Central Otago District, Alexandra

1501 days ago

BNZ to close 38 bank branches

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Bank of New Zealand will close 38 branches over the next seven months, despite an earlier commitment not to shut any regional branches until at least 2022.

The closures include Cromwell.

Read more and see the full list of affected branches here.

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1502 days ago

Work off Christmas dinner in 23,573 easy steps

Smiths City

As we head into the eating season, you might want to think about tracking your fitness. Check out our range of wearable tech, from FitBit, Huawei and Samsung, in-store or online today. smithscity.co.nz – keeping Xmas honest. Visit us online

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1502 days ago

Poll: Should tourist vans without toilets be banned in New Zealand?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash says freedom camping in vehicles that are not self-contained will be banned as part of efforts to market New Zealand to super-wealthy overseas tourists.

Read more here and tell us what you think in the comments below.

Should tourist vans without toilets be banned in New Zealand?
  • 100% Yes
    100% Complete
  • 0% No
    0% Complete
  • 0% I'm not sure/something else (tell us in the comments)
    0% Complete
4 votes
1504 days ago

Fraud Awareness Week

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.

New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.

HOW TO AVOID… View more
This Fraud Awareness Week we are encouraging Kiwis to take a moment to stop and think ‘is this for real?’ when contacted unexpectedly and asked for personal info.

New Zealand Police's Financial Intelligence Unit estimates New Zealanders lose $20-30 million annually to scams.

HOW TO AVOID A SCAM:

+ A genuine bank or organisation will never contact you to ask for your PIN, password or to move money to another account.

+ Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text – you could be giving access to your personal and financial details.

+ Always question uninvited approaches in case it is a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.

+ Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic – just because someone knows your basic details (name and address, or mother’s maiden name) it doesn’t mean they are genuine.

+ Don’t be rushed into making a decision or financial transaction on the spot – a genuine bank or trusted organisation would never do this.

+ Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it generally is.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam you can contact Police and report the matter via 105.

For more info on how you can prevent yourself, family and friends from being scammed, visit:

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1509 days ago

First home buyer burned by sunset clause finally secures dream house in Lower Hutt

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

Remember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. … View more
Remember Bailey Ross, the first time buyer who missed out on the property she'd been saving since she was 16 to own because of a sunset clause? Well, great news! She's secured a home in Lower Hutt.
I caught up with Bailey for an episode of First Rung, our podcast for first time buyers. She ended up giving me a bit of a masterclass in tenacity and not giving up on your home owning dreams.
Find out how Bailey found her first home, and what it means to her after such a big let down.

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1505 days ago

Watch Stuff Circuit’s new documentary, Emma

The Team Reporter from Stuff

At two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her… View moreAt two weeks old, Emma was left at an orphanage in Russia. After three years, Emma was adopted by a New Zealand family and brought here for a new life - but that didn’t work out how it was supposed to. Emma was diagnosed with foetal alcohol syndrome and reactive attachment disorder. Parenting her became a nightmare, and it ended in tragedy.

Emma has faced more challenges and rejections than most people could cope with. And now, she wants to take on the biggest challenge of her life - finding answers to those most fundamental questions: who am I? Where did I come from?
Watch now

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1506 days ago

Experience NZ like never before

Stuff Travel

Save up to 25% off 5 / 7 / 9 or 13 day tours of North and South Islands, exclusive to Stuff Travel.

From renowned operator Kirra Tours, these land cruising packages will leave you in awe of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, heritage and culture, impressing even the most discerning … View more
Save up to 25% off 5 / 7 / 9 or 13 day tours of North and South Islands, exclusive to Stuff Travel.

From renowned operator Kirra Tours, these land cruising packages will leave you in awe of New Zealand’s spectacular landscapes, heritage and culture, impressing even the most discerning traveller, and creating plenty of memories and stories to share for years to come.

Tours include a private luxury coach, rail tickets, tour guide, some meals and more.

Buy now, book dates later with a NZ based travel concierge.
Find out more

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1506 days ago

Get deck-orating with Resene!

Resene

Get your place in shape for the holidays and summer. One of the easiest jobs to get done quickly is to clean and rejuvenate your deck and outdoor furniture. Simply wash down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash then finish with the Resene Woodsman range of wood stains. Choose from a wide range of … View moreGet your place in shape for the holidays and summer. One of the easiest jobs to get done quickly is to clean and rejuvenate your deck and outdoor furniture. Simply wash down with Resene Timber and Deck Wash then finish with the Resene Woodsman range of wood stains. Choose from a wide range of colours, from traditional wood stains to a beachy whitewashed finish. Or go for the natural look with Resene Furniture and Decking Oil.

If you’re planning on a dark colour, remember to choose a Resene CoolColour version of your colour. This will help to reflect more heat to keep your deck and furniture cooler and more comfortable to walk or sit on.

Visit your local Resene ColorShop and see the huge range of options on their woodcare stand to help you bring out the best in your home.
Find your Resene ColorShop

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1507 days ago

First Rung: Debt Free Diva saves deposit for first home in 12 months

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's … View more
One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's talking about, too. Not only did she smash more than $90k of debt in three years, but in the year since she paid it off, she's saved enough, on top of her Kiwisaver, to pay the deposit on a home of her own.
It wasn't easy, and Tracy would be the first person to tell you that! But it is doable. Check out how, and have a listen to our episode of First Rung about Settlement day, on this link below. It includes some tips from Tracy on setting up a budget to manage your finance when you have a mortgage to pay.

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1507 days ago

Happy Diwali to New Zealand...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We'd love to know how you are celebrating!

Diwali has different meanings worldwide depending where you live but primarily it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Whether you are celebrating at home by lighting lamps & eating treats, or you are going to a nearby festival, we'd … View more
We'd love to know how you are celebrating!

Diwali has different meanings worldwide depending where you live but primarily it celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Whether you are celebrating at home by lighting lamps & eating treats, or you are going to a nearby festival, we'd love to hear about your Diwali celebrations below.

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1511 days ago

Reno blogging saved one couple $35k... but it didn't come cheap

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

I've always thought of reno blogging as a way to document a difficult process in a fun, relatable way. The benefit? Emotional support and maybe advice from folks following your journey - and maybe a little ego bump from showing off your mad wallpapering skills.
If you're lucky, and good,… View more
I've always thought of reno blogging as a way to document a difficult process in a fun, relatable way. The benefit? Emotional support and maybe advice from folks following your journey - and maybe a little ego bump from showing off your mad wallpapering skills.
If you're lucky, and good, you might be given a couple of cans of paint from your local hardware store, to help you on the way - but that would be the icing on the tip of the social media cake.
Few of us would have the energy or knowhow to turn their reno into a part time side hustle that's both creatively fulfilling, and engaging.
But that's exactly what Moochstyle's Shayden and Georgia Whipps have done - with some pawsome help from their gorgeous dog Frankie. They've been blogging their Christchurch villa reno since they bought their home and Shayden shared their story with us for the final episode of First Rung, our podcast. A first time homeowner and renovator, Shayden is such an inspiring guy to chat with. He makes you want to jump in and give it go. Check out his story and let us know what you think.

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1508 days ago

Let's work together to make Aotearoa New Zealand a more compassionate place.

The Team from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand

To address any issue in our community we need to know what we're up against.

Here's some simple ways you can help to end family violence:

+ Learn! The first step to change is awareness

+ Share facts, resources and helplines
View more
To address any issue in our community we need to know what we're up against.

Here's some simple ways you can help to end family violence:

+ Learn! The first step to change is awareness

+ Share facts, resources and helplines

+ Know the signs. Family violence can affect anyone

+ When you see it, report it to New Zealand Police

+ Support victims: check-in regularly, listen, refer

+ Volunteer / make a donation to a relevant charity

1508 days ago

Otago power bill increases reduced as Commerce Commission caps Aurora's upgrade plans

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Aurora Energy will be forced to reduce its proposed electricity lines upgrade by more than $85 million under a Commerce Commission draft decision.

The lines company is responsible for delivering electricity to 88,000 homes and businesses in Dunedin, Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes.

Aurora had … View more
Aurora Energy will be forced to reduce its proposed electricity lines upgrade by more than $85 million under a Commerce Commission draft decision.

The lines company is responsible for delivering electricity to 88,000 homes and businesses in Dunedin, Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes.

Aurora had proposed increasing the average monthly power bill in Dunedin by $32.70, Central Otago by $47.30, and Queenstown by $39.80 by 2024.

Under the Commerce Commission’s draft decision, the charges would be reduced to $22.20 for Dunedin, $31.50 for Central Otago and $22.70 for Queenstown.

The commission will hold public meetings on the draft decision in Alexandra, Cromwell, Wānaka, Queenstown and Dunedin between November 23 and December 1.

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1508 days ago

Throwback Thursday

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

The TSS Earnslaw in the 1920s near Walter Peak High Country Farm with bales of prime Merino wool waiting to be loaded for London in the foreground.

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1509 days ago

Respite care when you need it

Time spent in respite care lets you experience Ryman’s dedicated care teams and the togetherness of village communities. Whether you need rehabilitation or support for family during the holidays.

Respite care is offered in rest-home, hospital and dementia-level care. Being there is just one … View more
Time spent in respite care lets you experience Ryman’s dedicated care teams and the togetherness of village communities. Whether you need rehabilitation or support for family during the holidays.

Respite care is offered in rest-home, hospital and dementia-level care. Being there is just one of the ways we’re pioneering a new way of living for a new retirement generation.
Learn more

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