1475 days ago

First Rung: Debt Free Diva saves deposit for first home in 12 months

Kylie Klein Nixon Reporter from Homed

One of the best things about working for homed is all the inspiring people I get to chat to. One of my favs, and the most inspiring was Tracey Hemingway, who as The Debt Free Diva offers advice and guidance on getting your finances under control and working for you.
She knows what she's talking about, too. Not only did she smash more than $90k of debt in three years, but in the year since she paid it off, she's saved enough, on top of her Kiwisaver, to pay the deposit on a home of her own.
It wasn't easy, and Tracy would be the first person to tell you that! But it is doable. Check out how, and have a listen to our episode of First Rung about Settlement day, on this link below. It includes some tips from Tracy on setting up a budget to manage your finance when you have a mortgage to pay.

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More messages from your neighbours
2 hours ago

New Amberley cricket ground gets green light

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Amberley is set to get a new cricket ground, despite some community opposition.

The Hurunui District Council approved plans to allow the development of the Amberley Village Green (formerly Eastern Reserve), to the east of the town centre, which will include a cricket ground, at a council meeting on Tuesday, November 26.

Around 120 submissions favoured the development of recreation in the reserve over a cricket ground, during the council’s recent reserve management plan consultation.

At Tuesday’s meeting, councillors approved a plan to install an irrigation system, with water sourced from a submersible bore pump.

Staff have been authorised to tender for the development of a playing surface, excluding the wicket block which will be developed by the Amberley Cricket Club.

A pathway around the perimeter of the reserve and public toilets will also be developed.

A cricket ground was first mooted for the reserve a decade ago when the land was set aside by the developer.
A budget of about $900,000 has been set aside, with 90% from development contributions.

An updated concept plan tabled at the meeting makes provision for other sports and activities such as basketball, a scooter track, a playground and car parking.

Several councillors expressed reservations about the proposed size of the cricket ground.

Councillor Garry Jackson said proposed the cricket ground was close to international standard and could be reduced by 20 percent and still be ‘‘appropriate as a village green club cricket ground’’.

While she acknowledged Jackson’s concerns, councillor Pauline While said the council needed to move forward, and councillor Fiona Harris said the cricket club had been ‘‘patient for long enough’’.

Councillor Robbie Bruerton said ‘‘it is being talked about as if it is only going to be used for cricket, but it can by used for any sport’’.

Councillor Vanessa McPherson voted against the proposal as she said the process had been ‘‘undemocratic’’ in the beginning.

‘‘I am concerned there is not enough funds for a decent children’s playground. I am angry and frustrated by this. It is so unfair.’’

Earlier in the meeting Amberley ratepayer John Weyers urged councillors to vote against establishing another cricket ground.

He said cricket is already being played at the Amberley Domain and ‘‘there is no reason why cricket and football cannot co-exist’’.

While there had been a dispute between the cricket and football clubs, he believed it has now been resolved.

‘‘Amberley is growing and we have an ageing population and a growing number of young families, but we are lacking spaces for recreation.’’

Councillors noted there has been confusion about the name of the new reserve, between the Village Green and the Eastern Reserve.

Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said ‘‘Village Green’’ was the name put forward by the council’s south ward committee.

Dobbie said the council’s reserve management plan will be presented to councillors at a future meeting for adoption.

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

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3 days ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

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1 day ago

Riddle Alert! Who’s Up for Some Brain-Busting Fun?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

4-letter word, always done tomorrow,
We’re out of tea, the ultimate sorrow!
Without the eye, you owe me some money,
No sugar no nectar no sweetness no honey,
4-letter word, if by chance you choose,
You can never win, you can only lose!
What is the 4-letter word?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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