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By DAVID HILL Local Democracy Reporter
The Amberley Mainpower Pool has been experiencing some unexpected teething problems in its first full season of operation.
A technical fault on Christmas Eve and a high demand for season passes has caused some headaches for council staff, Hurunui … View moreBy DAVID HILL Local Democracy Reporter
The Amberley Mainpower Pool has been experiencing some unexpected teething problems in its first full season of operation.
A technical fault on Christmas Eve and a high demand for season passes has caused some headaches for council staff, Hurunui District Council pool manager Naomi Woodham says.
The new pool opened for just one month last season, but is expected to operate for a full six month season until April.
A malfunction in the plant room on Christmas Eve saw the closure of the pool over the Christmas/New Year period, while the council waited to source replacement parts.
‘‘We had technicians out as soon as we could,’’ Woodham said.
‘‘We were going to be closed anyway, so we didn’t lost time to the general public, only to our members (season pass holders).’’
Residents have taken to social media to vent their frustrations at not being able to access the pool in the early morning or evening.
But Woodham said the council had the weigh up the extra cost of employing lifeguards from 6am to 9am and 6pm to 8pm.
‘‘We felt it wasn’t worth putting on life guards just for two or three hours, so we looked at different models.
‘‘The pool doesn’t make money, it is subsidised by the ratepayer.’’
They opted for a model based on Lyttelton Pool, offering season passes for $125 (plus a $10 bond) to regular users to use the pool between 6am and 9am and 6pm to 8pm.
‘‘We thought we might get 20 to 30 people, but it went crazy with the numbers,’’ she said.
‘‘It is full in the morning, so we had to put a cap on it.’’
Season passes for the five-lane pool have been capped at under 100 for lane swimming and aqua jogging.
The season pass holders were required to go through a health and safety briefing and were given lessons on how to take the cover off the pool and place it back on.
And there must be at least two people at the pool at all times.
‘‘Our members are great. They treat it like it is their own pool and they look after each other.’’
Woodham said there have also been complaints about the chlorine levels and water temperatures.
‘‘We’ve had some complaints from parents about the chlorine being too strong in the toddlers’ pool. We test it every hour and we’ve been keeping the chlorine level low, so it’s never been unsafe.’’
She said it was hard to find a balance, as some people preferred higher temperatures, but others said it was too hot.
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
By DAVID HILL, Local Democracy Reporter
Christmas demand for food parcels has reached record levels at North Canterbury’s food banks.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said he was impressed with the efforts of local not-for-profit organisations to support families struggling with the rising cost… View moreBy DAVID HILL, Local Democracy Reporter
Christmas demand for food parcels has reached record levels at North Canterbury’s food banks.
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said he was impressed with the efforts of local not-for-profit organisations to support families struggling with the rising cost of living during the festive season.
‘‘I have many people who come into my office who don’t want to ask for help, but are in real need and these organisations are so supportive.
‘‘We have a very caring community which is very generous in its donations to organisations like Hope Community Trust and the Salvation Army which allows them to do the work they do.’’
Community Wellbeing North Canterbury’s Kaiapoi food bank gave out 60 percent more food parcels than during Christmas 2021.
The service even saw families referred to it by the Christchurch City Mission, as it struggled to meet demand.
‘‘Many people coming to our Kaiapoi Community Support service for assistance have never needed support before,’’ co-ordinator Gabi Barlow said.
Alongside the regular food parcels, a Christmas Giving Programme is run to ensure struggling families have presents to put under the tree.
‘‘Thanks to the kindness and generosity of our community, we gave out 2401 presents to families in need,’’ she said.
‘‘We could not have met the huge demand without the incredible support of our community.’’
Kaiapoi Community Support reopened on January 9 and demand for food parcels continues to be high.
A record haul from last month’s Toot for Tucker food drive, helped the food bank get through the Christmas period.
But Community Wellbeing North Canterbury was facing the same cost of living pressures, so more cash and food donations were needed, Barlow said.
Rangiora’s Hope Community Trust is coming up with innovative ways to support families struggling to buy enough food, manager Tracy Pirie said.
The trust launched a new initiative, ‘‘Top Ups’’, last week as a less intrusive way to help families in need.
‘‘Food is becoming a huge issue for a lot of families who have never needed help before,’’ Pirie said.
‘‘We set up a new Facebook page last week for ‘‘Top Ups’’ and I had two people come in last week in tears because they had no food in the house.
‘‘We’ve got to be creative in our messaging because otherwise these people won’t seek help until they’re really hurting.’’
It follows the ‘‘Operation Christmas Dinner’’ initiative, where the trust provided 40 local families with a Christmas dinner food parcel.
The trust was busy in the lead up to Christmas and opened for two days between Christmas and New Year to meet the demand.
Pirie said one person had walked 10km to get a food parcel before New Year.
Gordon lended a hand with the distribution of Operation Christmas Dinner and helped serve Christmas Day lunch run by Kaiapoi’s Reflections Community Trust.
‘‘My thanks to all those organisations which offer support to those who need it.’’
■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.
Many high schools report that vaping is a growing issue despite the 18+ legal smoking age and this has been associated with the proximity of schools to vaping retailers.
Recent amendments have been made to The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Act to limit nicotine in … View moreMany high schools report that vaping is a growing issue despite the 18+ legal smoking age and this has been associated with the proximity of schools to vaping retailers.
Recent amendments have been made to The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Act to limit nicotine in products and cease supply to those born in/after 2009. Less retailers are to be approved and product packaging made less appealing.
Until March 15, public submissions will accepted regarding these changes, especially around the location and quantity of retail stores as well as the appeal and addictiveness of smoked tobacco products.
Whether your pet likes taking an afternoon nap or leaping that gap (that’s a little too big for them), you can relax knowing they’re covered by a trusted pet insurer.
Sign up with Southern Cross Pet Insurance today.
Wondering if anyone has a worm farm setup within a single tub - eg. a bathtub or large chilly bin? (See video below). If yes, I'd love to have a chat with you. I've been doing it for a few months but have some questions. Thanks a million
Video: www.youtube.com...)
I dropped one of mine and the plastic has cracked. I think they are the best carry cages out there because they open at the top, they are so useful for bringing my rabbits and guinea pigs inside/outside.
Following the 4th October recall of all Pam's berries due to the risk of Hepatitis A, an error has been made and affected product was released again for sale to the public on the 15th of January.
If you have bought Pam's berries over the weekend or have Pam's berries in your … View moreFollowing the 4th October recall of all Pam's berries due to the risk of Hepatitis A, an error has been made and affected product was released again for sale to the public on the 15th of January.
If you have bought Pam's berries over the weekend or have Pam's berries in your freezer, we urge you to check the use by date and return the product if affected.
The affected product has a use by date stating 14/08/2024 and include:
Pams brand Mixed Berries 500g
Pams brand Two Berry Mix 1kg
Pams brand Two Berry Mix 750g
Pams brand Smoothie Berry Mix 500g
Pams brand Raspberries 500g
Pams brand Raspberries 350g
The products are sold at Trents Wholesale and Raeward Fresh stores throughout the South Island and in Pak’n Save, New World and Four Square stores throughout New Zealand.
If you have consumed these products with the stated use by date and feel unwell, seek medical help immediately. If you have any questions about the products you have bought you can contact Foodstuffs Ltd on 0800 245 114.
I have around 5 litres of interior acrylic paint half sisal colour semigloss. Was wondering if someone might like to swap for same amount in fence paint, karaka green,or dark color. also around same amount of alabaster ceiling paint.
Good Ryegrass Brown Top, Clover Mix - Meadow Hay. Clean fresh crop. Turned yesterday Saturday 14th, Baling this afternoon - Sunday 15th January 2023.
Pickup Loburn - Barkers Road Corner. Phone or text Ellie 027 4811 060
Hoping to move from the paddock as no helpers are available to move to … View moreGood Ryegrass Brown Top, Clover Mix - Meadow Hay. Clean fresh crop. Turned yesterday Saturday 14th, Baling this afternoon - Sunday 15th January 2023.
Pickup Loburn - Barkers Road Corner. Phone or text Ellie 027 4811 060
Hoping to move from the paddock as no helpers are available to move to the barn.
Splash some colour around your home these holidays with paper roll pals, breakfast trays and a stationery caddy finished in Resene testpots.
Find out how to create your own.
Did you know you can enjoy a cooler finish with Resene CoolColour Planning to use a dark coloured paint or wood stain on your home?
Choose a Resene CoolColour finish that will help reflect more heat and keep your place cooler.
Available in a wide range of colours and products from your … View moreDid you know you can enjoy a cooler finish with Resene CoolColour Planning to use a dark coloured paint or wood stain on your home?
Choose a Resene CoolColour finish that will help reflect more heat and keep your place cooler.
Available in a wide range of colours and products from your local Resene ColorShop.
Happy New Year everyone! Give me a call if you need your company branding spruced up or you need a whole new look.
Ryman provides comprehensive care options in a community where caregivers become family.
Joyce is a resthome resident at Logan Campbell Village. Between regular walks with lifestyle coordinator Ramon, participating in village activities, family visiting and keeping them up to date via email, … View moreRyman provides comprehensive care options in a community where caregivers become family.
Joyce is a resthome resident at Logan Campbell Village. Between regular walks with lifestyle coordinator Ramon, participating in village activities, family visiting and keeping them up to date via email, 92-year-old Joyce certainly enjoys a full life.
With the many friends she has made and the special bond she shares with her caregivers, the village has become an extension of Joyce’s family.
Summer Swan Plant prices!
No price increase from last year.
On sale Sundays till Fridays.
Morning till evening.
3 x Biodegradable PB2 bags of 3 or more swan plants for $20.
19 Golf Links Road, Rangiora.
Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between today and 29 Jan and participate in the Great Kiwi Quiz! The questions are based on our beautiful country so test your skills and see if you know New Zealand as well as you think you do.
Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to… View moreGrab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between today and 29 Jan and participate in the Great Kiwi Quiz! The questions are based on our beautiful country so test your skills and see if you know New Zealand as well as you think you do.
Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to win a $200 Prezzy Card, with a total of $10,000 worth of Prezzy Cards to give away. The more correct answers you enter, the higher chance you have of walking away with a Prezzy Card this summer. For more information and to submit your answers, click here.
The team at Stuff and Sunday Star-Times
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