Hurunui District , Amberley

Want to know your neighbours?

Want to know your neighbours?

Click here to meet some of your neighbours and even introduce yourself!

57 days ago

Canterbury’s ‘neglected’ coastline needs greater protection – conservationists

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Conservationists say Canterbury’s coastline has been neglected for too long and it's time for a "complete overhaul" of the regional council's plan to protect the marine environment.

Te Korowai o Te Tai ō Marokura, an organisation … View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Conservationists say Canterbury’s coastline has been neglected for too long and it's time for a "complete overhaul" of the regional council's plan to protect the marine environment.

Te Korowai o Te Tai ō Marokura, an organisation that protects Kaikōura’s marine environment and fisheries, has been advocating for an updated environmental plan for some time.

Secretary Gina Solomon said the council’s focus on freshwater has seen it ‘‘neglect’’ the marine environment.

‘‘It needs a complete overhaul and I don’t think Canterbury is doing much in the biosecurity or invasive species space.’’

Her comments come after Environment Canterbury voted last week to look into what was needed to review the Canterbury Regional Coastal Environment Plan.

The plan was adopted in 2005 and aims to promote the sustainable management of the Canterbury coast.

Councillor Genevieve Robinson, who put forward the motion to review the plan, said it no longer reflected the direction or intent of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement, which guides local authorities on managing the coastal environment.

Kaikōura Zone Committee chairperson Ted Howard, a conservationist with 30 years experience in commercial fishing, said a review was long overdue.

‘‘It has been on and off the books for a while and it has been delayed three times since I’ve been involved.’’

Greenpeace Aotearoa oceans campaigner Ellie Hooper said regional coastal plans played an important part in protecting the health of ocean systems.

New Zealand’s coastlines faced risks from pollution, sedimentation and ‘‘destructive fishing’’.

‘‘In New Zealand and around the world, we are in an ocean crisis with species being pushed to the brink due to human activities.’’

Polling by Greenpeace showed New Zealanders were concerned about the impacts fishing on the ocean.

She said commercial fishing was endangering Hector’s dolphins, seabirds, fur seals and corals.

‘‘You’ve got the direct impacts of fishing, things that are caught in the process that aren’t the target, and then you’ve got the impacts of commercial fishing taking so much fish out of the water that creatures like fur seals are unable to feed themselves.

‘‘It is abhorrent.’’

Department of Conservation (DOC) marine species manager Malene Felsing said regional coastal plans are important tools for managing the coastal and marine environment, and DOC would be happy to help with any review process.

DOC has created a management plan to reduce the threats to Hector’s and Māui dolphins.

Fisheries New Zealand fisheries management director Emma Taylor said marine mammals and seabirds were ‘‘precious taonga to New Zealand’’.

The agency worked closely with local councils, DOC, the fishing industry, iwi, and local communities to look after the country’s coastlines.

The South Island Hector’s Dolphin Bycatch Reduction Plan has been developed and outlines regulatory and voluntary measures designed to reduce the Hectors’ dolphin bycatch towards zero.

Measures include restrictions on fishing, with about 17,650sqkm of South Island coastline closed to set netting.

About 6988sqkm of trawl measures are also in place, Taylor said.
‘‘This includes the Canterbury coastline, which has a set-netting ban out to at least four nautical miles, and up to 19 nautical miles at Pegasus Bay.’’

Robinson’s motion called for the ban to be extended to six nautical miles, or just over 11km from the coastline.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

62 days ago

Share your surprising finds with us...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

You've likely heard about the shoppers encountering those cheeky rodents in our local supermarkets around the country. Have you yourself stumbled across something unexpected while shopping?

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column… View more
You've likely heard about the shoppers encountering those cheeky rodents in our local supermarkets around the country. Have you yourself stumbled across something unexpected while shopping?

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

Image
57 days ago
57 days ago

Swap food for a FREE Resene testpot!

Resene

Hunger for Colour is back for 2024! Bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). Resene will donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.

We accept all cans of food in good condition and suitable for humans to eat. If you prefer to … View more
Hunger for Colour is back for 2024! Bring two cans of food into your local Resene ColorShop and swap them for one Resene testpot (60-80ml). Resene will donate all food to The Salvation Army foodbanks.

We accept all cans of food in good condition and suitable for humans to eat. If you prefer to bring in canned pet food, we can accept that also and will donate it to the SPCA and local community animal shelters.

By adding a little more colour to your life you can also help those in need.
Find out more

Image
58 days ago

Free garden/ house and garden books **** now taken****

Bill from Oxford

All free pick up in Oxford phone Bill on 0274250998

Image
G
58 days ago

Rangiora Scottish Country Dancing

Gail from Rangiora

Rangiora Scottish Country Dancing starts back on Monday 26th February 2024, 7.30 - 9.30pm at the Anglican Church Hall, Church Street, Rangiora.
A 6 week introductory / beginners class begins on Monday 4th March 2024 - 7.30 - 8.30pm.
Cost: 6 lessons for only $30.

No partner required.
No … View more
Rangiora Scottish Country Dancing starts back on Monday 26th February 2024, 7.30 - 9.30pm at the Anglican Church Hall, Church Street, Rangiora.
A 6 week introductory / beginners class begins on Monday 4th March 2024 - 7.30 - 8.30pm.
Cost: 6 lessons for only $30.

No partner required.
No special equipment - just soft soled shoes and a water bottle.

Tutor: Sharon Plank
Contact: Olive 027 252 6791 or
Gail 0212984712 for more information.

59 days ago

Ways to Lower your Power Bill

The Team from NZ Compare

Feeling the Summer heat? Don't let your power bill skyrocket along with the temperatures!

Check out these 10 simple tips to keep cool and save money on your power bills this season.

Image
59 days ago

The Christchurch Art Show is back!

The Christchurch Art Show

The Christchurch Art Show is back at Te Pae Convention Centre March 8 – 10!

Expect amazing artwork of all types, artist demonstrations, and award- winning artists at New Zealand’s largest art show. The Christchurch Art Show’s new VIP Preview event opens 8 March 5pm, the ever-popular … View more
The Christchurch Art Show is back at Te Pae Convention Centre March 8 – 10!

Expect amazing artwork of all types, artist demonstrations, and award- winning artists at New Zealand’s largest art show. The Christchurch Art Show’s new VIP Preview event opens 8 March 5pm, the ever-popular opening night follows this at 7:30pm. Both are pre- sale catered events and opening night will sell out!

Show Days are: Sat 9th March 10am-8pm and Sun 10th March 10am - 5pm.

Come and view thousands of original quality artworks, meet the artists and view live art demonstrations. Make it a day out and enjoy The Christchurch Art Show!

Buy Christchurch Tickets (New) – ART SHOW TICKETING
Book now

Image
59 days ago

Declutter and organise photos with Peter Walsh

Charles Upham Retirement Village

Peter is helping us out with something that nearly everyone can relate to – dealing with the unsorted photos taking up space on your phone or languishing in boxes in your home.

“Without fail, when I give a talk about getting organised, I’m always asked how to deal with photos,” says … View more
Peter is helping us out with something that nearly everyone can relate to – dealing with the unsorted photos taking up space on your phone or languishing in boxes in your home.

“Without fail, when I give a talk about getting organised, I’m always asked how to deal with photos,” says Peter.

Boxes of unsorted photos can feel overwhelming to organise so they often get left for many years to clutter up our houses. In addition to this, most of us have smartphones that make it easy to take photos anywhere, so pretty soon our digital photo life becomes cluttered too.

Click read more for the full article.

Image
60 days ago

Win this brand-new home!

Heart Foundation Lotteries

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Pegasus, Christchurch worth almost $1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting for its new owner.

Make this property … View more
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Pegasus, Christchurch worth almost $1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting for its new owner.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it!

Don’t miss out! Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Find out more

60 days ago

Don't forget to nominate your favourite local...

Prospa

There have been hundreds of wonderful entries in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero from across the country! If you haven't nominated a special local business yet, do it today.

- Got a great mechanic? Nominate them today.
- A barista who makes you smile? Nominate them today.
- … View more
There have been hundreds of wonderful entries in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero from across the country! If you haven't nominated a special local business yet, do it today.

- Got a great mechanic? Nominate them today.
- A barista who makes you smile? Nominate them today.
- A reassuring pharmacy team? Nominate them today.

Make a small business' day today by nominating them as your Prospa Local Business Hero - and you could make their whole year (our national winner picks up an incredible $10,000 prize package!)
Nominate now

Image
60 days ago

Scottish Country Dance

Robert Devlin from Rangiora Scottish Country Dance Club

Scottish Country Dance Club starts again 26 February at 7.30pm in the Anglican Church Hall, Church St., Rangiora.

P
60 days ago

Wooden blocks

Pauline from Rangiora

Brand new Timber Tech coloured wooden blocks made in NZ vegetable Dye used I believe, seen in most preschools 38 pcs assorted shapes 0212095513

Price: $25

60 days ago

PAINTING AND DECORATING

Enviro Painters Ltd

If you are still thinking about exterior painting now is the time to get this organised before the end of summer and the cold weather begins. Maybe your interior needs a freshen up there is so much you can do to change the look of your home with colours or wallpaper.
Get in touch with Andy and the… View more
If you are still thinking about exterior painting now is the time to get this organised before the end of summer and the cold weather begins. Maybe your interior needs a freshen up there is so much you can do to change the look of your home with colours or wallpaper.
Get in touch with Andy and the friendly team for a quotation

Image
69 days ago

What's the key to a happy marriage?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Valentine's Day may not be huge in Aotearoa, but no matter the month it's always wise to celebrate the love in your life.

For those who have been in a romantic relationship for a long time, share the secret! What do you think the key is to a happy partnership? We'd love to hear … View more
Valentine's Day may not be huge in Aotearoa, but no matter the month it's always wise to celebrate the love in your life.

For those who have been in a romantic relationship for a long time, share the secret! What do you think the key is to a happy partnership? We'd love to hear your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

Image
Top