Central Otago District, Alexandra

Introduce yourself, neighbour!

Introduce yourself, neighbour!

Head to our Know Thy Neighbour page.

726 days ago

Gift yourself and a loved one

Sunday Star-Times

Hey Neighbours!

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Between now and 31 December, purchase a 3-month subscription to Sunday Star-Times for a friend, loved one (or yourself), and you'll receive a gorgeous soy candle selection worth $49 from Linden Leaves absolutely free.

Use promo … View more
Hey Neighbours!

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Between now and 31 December, purchase a 3-month subscription to Sunday Star-Times for a friend, loved one (or yourself), and you'll receive a gorgeous soy candle selection worth $49 from Linden Leaves absolutely free.

Use promo code 'Christmas' at the checkout to redeem this unmissable deal!

The team at Sunday Star-Times
Subscribe now

Image
726 days ago

Skater clocks

The Team from Resene ColorShop Dunedin

Skate away! Turn an old skateboard into a handy clock with a little imagination and Resene paints.
Find out how to create your own.

Image
729 days ago

Home and property inspiration delivered to your inbox

Homed

What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?

|Homed newsletter| takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, showcases the latest interior trends, provides project ideas, and … View more
What better way to while away a Friday afternoon and get your weekend DIY inspiration than drooling over the most beautiful house and garden content of the week?

|Homed newsletter| takes you inside gorgeous New Zealand homes, showcases the latest interior trends, provides project ideas, and more. Be inspired to dream big about your own space - and get on the path to making those dreams come true. Sign up for free here.
Sign up now

Image
734 days ago

Childs' treasure chest

The Team from Resene ColorShop Dunedin

Turn an ordinary wooden gift box into a treasure chest with Resene paint! A place to keep Lego, figurines, and all the treasures kids love to collect. Add a unique decorative feature to the lid to make it a special keepsake.

Find out how to create your own.

Image
734 days ago

What is the measure of a full life?

At Ryman, we believe the measure of a full life is one that gets richer with age. It’s rediscovering lost passions and plunging headfirst into new ones. It’s embracing new experiences right there on your doorstep. That’s why we’re creating communities that challenge the expectation of … View moreAt Ryman, we believe the measure of a full life is one that gets richer with age. It’s rediscovering lost passions and plunging headfirst into new ones. It’s embracing new experiences right there on your doorstep. That’s why we’re creating communities that challenge the expectation of aging, while bringing job and meaning to every moment.

We are honoured to present our latest brand campaign that explores our residents lives through their eyes. From the poignant moments of life in care, to our residents continuing to push the boundaries of what they want to achieve.
Learn More

736 days ago

Can you help Paint it Orange?

Resene

Hey Neighbours, did you know that Arthritis affects more than 700,000 New Zealanders and is a leading cause of disability?

This month you could help Arthritis New Zealand by purchasing a testpot of your favourite orange.

Buy any orange Resene testpot 60 ml at your local Resene owned ColorShop… View more
Hey Neighbours, did you know that Arthritis affects more than 700,000 New Zealanders and is a leading cause of disability?

This month you could help Arthritis New Zealand by purchasing a testpot of your favourite orange.

Buy any orange Resene testpot 60 ml at your local Resene owned ColorShop in November 2021 and Resene will donate $1 to Arthritis NZ! The more orange testpots you buy, the more will be donated.
Find out more

Image
738 days ago

Win a brand-new home!

Heart Foundation

For only $15 a ticket, you can win a brand-new home in Whitianga valued at over $1.2 million. Built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is spacious, open-planned and comes fully-furnished!

Make it your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or sell it … View more
For only $15 a ticket, you can win a brand-new home in Whitianga valued at over $1.2 million. Built to perfection by Jennian Homes, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is spacious, open-planned and comes fully-furnished!

Make it your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or sell it – it could be all yours for only $15! Be in to win by purchasing a ticket today.
Find out more

Image
738 days ago

Know a deserving neighbour?

Ashleigh from Neighbourly.co.nz

Every week, locals are being nominated for a Nice Neighbour Award and we think there's likely someone in your life who is worthy.
Whether it's someone who has been there in a time of need, has helped your family, or who regularly volunteers their time in their community - we'd love… View more
Every week, locals are being nominated for a Nice Neighbour Award and we think there's likely someone in your life who is worthy.
Whether it's someone who has been there in a time of need, has helped your family, or who regularly volunteers their time in their community - we'd love to hear about them.

If your neighbour is picked as this week's Nice Neighbour, you’ll both receive a $25 Prezzy® card plus your special neighbour will feature in community newspapers around New Zealand as an inspiration to us all.

Let us know who should be recognised for their good deeds by nominating now.

Image
740 days ago

Woodland wonderland

The Team from Resene ColorShop Dunedin

Personalise your tree this year with adorable homemade woodland characters. Use Resene testpots to create these four cuties. Find out how to create your own.

Image
747 days ago

Poll: When it comes to mowing the street berm, do you take care of the neighbour's too?

Colleen from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's a fine line between being helpful and minding your own business.

Image
When it comes to mowing the street berm, do you take care of the neighbour's too?
  • 32.1% Of course! It's the neighbourly thing to do.
    32.1% Complete
  • 21.1% I'd consider it, but probably wouldn't without checking first.
    21.1% Complete
  • 13.8% No way, I can barely get my own done as it is.
    13.8% Complete
  • 30.3% I don't have a berm so it's not an option to consider.
    30.3% Complete
  • 2.8% People mow berms?
    2.8% Complete
109 votes
743 days ago

Is Queenstown really bucking the housing market trend?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

By reporter Miriam Bell:

Queenstown house prices remain the highest in the country, and its market appears to be going against the broader declining trend, experts say.

In the latest figures from Quotable Value (QV), the Queenstown-Lakes District is the only region to record a quarterly … View more
By reporter Miriam Bell:

Queenstown house prices remain the highest in the country, and its market appears to be going against the broader declining trend, experts say.

In the latest figures from Quotable Value (QV), the Queenstown-Lakes District is the only region to record a quarterly price increase. It has the average price up 0.2% to $1.69 million in September.

On an annual basis, the average is up 11.6% from the same time last year, and it is 4.5% higher than at the start of the year.

Likewise, CoreLogic has Queenstown’s average up by 0.4% last month, and by 12.9% annually, to $1.68m in September.

In contrast, both property companies show the national average, and prices in much of the rest of the country, on a downward trajectory.

And in Auckland and Wellington, there have been double-digit price declines since the market peak late last year, according to the Real Estate Institute.

CoreLogic chief property economist Kelvin Davidson says the Queenstown market is a small market, and that means its price and sales figures can jump around quite a bit on a monthly basis.

But its prices have remained pretty stable in the last six to seven months, over a period when prices in other markets have fallen, he says.

“There is a sense of stability, rather than prices continuing to rise markedly, but that is in a market that is already expensive and which has affordability issues.

“It is not immune to trends around interest rates and lending, so I wouldn’t rule out some price falls in future, even if they are smaller than elsewhere, but currently Queenstown’s market is holding up well.”

There were concerns about the Queenstown market’s future in the early days of Covid, but the area’s physical attributes and lifestyle appeal meant it was always likely to bounce back, he says.

“Those attributes remain in play, but now the borders have opened, and tourists are returning, so there is a degree of confidence that Queenstown will be okay. It has a market that looks different to elsewhere, and is bucking the trend.”

As in the rest of the country, sales are down. There were 80 sales in September, down from 101 in August and from 106 last September, Real Estate Institute figures show.

But the institute’s regional director, Gail Hudson, says owner-occupier inquiry has increased markedly, with interest from Auckland and other areas of the South Island remaining strong.

Genuine buyers are attending auctions, and open homes are busy, which shows there is still a good amount of interested buyers, although there is less urgency, she says.

Ray White Queenstown principal Bas Smith says fluctuations in sales are not uncommon as it is a much smaller market than the focus it attracts suggests.

But the decline in sales volumes from last year was not a bad thing as the market was crazy last year, he says.

“At the higher end of the market, particularly in the $2.5m to $3m land sale space, we are finding it very busy, and activity is steady generally.”

Queenstown’s market never really has huge falls in prices, and even during the global financial crisis they held relatively steady, apart from the apartment market which had been oversold previously, he says.

“It is viewed as a safe haven, and a desirable place to live. Many people are envious of the lifestyle that they see here, especially during lockdowns.

“That has fired up people around the country and in Australia, and left them keen to come here to tap into the lifestyle on offer, and pursue remote working options.”

The market is benefitting from that, with a bit of a flow of capital from Australia and Auckland into Queenstown real estate, and little drag in prices despite the slower market, Smith says.

Another factor that puts a floor under Queenstown prices is a shortage of housing, despite continued development of areas such as Frankton, and significant planned development in Wanaka.

Harcourts Queenstown sales manager Priscilla Uhrle says a shortage of land means that when land comes on the market it gets sold before titles are issued.

This is helping keep supply tight, and the fact that many local buyers are reluctant to list until they have sold, to ensure they have somewhere to move to, also contributes to the shortage of stock, she says.

“It was a bit quieter over winter, and spring seemed to come a month late, but open home numbers have really lifted and October was very busy.

“All the auctions we have done in recent weeks have sold under the hammer, with multiple bids. One entry level house in Fern Hill went on the market last week, got five offers right away, and is now under offer.”

While sales and price figures can vary each month due to the size of the market, prices do seem to be holding up well, she says.

“The last two years have taught me there is no point in making predictions about what the market might do, but currently it is moving at a good, steady pace.”

More local first-home buyers are being pushed into the market by rising interest rates, Uhrle says.

“The wait and see approach isn’t working for them, and they want to lock in a purchase before rates go up too much more, so what rates do next could make a difference in future.”

Image
746 days ago

The Must-Give Christmas Gift!

Christmas Box

Meeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.

We believe by alleviating some of the pressure that families feel at Christmas time through our food parcels, … View more
Meeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food in a time of need, it also brings a reminder that there is a community of people who care.

We believe by alleviating some of the pressure that families feel at Christmas time through our food parcels, it will create a lasting impact that goes beyond a treat at Christmas.

For only $40 you can donate a Christmas Box to a family in need, providing not just practical help, but much deserved hope too.
Donate now

Image
746 days ago

Win 1 of 4 Premium 55” Panasonic 4K TVs worth $2999* each.

The TV Guide

To celebrate the FIFA World Cup, the TV Guide is giving you the chance to upgrade your lounge and impress your friends with a brand new 55” Panasonic 4K TV. Catch all the action with Panasonic’s new Premium LED TV, perfect for watching the FIFA World Cup, your favourite movies, streaming … View moreTo celebrate the FIFA World Cup, the TV Guide is giving you the chance to upgrade your lounge and impress your friends with a brand new 55” Panasonic 4K TV. Catch all the action with Panasonic’s new Premium LED TV, perfect for watching the FIFA World Cup, your favourite movies, streaming services, or classic TV shows.

Pick up a copy of the TV Guide each week between 13 Oct to 9 Nov, find the codeword, and follow the directions to be in to win! Each issue and codeword will be a new chance to win. You’ll have until 15 Nov to enter online or mail in your codeword. To view the T&Cs click here.

The team at the TV Guide

*based on recommended retail price
Find out more

Image
747 days ago

Smartsizing Your Future

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

Smartsizing is about creating a life of simplicity and enjoyment, by ensuring your home fits your lifestyle, now and in the future.

If you want to spend more time with family and friends, travel, stay active and learn new things, smartsizing makes this much easier. With less time spent on … View more
Smartsizing is about creating a life of simplicity and enjoyment, by ensuring your home fits your lifestyle, now and in the future.

If you want to spend more time with family and friends, travel, stay active and learn new things, smartsizing makes this much easier. With less time spent on maintenance and chores you’ll have more time to create a life full of enjoyment and meaning.

These webinars will offer insight into how you can make this happen.

Join us to hear from experts in their field as they offer insight into how you can achieve this.

Understanding the property market - Presented by Shane Cortese on Monday 14 November, 3:30pm.

Smart home technology - Presented by Grant Sidaway on Tuesday 15 November, 3:30pm.

Downsizing your way to a richer, happier life - Presented by Peter Walsh on Wednesday 16 November, 3:30pm.

These informative presentations are not to be missed, to find out more or to register click below.

Image
747 days ago

Make your own courier box

The Team from Resene ColorShop Dunedin

Keep daytime deliveries secure with this simple to build box that doubles as a seat painted in Resene Lustacryl. Find out how to create your own.

Image
Top