thornber@stuff.co.nz. Please include 'NFP' in your comment if you do not want it or your name included in an article. Thanks in advance for taking the time to share.

515 days ago

Poll: Is the letterbox obsolete?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With online being the main mode of communication these days, it's no wonder that there has been a worldwide mail decline and here in Aotearoa, NZ Post has needed to lay off 750 full-time staff. Do you think it's time to say goodbye to the trusty letterbox?

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Is the letterbox obsolete?
  • 5.3% Yes, it can go!
    5.3% Complete
  • 34.1% Not just yet, I still use it
    34.1% Complete
  • 60.6% Never, there'll always be a need for it
    60.6% Complete
3118 votes
513 days ago

Could you spot the signs of a heart attack?

Heart Foundation NZ

Heart attack is a leading cause of death in New Zealand.
Learn to recognise the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack, so you know what to do if you see or experience them. Don’t try to walk it off, wash it off or push through it. Make the right call, it may save your life.

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517 days ago

POT HOLES whose fault are they really?

Gordon from Halswell

How many people are complaining about Pot Holes?
How many are blaming the council?
How many are blaming the GVT?
The real answer is Stephen Joyce and Bill English who allowed this:
A new permit system allowing heavy vehicles to operate outside the current mass and dimension limits will deliver … View more
How many people are complaining about Pot Holes?
How many are blaming the council?
How many are blaming the GVT?
The real answer is Stephen Joyce and Bill English who allowed this:
A new permit system allowing heavy vehicles to operate outside the current mass and dimension limits will deliver real gains for both the economy and the travelling public, says Transport Minister Steven Joyce.

The Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment 2010 allows the development of a permit regime for high productivity vehicles to operate above the current 44 tonne weight limit on specified routes. It will come into force on 1 May.

Under the permit regime, trucks will be able to be permitted up to 53 tonnes within their current dimensions. There will also be provision for loads above 53 tonnes but these will only be granted in very specific instances.

New Zealand's freight task is forecast to increase by 70 to 75 percent over the next 25 years and while rail and coastal shipping will play an increasingly important role in meeting the freight task it is expected that the bulk of this increase will be carried on our roads," says Mr Joyce.

WELL GUESS WHAT, they are the main reason for our roads that were never designed for them, crumbling away.
The foundations of the older roads were never strong enough for the constant pummeling of the heavier trucks and trailers but for the sake of "Higher productivity," it was allowed.
This is one of the cases where decisions have been made for the sake of "Business" needs went horribly wrong, and we are left with an infrastructure that can only get worse as National has never spent money on things like Roads, Health, Law and Order, Housing.......unless there is an election looming.!!!
Oh, They will get those potholes looked at (not fixed) within 24 hours. We can sleep in peace.

515 days ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Christchurch

Wherever you are, whatever your problem with food, AEA can help

Addictive Eaters Anonymous members have found recovery from binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, other forms of addictive eating and compulsive exercise. Through working the Twelve Steps of AEA, members find peace of mind and the … View more
Wherever you are, whatever your problem with food, AEA can help

Addictive Eaters Anonymous members have found recovery from binge eating, anorexia, bulimia, other forms of addictive eating and compulsive exercise. Through working the Twelve Steps of AEA, members find peace of mind and the ability to live a meaningful and productive life.

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515 days ago

Looking for that dream job and need help with your CV?

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

Why not book onto our FREE CV workshop.

The workshop runs on Friday, 4th August from 10-11.30am and goes through:
- how to put together the perfect CV for the New Zealand job market
- writing cover letters to highlight your key skills
- job hunting tips

To book your place email … View more
Why not book onto our FREE CV workshop.

The workshop runs on Friday, 4th August from 10-11.30am and goes through:
- how to put together the perfect CV for the New Zealand job market
- writing cover letters to highlight your key skills
- job hunting tips

To book your place email christchurchclinics@outlook.com or phone 03 349 5236

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518 days ago

I have a problem with my neighbour's tree - what can I do?

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

We get lots of calls from people who have a problem with a neighbour's tree. The best thing you can do is talk to each other and try and agree a way forward.

If that doesn't work, read the information on our website (see link under 'Read More') about what to do if:
- your… View more
We get lots of calls from people who have a problem with a neighbour's tree. The best thing you can do is talk to each other and try and agree a way forward.

If that doesn't work, read the information on our website (see link under 'Read More') about what to do if:
- your neighbour’s tree is blocking your sun or damaging your property;
- branches of your neighbour’s tree are overhanging onto your property but not causing damage to your property;
- a neighbour’s tree is hanging over the shared driveway;
- fruit from your neighbour's tree is overhanging onto your property.

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522 days ago

Poll: Should we pay people for giving blood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Blood Service says it needs 40,000​ new donors in the next 12 months to ensure it can meet demand of those needing plasma and blood. Suggestions have been made to pay people for donating, however there are concerns about the dangers of that. Do you think we should pay people for these … View moreThe Blood Service says it needs 40,000​ new donors in the next 12 months to ensure it can meet demand of those needing plasma and blood. Suggestions have been made to pay people for donating, however there are concerns about the dangers of that. Do you think we should pay people for these donations?

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Should we pay people for giving blood?
  • 31.8% Yes, it makes sense
    31.8% Complete
  • 50.7% No, that's too risky
    50.7% Complete
  • 17.6% I'd need more information
    17.6% Complete
2141 votes
521 days ago

Covid update w/e 23rd July

Gordon from Halswell

Another promising drop in cases to 3764 but a rise in deaths 24 which is still 3 people per day, as the more fragile older generation and winter, work together to make it hard to fight.
Eventually, the deaths will reflect the drop in new cases

524 days ago

Housing intensification proposal challenged by submitters

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

A Christchurch engineering lecturer says the city council’s proposed changes to the district plan includes a “manufactured” reason to stop developers from building higher density housing.

Tom Logan, a senior lecturer in civil systems engineering at the University of Canterbury, is one of … View more
A Christchurch engineering lecturer says the city council’s proposed changes to the district plan includes a “manufactured” reason to stop developers from building higher density housing.

Tom Logan, a senior lecturer in civil systems engineering at the University of Canterbury, is one of about 1000 people and organisations who have told the city council their views on Plan Change 14 (PC14), which aims to increase housing availability and affordability by cutting red tape.

A final round of submissions closed on Monday, with an independent hearings panel set to begin in October.

The plan change was triggered by new medium density rules set by central government in 2021, which called on large cities like Christchurch to allow up to three homes of three storeys each on most sections across the city.

Read the full story by reporter Sinead Gill here (subscription required).

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525 days ago

Covid update 16th July

Gordon from Halswell

Last week was another move in the right direction with 4332 new cases and 20 deaths {there has been a change in how this is reported but might be lower)
Let's hope it does drop to even lower and not settle at this sort of level, as being the norm.

523 days ago

Spark a little hope this Christmas

Christmas Box

Meeting an ever increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food, it brings a reminder that people care. By alleviating some of the pressure families feel, especially in the time of inflation and cost-of-living, a Christmas Box sparks hope that goes beyond Christmas.
View more
Meeting an ever increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food, it brings a reminder that people care. By alleviating some of the pressure families feel, especially in the time of inflation and cost-of-living, a Christmas Box sparks hope that goes beyond Christmas.

Don’t wait for December, it’s time to start thinking about how you can help today!

For just $40 a box, you can give the gift of hope and 100% of your donation will go to families who are doing it tough this year. Your generosity makes a difference.
Find out more

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523 days ago

Learn These Power Terms and SAVE MONEY!

The Team from NZ Compare

Have you ever tried to look for a new power plan to end up stuck, super confused by all the specific lingo that’s used? Things like kWh, standard vs. low users, or free hours of power? Don’t get us started on controlled and anytime meters!

If you’re unsure of some of these terms, it … View more
Have you ever tried to look for a new power plan to end up stuck, super confused by all the specific lingo that’s used? Things like kWh, standard vs. low users, or free hours of power? Don’t get us started on controlled and anytime meters!

If you’re unsure of some of these terms, it really won’t help you feel confident in comparing different plans. We don’t want to see our Neighbours get tripped up and stuck with a big bill this chilly season!

So to help you, we’ve put together a list of all the power terminology that you need to know!
Learn the terms

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524 days ago

Winter Market Bush Inn

Lynda from Halswell

If you haven't been to the Bush inn winter market. Come check us out friendly stall holders and lots of cafes to get a hot drink and some food. We are indoors so nice and warm.

526 days ago

What was the legacy of the Christchurch Commonwealth Games?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By Lee Kenny:

Talk of Christchurch stepping in to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games has rekindled memories of when the Garden City staged the event almost 50 years ago.

Mayor Phil Mauger says the tournament should be brought to Canterbury but other city leaders disagree - read the full story … View more
By Lee Kenny:

Talk of Christchurch stepping in to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games has rekindled memories of when the Garden City staged the event almost 50 years ago.

Mayor Phil Mauger says the tournament should be brought to Canterbury but other city leaders disagree - read the full story about that in The Press.

So what was the legacy of the tenth British Commonwealth Games, held in Christchurch from January 24 to February 2, 1974?

The tournament saw 1276 athletes from 38 countries take part in 121 medal events. They stayed in the student accommodation at University of Canterbury.

In June 1974, The Press published that the Christchurch City Council had blown its budget, with one of the largest contributors being the overspend on the QEII, which cost five times the initial $20,300 cost.


The final bill was $101,821 ($1.3m today).

However, the sports facility needed a major upgrade 26 years later after falling into disrepair.

Speaking in 1999, council staff said that the construction of the pool and stadium had been rushed to ensure completion for the Games.


“The low quality of finish, and lack of maintenance over the intervening years, had left the building in poor repair. Several health and safety risks had been identified,” The Press reported at the time.

In 2000, work began on the site’s $20.7 million revamp but just over a decade later, it was announced the whole QEII Park and complex would be demolished.

News reports in April 2012 confirmed the site would be knocked down, having been closed since the February 22 earthquake the year before.

A new facility - Taiora: QEII Recreation and Sport Centre - opened on part of the site in May 2018 at a cost of $38.6m.


Other Christchurch venues for the 1974 games included Cowles Stadium in Aranui and Woolston Working Men’s Club which staged the bowls' tournament.

The Town Hall hosted weightlifting and wrestling. Road cyclists raced around Cashmere, Beckenham and Huntsbury, and the shooting was split between West Melton, Yaldhurst and McLeans Island.

During the Games, New Zealand won a total of 35 medals (nine gold, eight silver and 18 bronze), compared to last year’s Commonwealth Games (Birmingham 2022) when Kiwi athletes brought home a medal haul of 49.

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