Hurunui District , Amberley

Happy 2025, neighbour!

Happy 2025, neighbour!

Wishing you the best year ahead!

672 days ago

No fines issued on South Island's only carpool lane two years after opening

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From reporter Carly Gooch:

Motorists have been driving South Island’s only motorway with a designated carpool lane for more than two years – but no fines have been issued to drivers breaking the rules.

That’s because travelling on the Christchurch Northern Corridor (CNC) motorway’s T2… View more
From reporter Carly Gooch:

Motorists have been driving South Island’s only motorway with a designated carpool lane for more than two years – but no fines have been issued to drivers breaking the rules.

That’s because travelling on the Christchurch Northern Corridor (CNC) motorway’s T2 lane has no infringement attached to it – yet.

“At this stage we are not doing any enforcement on the CNC T2 lane”, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency regional relationships director James Caygill said.

The T2 lane, also known as a transit or carpool lane, was implemented just weeks after the new motorway opened in December 2020, and is from the end of the motorway on State Highway 1 south of Woodend to the Cranford St roundabout.

Only vehicles with at least one passenger and motorcyclists are entitled to use the T2 lane (the right-hand lane on the southbound side of the northern corridor) between 6am and 9am on weekdays. Outside those hours, the lane can be used by anyone.


Caygill said Waka Kotahi currently had no cameras in place to enforce the lanes.

“We are working towards getting this technology in place.”

He said in the coming months, research would be carried out on the T2 lane and Waka Kotahi would “let the public know ... how the T2 lanes work and a heads-up on enforcement so people will not be surprised”.


Monitoring showed some drivers were not sticking to the T2 rules, “but when you consider both lanes, the majority of drivers are doing the right thing and obeying the law”, he said.

“Last week there were 1154 vehicles on average in the T2 lane over the three-hour period it was operational (6am to 9pm each weekday). There were 1741 vehicles on average in the other lane over the same time period. Each lane on the motorway should be able to carry about 1000 vehicles per hour without significant congestion.”

At this stage, there was no “significant travel time advantage” in either lane.

“It is also likely that there would be little travel time advantage if the lanes were being enforced.”


Transit lanes, commonplace around the world and in the North Island, will only become more familiar to more South Island travellers.

T2 lanes will also be used on the upgraded Brougham St, SH76 (Sydenham/Addington/Waltham) project currently under way.

These restricted traffic lanes will most likely be active during peak times between 7am to 9am, and 3pm to 6pm for the exclusive use of buses, motorcyclists, and cars with a driver and one or more passenger. 


The T2 lanes will run from Spencer St to near Brisbane St eastbound and from east of Colombo St to past Selwyn St westbound. However, the road will be set up so these lanes can be extended if and when needed.

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673 days ago

Check you have your census pack

Stats NZ

If you need more forms or accessibility formats, visit www.census.govt.nz, or call 0800 236 787 for help. Find out more

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673 days ago

Therapeutic Massage with Rae

Rae from Rangiora

Room to Heal in Rangiora - Offers first time clients a special discount for a Therapeutic Massage. Offer will last for two weeks 28th February - 14th March 2023

Its not just a massage its an experience you will never forget.

Relax, Unwind & Revive

Appointments Available...
1 hour - … View more
Room to Heal in Rangiora - Offers first time clients a special discount for a Therapeutic Massage. Offer will last for two weeks 28th February - 14th March 2023

Its not just a massage its an experience you will never forget.

Relax, Unwind & Revive

Appointments Available...
1 hour - back, shoulders, neck, head, arms & hand massage.

Indulge in the pleasure of - A hot towel and beautiful massage wax to delight the senses.


please contact 0273 621 601
Love and Light Rae

Price: $45

676 days ago

List an item for free and be in to win!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's some real goodies on Neighbourly Market in our FREE section, and we want to see even more!

If you've got some things getting dusty in the garage that could use a new home, list them on Neighbourly as free in the next 48 hours and you'll go in to win one of 5 x $50 … View more
There's some real goodies on Neighbourly Market in our FREE section, and we want to see even more!

If you've got some things getting dusty in the garage that could use a new home, list them on Neighbourly as free in the next 48 hours and you'll go in to win one of 5 x $50 Prezzy® cards!
List an item now

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678 days ago

Posting on Neighbourly

Courtney from Loburn

Does anyone else find it frustrating that Neighbourly acts so Gestapo- like and won't let you answer a post that comes up on Neighbourly??

Sometimes people just don't always understand how to post on neighbourly and they don't open it up to everyone. Especially when offering an… View more
Does anyone else find it frustrating that Neighbourly acts so Gestapo- like and won't let you answer a post that comes up on Neighbourly??

Sometimes people just don't always understand how to post on neighbourly and they don't open it up to everyone. Especially when offering an item for sale.

Twice lately I have wanted to buy something from this forum and it came back that they are not in my neighbourhood so I can't contact them. I phoned one person and they did want to sell it to me, but I had to look them up in the phone book and call them. Not everyone is listed in the phone book, though.

If we're being neighbourly, and let's face it, we really do need our neighbours these days, why is Stuff so limiting and domineering. You used to be able to message someone who had something you wanted to buy or discuss with them, but now you can't get in touch at all.

I put it to Stuff and Neighbourly that you aren't being neighbourly at all!! Why can't you add a feature that one could get in touch with a person who isn't from your neighbourhood or why can't we all be neighbours with a restriction available when you only want it in your area.

You now can't even answer a post now.

THIS ISN'T BEING NEIGHBOURLY

675 days ago

Want to recognise your favourite local business?

Prospa

New Zealand's small businesses have had another tough few weeks. We're calling on you, wherever you are across the country, to recognise a local business making a difference in your community.

We all love a cheeky grin and a wave from our local grocer, or a toot from the delivery … View more
New Zealand's small businesses have had another tough few weeks. We're calling on you, wherever you are across the country, to recognise a local business making a difference in your community.

We all love a cheeky grin and a wave from our local grocer, or a toot from the delivery driver, or a coffee order that’s ready before we arrive. These are the business owners who remind us we're home.

Give your favourite local business owner the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
Nominate now

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688 days ago

Swapping an off-grid dream house in Swanson for a Cromwell hut

Colleen Hawkes Reporter from Homed

Meet a family with four boys (almost) that's up for adventure - and they don't mind roughing it in the process.

676 days ago

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Green 256G

Rae from Rangiora

1 year old mobile phone in mint condition, cared for by the one and only me. Comes with case, toughened glass protector on screen and charge cable and adapter. 5 G ready.
Fabulous cameras, S Pen.
Excellent phone. Reason for selling - Upgraded
Listing elsewhere so If you want this really great … View more
1 year old mobile phone in mint condition, cared for by the one and only me. Comes with case, toughened glass protector on screen and charge cable and adapter. 5 G ready.
Fabulous cameras, S Pen.
Excellent phone. Reason for selling - Upgraded
Listing elsewhere so If you want this really great phone get in touch really quick.

Price: $1,420

676 days ago

Hurunui youth ready to play their part

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, local democracy reporter

The Hurunui Youth Council is gearing up for a busy year.

Fresh from a weekend retreat at Te Puna Wānaka, Ara Institute of Canterbury, last month, youth council member Millie Jane McIlraith says the youth are rearing to go.

‘‘It truly is an … View more
By David Hill, local democracy reporter

The Hurunui Youth Council is gearing up for a busy year.

Fresh from a weekend retreat at Te Puna Wānaka, Ara Institute of Canterbury, last month, youth council member Millie Jane McIlraith says the youth are rearing to go.

‘‘It truly is an amazing youth council this year and I look forward to seeing us work towards creating exciting opportunities for the youth throughout the Hurunui district this year.’’

The 10-strong youth council was joined during the weekend by Hurunui mayor Marie Black, councillors Robbie Bruerton and Dave Hislop, and council staff.

Hurunui District Council youth development officer Jo Carter said the weekend was an opportunity for the youth to learn how the council operates and to plan for the year ahead.

‘‘I am really excited by the energy and commitment of our youth council and look forward to supporting them to achieve their desired outcomes.’’

She said the youth council set some priorities for the year, including driver safety, mental health, youth in Emergency Services, youth grants, issues around vaping, environmental responsibility and sustainability, including reusable period products.

The youth were also keen to upskill in areas like first aid and to be represented on groups such as like North Canterbury Youth Futures, which aimed to support local youth into employment and training.

As well as the serious youth council business, Millie Jane said the youth took the opportunity to have some fun, including visiting an Escape Room and having a silent disco.

The youth council is looking forward to connecting with other youth councils via Youth Voice Canterbury and is planning events for Youth Week, from May 15 to 21.

*Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.

677 days ago

An Invite to Our Past

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

He iwi tahi tatou. Together we are one nation, united by Te Whare Rūnanga, standing tall next to the Treaty House and built by the hands of my whānau for not only Māori and Pākehā, but all New Zealanders. I invite you to come and share in their story.”

Pita Tipene is the Chair of the … View more
He iwi tahi tatou. Together we are one nation, united by Te Whare Rūnanga, standing tall next to the Treaty House and built by the hands of my whānau for not only Māori and Pākehā, but all New Zealanders. I invite you to come and share in their story.”

Pita Tipene is the Chair of the Waitangi National Trust. He, and all of those all of those at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, invite you to come and feel the stories that shaped Aotearoa.
Find out more

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677 days ago

Turning the tables

The Team from Resene ColorShop Rangiora

Give a dull brown table a fresh light look using a modern chalk paint style effect.

Find out how to refresh your table with this handy advice.

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681 days ago

Poll: Is our government making the right decisions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We've seen the devastation of flood waters, yet the Government backed down on plans to protect wetlands (which help soak up heavy rain) after they received complaints by property developers.
Are you confident we're making the right decisions to protect us from future disasters? … View more
We've seen the devastation of flood waters, yet the Government backed down on plans to protect wetlands (which help soak up heavy rain) after they received complaints by property developers.
Are you confident we're making the right decisions to protect us from future disasters? Let's discuss!

Share your thoughts in the comments below - add NFP if you don't want these shared in the We Say You Say column of your local paper.

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Is our government making the right decisions?
  • 2.4% Yes, I back the decision to build over wetlands
    2.4% Complete
  • 88.3% No, we need to focus on preventing future flooding
    88.3% Complete
  • 7.2% Sort of - we can't always cater to the 'what-ifs'
    7.2% Complete
  • 2.1% I don't know
    2.1% Complete
4257 votes
681 days ago

Stop paying too much!

The team at NZ Compare

The affordability of everyday items just keeps increasing!

If it’s not the petrol prices, it’s the cost of food, insurance or rates and let’s not get started on mortgage interest costs!

Home loan interest rates don't stay the same for long these days and it’s causing many … View more
The affordability of everyday items just keeps increasing!

If it’s not the petrol prices, it’s the cost of food, insurance or rates and let’s not get started on mortgage interest costs!

Home loan interest rates don't stay the same for long these days and it’s causing many households to feel stressed out. Could you be saving thousands of dollars a year? If you don't check, you don't know.

Get a FREE mortgage health check through Money Compare and find out. If you could save money, why wouldn’t you right?!
Click Here

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691 days ago

Black spots remain in North Canterbury

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Faster broadband is being distributed to more rural North Canterbury communities, but black spots remain.

A Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) spokesperson said the group had been contracted to build 56 cell sites across Canterbury, with 42 cell sites now … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Faster broadband is being distributed to more rural North Canterbury communities, but black spots remain.

A Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) spokesperson said the group had been contracted to build 56 cell sites across Canterbury, with 42 cell sites now live and another 14 planned for this year.

She said 12 rural North Canterbury communities have been connected as part of phase two of the government’s Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI2).

But gaps remained at Oxford, Glentui and Clarkville.

A further five Hurunui communities - Marble Point, Molesworth Station, Poplars Station in the Lewis Pass, Poplars Ridge and Port Robinson - were expected to be connected with cell sites this year as part of an RBI2 expansion programme, if the funding can be secured from Crown Infrastructure Partners.

Seven cell sites have been connected in Hurunui communities over the last three years including Domett, Inland Road, Lyford, Lyford South, Mt Grey, Pyramid Valley and Teviotdale.

In Kaikōura new cell sites were providing coverage to Mangamaunu Beach and the highway as well as the rural area west of the township.
New connections at Okuku, The Pines Beach and Eyrewell were live last year in the Waimakariri district.

‘‘This is a significant investment under the government’s RBI2 and Mobile Black Spot Fund programme in Canterbury providing 4G wireless broadband and 4G voice, data and text services from Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees,’’ the RCG spokesperson said.

‘‘These cell sites will provide connectivity to around 4280 rural households and businesses, improve connectivity on the roads and connectivity at popular visitor destinations.’’

Amuri.Net was connecting ultrafast fibre broadband to residents in the Ohoka/Mandeville area under an initiative announced last year by Digital Economy and Communications Minister David Clark, during a visit to the district.

In December the government announced it was on track to see 99.8% of New Zealanders receiving improved broadband speeds by the end of this year.

In the Lifting Connectivity in Aotearoa report, the Government stated its long-term goal was for every rural and remote New Zealander to be connected to high speed broadband by 2032.

More than $2.5 billion has been invested in improving digital connectivity to date from government and private sector contributions.

Federated Farmers telecommunications spokesperson Richard McIntyre said the report was ‘‘ambitious, but admirable’’.

‘‘The report lifts the discussion from having to justify whether something should be done to one of ‘let’s get on and do it’.

‘‘While it’s going to take a lot more investment on top of the money already announced, we applaud the commitments made to longer term rural connectivity solutions.’’

A Spark spokesperson said the company was continuing to work closely with the RCG on the planned projects.

‘‘Spark upgraded one of the two Kaikōura sites prior to Christmas with 5G technology and we will be continuing with 5G expansions on the existing Spark sites in the area over the coming months.’’

*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

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681 days ago

Have you got the shed of your dreams?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Last year, Jane Horne and partner Simon Bartholomew's Mondrian-inspired cube took the title of Resene Shed of the Year. Now, we're on the hunt for this years winner! Send us photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever storage spaces, cute chicken … View more
Dear neighbours,

Last year, Jane Horne and partner Simon Bartholomew's Mondrian-inspired cube took the title of Resene Shed of the Year. Now, we're on the hunt for this years winner! 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.

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