632 days ago

Hurunui community tackles drugs

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Reducing drug harm is the focus of a series of community forums in the Hurunui district next week.

Drug harm reduction advocate Pat Buckley (pictured) is being hosted by the Hurunui District Council, Together Hurunui and Hurunui Youth from February 22 to 24.

Together Hurunui facilitator Natalie Paterson said Buckley would be speaking at two public forums and visiting local schools .

He will also visit the Hurunui District Council’s Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs programme and Comcol North Canterbury in Rangiora.

‘‘We are looking forward to having him in the district,’’ Paterson said.

‘‘Last year Together Hurunui had a meeting around drug harm, where a couple shared their story around addiction and recovery.

‘‘The recommendation from police was that there needs to be some community education around the harm drug use does.’’

The Hurunui district was not immune to drug addiction and the associated impact of drug harm, she said.

‘‘It is a real area of concern, as there are few services available in the Hurunui where people can seek support.

‘‘Families and young people are struggling and we would like to see some more resources.’’

Vaping was also a growing concern in the community, she said.

Buckley will be speaking about drug use trends, dangers and where to access support.

There will also be tips on how to start a conversation with teenagers and adults about drugs and the signs to look for.

Public forums will be held at The Hogget in Gladstone St, Hawarden, on Wednesday, February 22, and at the Cheviot Trust Hotel in Hall St on Friday, February 24.

Both forums will be held from 7pm to 9pm.

Support and resources will be available at the venues on where people can seek help.

Together Hurunui and Hurunui Youth will be teaming up again to host Nigel Latta in April to talk about mental health.

Together Hurunui is a network of social services operating in the Hurunui district and comes under the umbrella of the Hurunui District Council.

■ Public interest journalism is funded by New Zealand on Air.

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More messages from your neighbours
13 hours ago

Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?

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.

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38 minutes ago

Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.

Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.

To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.

It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.

“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.

“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”

A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.


The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.

Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.

“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”

A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.

“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”

*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz

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1 day ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64.5% Yes
    64.5% Complete
  • 32.9% No
    32.9% Complete
  • 2.6% Other - I'll share below
    2.6% Complete
1355 votes