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Sir Ashley Bloomfield was New Zealand’s Director-General of Health from June 2018 to July 2022 and became a familiar figure as the public face of the health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
His vast career experiences over the last 25 years in public policy and health leadership include … View moreSir Ashley Bloomfield was New Zealand’s Director-General of Health from June 2018 to July 2022 and became a familiar figure as the public face of the health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
His vast career experiences over the last 25 years in public policy and health leadership include being based at the World Health Organization in Geneva, working on non-communicable disease prevention and control with a global focus.
Join us for a morning with Sir Ashley Bloomfield as he shares insight into his career and the challenges he faced during uncertain times.
Time: Wednesday 8 February, 10.30am
Location: Online.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury has returned to ‘‘normal growth’’ after a two-year building boom, say local real estate agents.
Real estate agents said there was a noticeable easing off in property sales in the middle of last year, after two years of … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
North Canterbury has returned to ‘‘normal growth’’ after a two-year building boom, say local real estate agents.
Real estate agents said there was a noticeable easing off in property sales in the middle of last year, after two years of unprecedented growth.
This was reflected in the number of consents issued for new houses in Waimakariri falling back in December, which was the quietest month in years.
Consent numbers were also down in Kaikōura, but Hurunui was bucking the trend.
Hurunui District Council building and property manager Kerry Walsh said a record 197 consents for new houses were issued in 2022, up from 170 in 2021.
‘‘The major growth areas have been in Amberley and Hanmer Springs, along with the rural regions surrounding those areas.
‘‘We are expecting that the number of houses in both areas will remain steady over 2023.’’
The Waimakariri District Council granted 828 consents for new houses last year, compared to 928 in 2021 and less than 600 in 2020.
The biggest growth has been in the Townsend Fields (Rangiora), Silverstream (Kaiapoi) and Ravenswood (Woodend) sub-divisions and at Pegasus.
Harcourts sales consultant Christine Tallott said sales were down at Townsend Fields, but interest remained strong.
‘‘Buyers are a little bit nervous with the increase in costs to build and the delays.
‘‘But Rangiora has become a very sought after place to live.’’
Inquiries were strong for Townsend Fields stage four, which was yet to go on sale.
Ray White Rangiora manager Stuart Morris said the cost of living, rising interest rates, supply chain issues, economic uncertainty and a lack of available land were all having an impact.
He said there was less land available in Woodend and Kaiapoi, while Amberley’s new developments were waiting for titles to be issued.
‘‘But we have to remember we don’t normally see that level of building we have had in the last few years, so I think we are moving back to a more normal rate of growth.’’
Morris said first home buyers were starting to return, after a noticeable drop last year.
Bayleys Rangiora and Hanmer Springs manager Ross Ditmer said while residential sales had eased back, lifestyle block sales remained strong.
‘‘We are coming back to normal after the boom. If you go back two or three years ago, our sales in December were pretty comparable.’’
But he said the looming general election could create more uncertainty and lead to vendors and buyers being more hesitant.
Waimakariri District Council planning, regulation and environment general manager Tracy Tierney said consent applications in December were considerably lower than in previous years and January was following a similar pattern.
More than 560 amendments were made to approved building consents in 2022, ‘‘up three-fold compared to previous years’’.
‘‘This was mainly as a result of the need for product substitution during the build process,’’ she said.
‘‘Industry commentators are anticipating a slowdown in building activity this year from the highs of 2021 and 2022.’’
Mayor Dan Gordon said Waimakariri’s continued growth presented its challenges.
‘‘We are still one of the fastest growing areas in the country, so managing growth is still a priority and making sure we have the infrastructure in place.
‘‘We are working with our Greater Christchurch partners for growth opportunities and building the case for investment from central government.’’
Walsh said there were some major commercial developments consented in 2022 in the Hurunui.
These included the Amberley Country Estate retirement village, some major works at Rodin cars in Waiau and school building projects.
The Kaikōura District Council received 86 resource consent applications, compared to 84 in 2021.
It issued 134 building consents, including 29 for new houses, compared to 154 in 2021.
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
As the Hanmer Springs Community Board gears up for its first meeting of the year on Monday, chairperson Mary Holloway is anticipating a busy 2023.
The proposed flyride at Conical Hill, funding for the Queen Mary Hospital Soldiers’ Block and new … View moreFrom local democracy reporter David Hill:
As the Hanmer Springs Community Board gears up for its first meeting of the year on Monday, chairperson Mary Holloway is anticipating a busy 2023.
The proposed flyride at Conical Hill, funding for the Queen Mary Hospital Soldiers’ Block and new cycling/walking tracks are just some of the things in the pipeline.
The town’s newest attraction, the disc golf course at Brook Dawson Reserve, was launched earlier this month and was already attracting plenty of interest, Holloway said.
‘‘Hanmer Springs is a small village and we punch well for our size.
‘‘The permanent population in the whole basin is about 700 and there is about 500 people living in the village.’’
She said around two-thirds of the homes in the village were holiday homes.
The controversial flyride proposal will be the subject of an Environment Court hearing beginning on February 27.
A consent was granted to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa in October 2021 to install and operate a gravity-based recreation activity (flyride) on the western face of Conical Hill Reserve.
The decision was appealed by The Friends of Conical Hill Inc.
‘‘Under the proposal people will have to walk up the hill to get up on the flyride for a three minute ride,’’ Holloway said.
‘‘But some residents are concerned it will lead to something else and they won’t be able to walk up and hear the bellbirds and generally enjoy the area as they always have.’’
She said concerned residents feared a chair lift, a luge and even a restaurant could be added at a later date.
Meanwhile the council planned to spend some of its Three Waters Better Off funding on the former Queen Mary Hospital Soldiers’ Block.
Holloway said she could not wait to hear the council’s proposals.
‘‘I am hoping the council will choose to apply for funding to purchase the remainder of the [hospital] site.
‘‘It will give Hanmer Springs its own Hagley Park and it will be stunning.’’
She said the Conical Hill walking track was the most used in Canterbury.
The board had just completed a new 1.5 hour loop track around the outside of the village and linking with Conical Hill.
A new tracks hub will be created this year in the Hanmer Springs village green to provide information on the tracks and it will include bike stands and a shelter.
(Plant now so your berries are well established by spring)
This sale is for raspberry and thornless blackberry plants, $15 and $20 each. For sales of $60+ I’ll give you a good deal.
All raspberries have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis varieties. They produce … View more(Plant now so your berries are well established by spring)
This sale is for raspberry and thornless blackberry plants, $15 and $20 each. For sales of $60+ I’ll give you a good deal.
All raspberries have been transplanted from existing Clutha, Heritage and Lewis varieties. They produce awesome raspberries.
The thornless blackberries are Black Satin.
Pick up in Rangiora. However, for an $80+ purchase, I'm happy to deliver them myself within 30min of Rangiora for an extra $10 - depending on location.
Will exchange mobile numbers before pickup.
Concerned about root spread when growing raspberries and blackberries?
If you are concerned re how to grow raspberries and keep them contained - fear not! It's not difficult to achieve. I’m happy to explain how to keep them under control and give you a 1-page ‘How To’ guide.
3 Blum Orga - Line Adjustable Plate Holders in excellent condition.
Makes organizing stacks of plates quick and easy. Easily adjusts to fit most common dinner plates and bowls. Special rubber feet ensure that no matter where you put the Plate Holder it will stay in place.
Great for … View more3 Blum Orga - Line Adjustable Plate Holders in excellent condition.
Makes organizing stacks of plates quick and easy. Easily adjusts to fit most common dinner plates and bowls. Special rubber feet ensure that no matter where you put the Plate Holder it will stay in place.
Great for caravans, motorhomes, your home.
3 for $100 or $35 each
Is your fridge looking dated and dull? Turn an eyesore into a conversation starter with this clever chalkboard transformation using Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.
Follow out easy instructions.
Many schools allow female students to wear earrings but male students aren't allowed to have an ear stud. Is it time to get rid of gender-based rules in regards to jewellery?
Share your thoughts below - write NFP if you don't wish your comments to be shared in the community … View moreMany schools allow female students to wear earrings but male students aren't allowed to have an ear stud. Is it time to get rid of gender-based rules in regards to jewellery?
Share your thoughts below - write NFP if you don't wish your comments to be shared in the community paper's We Say You Say column.
Get back-to-school sorted in one shop at The Warehouse. Start smart and inspired with statement stationery, gear up with the best in tech and set them up for the future with options made with recycled materials. With a wide range of smart school essentials at even smarter prices, we’ve got … View moreGet back-to-school sorted in one shop at The Warehouse. Start smart and inspired with statement stationery, gear up with the best in tech and set them up for the future with options made with recycled materials. With a wide range of smart school essentials at even smarter prices, we’ve got everything you need to set up for an epic comeback.
Want to give back when you go back? Donate $1 to KidsCan in store to make sure more Kiwi kids get the essentials they need in 2023.
By booking your vehicle in for a Warrant of Fitness, Service or repair with Auto Super Shoppe Rangiora, you could WIN 1 of 28 great prizes this February. From paddleboards to tablets, air fryers, Barbeques, moon chairs, coffee makers, headphones and MORE!
Call Auto Super Shoppe Rangiora for a … View moreBy booking your vehicle in for a Warrant of Fitness, Service or repair with Auto Super Shoppe Rangiora, you could WIN 1 of 28 great prizes this February. From paddleboards to tablets, air fryers, Barbeques, moon chairs, coffee makers, headphones and MORE!
Call Auto Super Shoppe Rangiora for a booking today and you could go in the draw for these exciting giveaways!
0800 AUTO HELP | 3135329
Live independently while your loved one is cared for in the same Ryman village.
A full life for Helen is one that is surrounded by family. When she first moved to the village, Helen’s husband John was being cared for elsewhere. Now that he is living at the same village, it brings Helen and … View moreLive independently while your loved one is cared for in the same Ryman village.
A full life for Helen is one that is surrounded by family. When she first moved to the village, Helen’s husband John was being cared for elsewhere. Now that he is living at the same village, it brings Helen and her family so much happiness and reassurance.
“All the family cried when he moved in. They were so happy because it was such a beautiful thing to have him close by.”
Get New Zealand’s cutest pets delivered to your inbox with Furry Friday.
Each Friday morning, editor Nick Barnett serves up your finest photos of your domestic friends. You’ll also receive exclusive content with pet-related stories and photos, as well as updates on the life of Riley, … View moreGet New Zealand’s cutest pets delivered to your inbox with Furry Friday.
Each Friday morning, editor Nick Barnett serves up your finest photos of your domestic friends. You’ll also receive exclusive content with pet-related stories and photos, as well as updates on the life of Riley, Nick’s own furry friend.
Hi, I have a '94 Corolla I'm looking to sell as have purchased a new car.
Just under 265,000 K's , 1.3L manual , rear brakes recently replaced, rear shocks require replacing (hence the low asking price) small rust patch on boot door as pictured. Have owned for the past 8 years. … View moreHi, I have a '94 Corolla I'm looking to sell as have purchased a new car.
Just under 265,000 K's , 1.3L manual , rear brakes recently replaced, rear shocks require replacing (hence the low asking price) small rust patch on boot door as pictured. Have owned for the past 8 years. Great wee run about. Oil + filter changed yearly.
Rego expires: 6/06/23
WOF expires: 25/05/23
Feel free to get in touch - 020 4102 9571. No time wasters please! :)
From reporter Carly Gooch:
A visit to one of Canterbury’s soaking attractions is nearly $100 for a family – so is this too much for a dip, or value for money?
The South Island could be home to the most expensive place to experience hydroslides, hot pools and swimming at the same facility… View moreFrom reporter Carly Gooch:
A visit to one of Canterbury’s soaking attractions is nearly $100 for a family – so is this too much for a dip, or value for money?
The South Island could be home to the most expensive place to experience hydroslides, hot pools and swimming at the same facility – but there’s more than meets the eye at the publicly-owned complex.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, one of South Island’s popular tourist attractions, increased its admission prices in November, raising single entry prices for adults and senior citizens by $3 to $38 and $25 respectively, and prices for children by $2 to $22.
The single entry price of a family has risen from $89 to $98.
Locals and Hurunui ratepayers are entitled to half-price entry – and for internet savvy visitors, a PoolPlus member can receive a 20% discount by sharing their name and email address, bringing the cost down to $78.40 for a family.
The Hurunui District Council-owned facility, nestled in the township of Hanmer Springs, is about a 90-minute drive from Christchurch. It has a variety of hot pools, freshwater pools and two hydroslides, all included in the price.
It had held steady on entry fees for three years before upping the price in November, but while the cost may have some thinking twice about getting the togs and towel out, general manager Graeme Abbot said the pricing was “fair and reasonable”.
There had been several cost increases for running the facility over the past three years, including wage increases every year, power and pool chemicals, he said.
Abbot said the pools opened throughout the last year of Covid restrictions despite losing “a substantial amount of money”.
Closing the complex down would have affected staff and the greater Hurunui district, “and we went ahead even though we knew we were going to lose money”.
A dividend of $2 million is given back to the council annually and spent on Hurunui reserves, parks, gardens, libraries and public amenities, also supporting the local fire crew, ambulance and primary school.
Any money surplus to the $2m is used to repay debt or invest in new products, Abbot said.
Until 2019, access to the hydroslide was separate from general admission, but since combining the fees, the positive feedback had outweighed the bad, he said.
It made it a “far more affordable price” for families, simplified the pricing and cut down on queues during peak times.
There was more family interaction in the pool too, with parents joining their children on the hydroslide, he said, and even an 84-year-old took a ride on the slide.
“Would he have bought a pass? Probably not. Did he have a great experience on that slide? Absolutely.”
Abbot said people might think Hanmer’s admission was “pricey, but the true question is, did they enjoy their day and would they go back?”.
“Price is about expectation and delivery of the product. The feedback we get from customers is fantastic.”
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