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Can't make your roses sing? Wanting to know when to start planting your broccoli? We are kicking off our Q&A series with Jo McCarroll in the hot seat answering questions on all things gardening from 9am Friday.
As well as being the author of Vege Patch From Scratch, Jo is also the … View moreCan't make your roses sing? Wanting to know when to start planting your broccoli? We are kicking off our Q&A series with Jo McCarroll in the hot seat answering questions on all things gardening from 9am Friday.
As well as being the author of Vege Patch From Scratch, Jo is also the editor of NZ Gardener magazine and has been for 15 years. She is looking forward to answering your gardening questions.
Whether you're dipping your toe in the soil or have seasoned green fingers, we welcome you to...
↓ Share your question with our gardening guru below... ↓
Today, we celebrate the heroes living right under our roofs, who uplift and empower us every day – the wives, mums, daughters, and nans.
Take a moment to say thank you to these incredible women who shape your lives with their grace and courage.
Don't forget to use NZ Compare to … View moreToday, we celebrate the heroes living right under our roofs, who uplift and empower us every day – the wives, mums, daughters, and nans.
Take a moment to say thank you to these incredible women who shape your lives with their grace and courage.
Don't forget to use NZ Compare to brighten your household bills!
Choosing the right care centre is an important decision. To help you, we’ve put together The Ryman Care Guide to highlight the care, kindness and comfort that our care centres provide.
At Ryman villages, we offer care options customised to suit your needs. Our villages all offer rest home … View moreChoosing the right care centre is an important decision. To help you, we’ve put together The Ryman Care Guide to highlight the care, kindness and comfort that our care centres provide.
At Ryman villages, we offer care options customised to suit your needs. Our villages all offer rest home care, and most also offer hospital and specialist dementia care.
Our assisted living apartments are in the heart of the village and include services like housekeeping and chef-prepared meals to make life easier.
Discover the kindness and comfort of Ryman care, request your free copy today.
Click read more for your free guide.
Banish plastic and add style with painted cane and wicker baskets in your laundry in your favourite Resene colours. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury school principals are welcoming a surge in interest from international students after numbers plummeted during Covid.
Recent media reports suggest international students are returning to New Zealand faster than expected after the … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
North Canterbury school principals are welcoming a surge in interest from international students after numbers plummeted during Covid.
Recent media reports suggest international students are returning to New Zealand faster than expected after the Covid-19 restrictions.
International students dropped to zero in North Canterbury during Covid.
But Simon Green, an advocate for principals and boards of trustees throughout Otago and Canterbury, said demand is strong from overseas schools and students wanting to come to the region.
He predicted schools could be back to pre-Covid levels next year.
Pre-Covid, the international education sector contributed around $3.9 billion to New Zealand’s economy, according to Education New Zealand, making it the fifth largest export.
Primary schools are entering the international student market, with Swannanoa and Te Matauru (Rangiora) Schools among those taking overseas students.
Green said having international students provides cultural learning opportunities, as well as being a financial windfall for schools.
‘‘It allows schools to provide those extra things which can enrich the curriculum and help fund infrastructure and property.’’
Green works as a leadership adviser with Evaluation Associates, supporting principals and boards.
He is also the Rangiora High School board of trustees presiding member.
Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney said he is pleased to see international students back at the school.
‘‘We are still down on our pre-Covid numbers, but the market has bounced back quite a bit.’’
Kaiapoi High School suspended its international programme after Covid hit, before employing a new international director around six months ago.
‘‘We wanted to take some time to build some pastoral and administrative practices before hitting the ground running this year,’’ principal Jason Reid said.
But the demand has far exceeded expectations, prompting the school to increase its staffing levels to support the international students.
Students from Japan and Brazil are studying at the school this year, while connections are being made with schools in China.
Two groups of overseas principals and teachers have also visited the school last week.
An external provider has sponsored a Chinese teacher to offer Mandarin lessons for students and the wider community, while a group of 16 Kaiapoi students will visit China on a cultural exchange.
Rangiora New Life School hosted a group of 20 German students last week led by former principal Brian Seatter.
Principal Stephen Walters said it was the fifth visit from Germany, but the first in four years due to Covid.
‘‘We’ve bounced back really well. We’ve got a few students for a full year, but mainly they’re coming for short stays.
‘‘Last year we had more than 30 international students, but never more than half a dozen at a time and we are seeing that trend continue.’’
The school was able to retain its international director during Covid, which made it easier to relaunch its international programme.
Strong relationships have been established with Japan, China and Europe, with the international director visiting Thailand this year.
Walters said international exchanges are an opportunity for his students to learn about different cultures, as well as the financial benefits to the school and the wider community.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Please follow our top tips to reduce the risk of mail theft:
✉️ Clear your letterbox in a timely manner
✉️ Put a hold on your mail delivery if you’re going away
✉️ Provide clear delivery instructions for couriers to leave a package safely hidden or secured within your property
… View morePlease follow our top tips to reduce the risk of mail theft:
✉️ Clear your letterbox in a timely manner
✉️ Put a hold on your mail delivery if you’re going away
✉️ Provide clear delivery instructions for couriers to leave a package safely hidden or secured within your property
✉️ Install security cameras and/or security camera messaging near your letterbox or front of property
✉️ Where practical, consider click and collect over delivery
✉️ Send parcels to a work address or ensuring you're home when they arrive
✉️ Contact Police (111 for immediate issues or 105 if it is after the fact) if you see people loitering around vehicles or looking into car windows
✉️ Engage in neighbourhood groups so more people can keep an eye out for suspicious activity
These tips are being shared after a 44-year-old woman will appear in Pukekohe District Court on 28 March charged with theft.
An alleged mail thief in the Pukekohe area has hand-delivered herself into Police, following assistance from the community.
Counties Manukau South Senior Sergeant MJ Riddle says Police were aware of locals discussing a mail theft on social media. A report was made to Police at the time in January and had included enough detail including CCTV footage and a vehicle of interest. Following Police enquiries, the woman has brought herself into the Pukekohe Police Station a few days later.
“This is a great result for the community and a timely reminder to the public to continue reporting any thefts from letterboxes.”
Senior Sergeant Riddle says
“Our community should be able to receive parcels and mail without concern of interference but unfortunately there are people in our communities who take advantage of opportunities to commit thefts from mail boxes and front porches."
“We encourage anyone who has been the victim of dishonesty offending to report it as soon as possible,” she says."
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The tourist town of Hanmer Springs hopes to be "debt free" within 10 years.
The Hanmer Springs Community Board is backing a plan to pay off a loan, which funded the Canterbury town’s development, as part the Hurunui District Council’s … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
The tourist town of Hanmer Springs hopes to be "debt free" within 10 years.
The Hanmer Springs Community Board is backing a plan to pay off a loan, which funded the Canterbury town’s development, as part the Hurunui District Council’s long-term plan (LTP).
Board chairperson Mary Holloway said the loan paid for an upgrade of the town centre 20 years ago.
It was expected to be offset by two new subdivisions, which never happened.
‘‘It will be quite a big thing for us to get out of debt. In every other way the town is doing really well.’’
Hanmer Springs based councillor Tom Davies said the board has made ‘‘a very brave decision’’ to get the village out of debt without comprising on development.
‘‘We have hardly curbed our spending, other than changing a few priorities and we will have it paid off within 10 years.’’
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said loans totalling about $1 million were being paid off by Hanmer Springs ratepayers.
The debt included funding for the town centre upgrade and the Hanmer Springs medical centre and doctor's house, he said.
Councils used debt to spread the cost out, rather than ratepayers having to pay it as one lump sum.
"We use debt to ensure there is inter-generational equity," Dobbie said.
"It has been a real focus of our communities to work hard at paying down debt over a number of years so they have some headroom for the next big project."
Mayor Marie Black said it is no different to financing in a commercial business or taking out a mortgage to buy a house.
The board has been planning to establish a community hub in the village green to provide visitors with information on walking and cycling trails in the town, with $60,500 set aside in the draft LTP.
Funding is also set to increase from $40,000 to $60,000 a year for maintaining the town's network of trails.
The council also planned to set aside $500,000 to upgrade the Hanmer Springs Sports Pavilion in the 2028-29 financial year.
Hanmer Springs has a permanent population of around 700 people, plus holiday homes, which can swell up to 10,000 people during busy weekends.
Most visitors come from Christchurch and other cities around New Zealand, with a growing number of international visitors.
‘‘It means people come here with city expectations of infrastructure and gardens, so we have to punch above our weight,’’ Holloway said.
‘‘It is about balancing levels of expectation, while keeping our village character.
‘‘A good 60 to 70% of the housing is holiday homes.’’
It meant the community needed to provide its own services, such as the council-owned Hanmer Springs Medical Centre and doctor’s house.
The village hosts a number of events throughout the year including half marathon and mountain bike races and the popular Hanmer MotorFest, which was held from February 23 to 24.
A weekly Hanmer Park Run has also been proposed.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By reporter Keiller MacDuff:
Environment Canterbury (ECan) floated one of the largest proposed average rates rises in the country on Wednesday - more than 24% - a day after the Christchurch City Council adopted a draft proposal for a 13% rates rise.
Councils nationwide are proposing … View moreBy reporter Keiller MacDuff:
Environment Canterbury (ECan) floated one of the largest proposed average rates rises in the country on Wednesday - more than 24% - a day after the Christchurch City Council adopted a draft proposal for a 13% rates rise.
Councils nationwide are proposing significant rises as interest rates bite and increasing severe weather calls for more resilience work.
ECan councillors voted 14:2 to adopt the consultation document for its long-term plan (LTP), which outlines the council's activities, services and finances for the next decade, with councillors Clair McKay and Deon Swiggs voting against the recommendation.
The plan will see ECan spend more than $340 million in the first year, a 26% increase on the $270m programme carried out in 2023-24.
The draft says the council gave “strong consideration“ to the financial pressures the community is facing, but previous decisions on flood management and public transport combined with high inflation meant just maintaining current work required a double digit increase.
The actual rating impact will differ depending on location and targeted rates, meaning the increase will be between 13% and 27%.
If the regional council’s preferred options are adopted, a Christchurch city ratepayer with a $820,000 property would pay $750 in the first year of the plan, while a $1.9m rural property in Hurunui faced a $1030 rates bill for 2024-25, and a $4.76m rural Ashburton property would pay $2681 in rates.
Of ECan's three core services - environmental regulation and protection, hazard preparedness and response, and public transport - the latter has the biggest cost.
The council’s preferred public transport option has a $160m price tag for the first year (a total of $542m over three years) and would see the Public Transport Futures programme improvements delivered within seven years, including upping core bus routes to ten minute frequencies or better by 2028, with average wait times of five minutes.
It also includes:
- More direct services to parts of Waimakariri and Selwyn, starting in 2026-27.
- A review of connector and local services by mid-2026, with improvements implemented by 2031.
- An additional Diamond Harbour ferry and refurbishment of the existing ferry.
- Improvements to the network, such as increasing capacity on crowded buses and small tweaks to routes or frequency
- Enhanced safety improvements, increased investment in reliability and the continued replacement of end-of-life diesel buses with new electric buses.
The option also includes funding to “explore opportunities” to improve transport to and from Te Kaha, on demand services in Greater Christchurch, and - long term - looking at asset ownership.
The document notes the region has “historically under-invested in public transport,” leading to low usage, and proposes “considerable investment.” But both the regional council and the auditor, whose report was also tabled, drew attention to the “high level of uncertainty” surrounding the government’s contribution.
The council’s preferred option for environmental regulation and protection would cost $135m for the LTP’s first year, and could sit alongside a targeted rate for additional biodiversity work in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.
The separate biodiversity rate works out at 72 cents per $100,000 capital value of rateable properties.
ECan’s preferred option for community preparedness and hazard response - $50.5m - includes a targeted rate for Selwyn residents for district-wide flood and river resilience work.
The targeted rate would cost $7.08 per rate paying property in the first year, $10.62 in the second year, and $14.16 in the third year, raising $400,000 in 2026-27.
Most councillors expressed misgivings about the scale of the proposed rise, but backed the document through the consultation process.
McKay accused her fellow councillors of being “tone deaf”, and asked what right the council had “to treat our ratepayers as an ATM machine?”
She criticised the amount of borrowing and said she was “embarrassed to be associated” with the amount council sought.
Swiggs also expressed misgivings about debt funding, and criticised the local government funding model in general.
“Imagine if Wellington had to budget the way we have to,” Swiggs said, commenting on the discrepency in tax take between central and local government,.
On Tuesday, the Christchurch City Council voted 13 to 4 in favour of a draft long-term plan that proposes an average rates increase of 13.24% from June, followed by 7.76% in the following financial year, and 4.67% the year after.
Consultation on ECan’s draft LTP will run from mid-March to mid-April, with hearings scheduled for the end of April and early May. The council is scheduled to deliberate at the end of May with a view to adopt the plan and set rates in late June.
Unlock the potential of your unused space, whether it's a shed, garage or paddock and start making it work for you.
Kiwis from all over New Zealand are looking to rent affordable space for storage, a workshop or an event.
Visit - let us help you find the perfect renter for your space.
Corokia Gentys Green is hardy New Zealand native plant with a small compact leaf. Very versatile - excellent for background planting, shelter, and clipped hedging. Perfect for hedging or as an individual specimen to add to your garden. Great for boundary. Around 100 available. $4 per plant
If you are still thinking about exterior painting now is the time to get this organised before the cold weather begins. Maybe your interior needs a freshen up now is the time to get this booked in as we will be mainly working indoors over the winter period
Get in touch with Andy and the friendly … View moreIf you are still thinking about exterior painting now is the time to get this organised before the cold weather begins. Maybe your interior needs a freshen up now is the time to get this booked in as we will be mainly working indoors over the winter period
Get in touch with Andy and the friendly team for a quotation
"What I have harvested from that greenhouse this year, that’s the cleanest crop I have ever grown. No whitefly at all. It’s pretty exciting,” says Anthony Tringham, who grows heirloom tomatoes commercially under the brand Curious Croppers, in Clevedon, Auckland
We run our Bike Groups on Whatsapp mainly for easy adding to your mobile phone and messaging.
If you are interested in keeping fit and joining an informal friendly local group and are a mountain biker with good fitness level or have an EBike and can ride at a medium pace then this could be a … View moreWe run our Bike Groups on Whatsapp mainly for easy adding to your mobile phone and messaging.
If you are interested in keeping fit and joining an informal friendly local group and are a mountain biker with good fitness level or have an EBike and can ride at a medium pace then this could be a good fit for you.
We have varied Sunday rides going on off road tracks or quiet roads. Distances ranging from 25km to 55 km. Medium pace. Our Sunday morning rides have a coffee stop and we have FREE nibbles (hot chips) and refreshments at the end at Monteiths on our Sunday morning rides. Casual rides are all individually arranged.
All ages/genders welcomed however with our current main age demographic being in the 'Senior' bracket.
Our Casual Group is very simple and if you are looking for a ride on any day then you simply put up a post on the Whatsapp group and see who would like to join you for company.
Just comment or message us with your preference for Sunday am, Casual or both and we will send you the Whatsapp join up link/s.
Listing for a friend.
Wall clock, one AA battery.
Collect from Rangiora.
Phone or message Heather on this number only - 0273139923
Price negotiable.
WIN ONE of FIVE $50 Gift Cards - It's only a few clicks away! Simply complete our easy Broadband Survey and unlock your chance to WIN! Start Survey now.
Our recent neighbourly poll revealed some challenges with broadband providers, and we're here to help. The survey will help us get a … View moreWIN ONE of FIVE $50 Gift Cards - It's only a few clicks away! Simply complete our easy Broadband Survey and unlock your chance to WIN! Start Survey now.
Our recent neighbourly poll revealed some challenges with broadband providers, and we're here to help. The survey will help us get a better understanding of your experience with your current broadband provider. Let your voice be heard.
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