1759 days ago

Storm caused havoc across region

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

Rivers across Canterbury surged after what was called a one-in- 100-year downpour, pushing stopbanks to the brink and triggering rescues, evacuations, power cuts and road closures.

All residents in low-lying areas of Pines Beach were told to evacuate about 9.30am on Monday after a flood gate became stuck open, putting parts of the village at risk of flooding.

The Civil Defence Centre at Rangiora Baptist Church was open for those needing somewhere to stay.

Pines Kairaki Beach Association committee president Mandy Cooke said the area had been through earthquakes, fires and floods over the last decade and was "certainly a very resilient community".

The 'red alert' MetService issued for Canterbury last week was lifted at 8pm on Monday, and several days of settled weather was forecast next.

Water levels were easing, but a regional state of emergency remained in place. Roads were still closed and several communities either evacuated or cut off. The total cost of the disaster was only just beginning to be tallied.

A truck driver died in North Canterbury after a tree fell onto the vehicle's cab on Monday afternoon. Police could not confirm if weather played a factor.

About 20 locals in the Lees Valley were cut off after the Whistler Bridge was swept away and a huge chunk of the only access road was washed out.

A helicopter delivered groceries, people and dogs into the area on Tuesday.

See press.co.nz for full Canterbury floods coverage.

More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 41.1% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    41.1% Complete
  • 57.4% No, I enjoy it
    57.4% Complete
  • 1.5% Other - I'll share below
    1.5% Complete
1500 votes
3 days ago

Don't overthink this riddle...

The Neighboury Riddler

I have a silver sole
but no feet,
I make my living by bringing the heat.
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these 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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9 days ago

Poll: 🪰 Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing the existing infrastructure?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Press, the debate over the Bromley odour continues. Recently, a Bypass Plan has been proposed as a potential solution - this involves pumping sewage into the sea. However, official technical, scientific, and environmental reports on this plan and how it may impact the Canterbury region aren't finished yet.

Before we get the final word from the consultants, we want to know what the community thinks about the allocation of rates and resources.

We want to know: Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing and upgrading the existing infrastructure?

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🪰 Should the city invest money into researching the new Bypass Plan, or should we prioritise fixing the existing infrastructure?
  • 8% Research the Bypass
    8% Complete
  • 85.1% Fix Existing Infrastructure
    85.1% Complete
  • 6.9% Undecided/Need more info
    6.9% Complete
87 votes