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These folks are 'salt of the earth' and deserve a gold medal for the joy they bring to their neighbourhoods.
Their neighbours have nominated them as Nice Neighbours recently, winning them a small prize and some recognition in the local papers.
If you are lucky enough to have a … View moreThese folks are 'salt of the earth' and deserve a gold medal for the joy they bring to their neighbourhoods.
Their neighbours have nominated them as Nice Neighbours recently, winning them a small prize and some recognition in the local papers.
If you are lucky enough to have a Nice Neighbour, you can nominate them on our Nice Neighbour page. We can't wait to hear all about them!
Whether he's a new dad, a super special father figure or a many times grandad, find the perfect present to spoil him with PriceMe.
Read our handy gift guide to get those last minute Father's Day shopping ideas, while PriceMe's easy to use cost comparison website will save you the … View moreWhether he's a new dad, a super special father figure or a many times grandad, find the perfect present to spoil him with PriceMe.
Read our handy gift guide to get those last minute Father's Day shopping ideas, while PriceMe's easy to use cost comparison website will save you the $$$!!
Cantamath returned to Christchurch on Wednesday after being postponed two years in a row due to Covid restrictions.
The normally annual mathematics competition involves students in years 6 to 10.
The winners of this year's teams competition were:
- Year 7: 1st Cobham Intermediate, … View moreCantamath returned to Christchurch on Wednesday after being postponed two years in a row due to Covid restrictions.
The normally annual mathematics competition involves students in years 6 to 10.
The winners of this year's teams competition were:
- Year 7: 1st Cobham Intermediate, 2nd Heaton Normal School, 3rd Middleton Grange.
- Year 8: four teams reached the golden 100 points 1st Rangi Ruru, 2nd Queenspark Primary School, 3rd Christ the King School, also to reach 100 points Cobham Intermediate.
- Year 9: 1st with 100 golden points St Andrew’s College Team 1, 2nd Burnside High School Team 3, 3rd Christ’s College Team 1.
- Year 10: 1st with 100 golden points Papanui High School Team 1 (pictured), 2nd Christ’s College Team 1, 3rd Burnside High School Team 2.
The overall winners of the Cantamath Displays Competition were Jessica Ritchie (year 8 from Christ the King School) for her dynamic model and Noah Palmer (year 7 from Beckenham Te Kura o Pūroto) for his dynamic model.
Congratulations to the winners and all those involved.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
“The time for talking is over and that time for action is now”.
That is how Ashburton District Council strategy and policy manager, Toni Durham, summed up the view of those involved in the Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater 30-year plan.
The … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
“The time for talking is over and that time for action is now”.
That is how Ashburton District Council strategy and policy manager, Toni Durham, summed up the view of those involved in the Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater 30-year plan.
The council has adopted the 30-year plan that aims to reverse the degradation of Lake Clearwater/Te Puna a Taka, protect the character of the area, and ensure collaboration to achieve it.
Reports show that Lake Clearwater/ Te Puna a Taka is currently in a fragile state and its water quality is declining to the point that it is at risk of flipping, meaning it could reach a point of degradation that is difficult to reverse.
If the lake flips, it will have severe impacts on biodiversity, and the overall environmental health and recreational values of the area.
The 30-year plan is focused on ensuring that doesn’t happen and Durham said the challenge is the conflicting issues of the various parties, but they all have one goal.
“You have different values from different stakeholders but that’s actually the complexity with the entire area,” Durham said.
“Everyone is using it for different purposes.
“But the ultimate long-term goal is to protect the water quality.”
The plan’s purpose is to ensure appropriate action is taken promptly and it will guide funding decisions for annual budgeting processes.
Four goals are outlined and the actions that are planned to be undertaken to achieve them.
In preparing the plan, the consultation process received 153 submissions, of which 53% were bach owners.
The development of the plan also utilised work undertaken by Ōtūwharekai (Ashburton Lakes) working group, which includes members from iwi, local and central Government departments, and surrounding landowners.
While the council has signed off its 30-year plan for Lake Camp/ Ōtautari and Lake Clearwater/Te Puna a Taka, the Ōtūwharekai working group is developing an action plan for Ōtūwharekai which is expected to be completed by June 2023.
The goals in the plan are:
1: Avoid further degradation and restore the mauri (physical and spiritual elements) of the natural area.
2: Recognise and protect the area’s special character.
3: Recognise and value the areas social importance.
4: Ensure collaboration with mana whenua and between key stakeholders to meet a collective vision.
Add a touch of luxury to your home with NZ House & Garden, Aotearoa’s favourite home and lifestyle magazine. NZ House & Garden celebrates the homes, lifestyles and creativity of New Zealanders. Subscribe before 19 September and you’ll receive a free French Country Collections tassel … View moreAdd a touch of luxury to your home with NZ House & Garden, Aotearoa’s favourite home and lifestyle magazine. NZ House & Garden celebrates the homes, lifestyles and creativity of New Zealanders. Subscribe before 19 September and you’ll receive a free French Country Collections tassel throw worth $69.00
Just visit Mags4Gifts to purchase your subscription, or if you’d rather talk to one of our friendly staff members, call 0800 624 744. Offer valid for 1 and 2 year subscriptions only at the new-subscriber rate. Standard T&Cs apply.
The team at NZ House & Garden
Daffodil Day is the Cancer Society’s largest fundraising and awareness campaign, and it’s crucial to allow us to support those impacted by cancer. We offer everything from a helpline and counselling support through to transport and accommodation during treatment.
Cancer doesn’t stop, and … View moreDaffodil Day is the Cancer Society’s largest fundraising and awareness campaign, and it’s crucial to allow us to support those impacted by cancer. We offer everything from a helpline and counselling support through to transport and accommodation during treatment.
Cancer doesn’t stop, and with your help, we won’t either. More New Zealanders will get cancer this year than ever before and no one should face cancer alone. Just $24 helps get someone to treatment. Please give generously this Daffodil Day so we can continue to be a lifeline for people with cancer and their whānau.
To donate today, visit daffodilday.org.nz.
The NZ Compare Awards are back... and we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time returning as an in-person celebration with a Gala Awards night hosted by Mike McRoberts in Auckland on December 1st 2022.
Recognising excellence, leadership and innovation in the New Zealand utility … View moreThe NZ Compare Awards are back... and we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time returning as an in-person celebration with a Gala Awards night hosted by Mike McRoberts in Auckland on December 1st 2022.
Recognising excellence, leadership and innovation in the New Zealand utility sectors, the NZ Compare Awards are back for the 6th year and in response to consumer demand, we have introduced MOBILE Awards for the first time.
As the boundaries between the utility industries continue to blur the organisers have responded to growing demand to increase the categories and industries celebrated by the NZ Compare Awards and will now recognise excellence and achievement within New Zealand’s BROADBAND, ENERGY and MOBILE sectors for the first time.
Award categories are consumer driven and informed by the 300,000 Kiwis who use NZ Compare websites each month. Winning carries real gravitas with the Kiwi consumer and the awards represent an opportunity to be confident in the talent and vision your company has worked so hard towards. This significant event will recognise the companies that provide New Zealanders with the very best products and services across these essential industries.
The NZ Compare Awards are supported by a wide range of companies including Movinghub, Vector Metering, Chorus, realestate.co.nz and Neighbourly. The prestigious awards will recognise the companies that provide New Zealanders with the very best products and services in their industries. With a range of different categories including best home and mobile provider, best customer support, fastest service, best rural provider and best broadband innovation.
Winning an NZ Compare Award depends on a combination of criteria. These include consumer surveys and reviews on the NZ Compare websites and decisions from our expert judging panel.
"Judged by an independent panel of New Zealand experts and presented at our gala awards event, the NZ Compare Awards provide a unique stage on which we recognize and reward the achievements of the New Zealand utility sectors." said Gavin Male, CEO of NZ Compare.
So what do you think? Give a shout out to your favourite utility provider here - not just for doing their job... we want to hear about those that go above and beyond! Who should be a winner?
What are the biggest issues your region is facing? Take part in the NowNext Local survey and you could win a one of twenty $100 Prezzy Card for your opinion.
Whether it’s how happy you are or if you plan on staying long term, the NowNext Local survey is getting a snapshot of how kiwis are … View moreWhat are the biggest issues your region is facing? Take part in the NowNext Local survey and you could win a one of twenty $100 Prezzy Card for your opinion.
Whether it’s how happy you are or if you plan on staying long term, the NowNext Local survey is getting a snapshot of how kiwis are feeling.
Dear neighbours,
Meet our Houseplant Hero competition winner Alan Mckenzie! If all sheds came like that, we want one too. Congratulations to Alan and his many many houseplants.
Our passions and mahi play a large part in our legacy. When we channel that mahi into championing causes and giving back, that legacy is carried as inspiration for generations to come.
The rymanhealthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau celebrates Kiwis aged 70 and over… View moreOur passions and mahi play a large part in our legacy. When we channel that mahi into championing causes and giving back, that legacy is carried as inspiration for generations to come.
The rymanhealthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau celebrates Kiwis aged 70 and over who continue to inspire, champion causes, and give back, building lasting legacies that make us all proud to call New Zealand home.
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View moreMaking it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.
We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.
Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
"It’s been chilly hasn’t it Neighbours? Has your internet froze when you’re streaming all your fave shows on rainy weekends or maybe the power bill has gone crazy from trying to keep snug?!
Don't stress, we’ve got a tonne of awesome broadband and power deals to chill your … View more"It’s been chilly hasn’t it Neighbours? Has your internet froze when you’re streaming all your fave shows on rainy weekends or maybe the power bill has gone crazy from trying to keep snug?!
Don't stress, we’ve got a tonne of awesome broadband and power deals to chill your bills instead of your wallet. Think BIG joining credits, cheap broadband, beneficial power plans and more. Limited time only, DEALS END 30th AUGUST 2022! BE QUICK!
It’s easy, just sit down over a hot cuppa or a beer – whatever tickles your fancy and take a look here. We’ll do the rest for you!"
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View moreMaking it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.
Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.
We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.
Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
Dear neighbours,
Have you grown these veges and fruits, and what's on your list of money savers and budget boosters?
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A dame, a DJ, farmers, and plenty of fresh faces are among the potential new Ashburton District Councillors.
Dame Lynda Topp is set to take on politics after stepping forward as one of the new candidates vying for a seat on the council.
She is … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A dame, a DJ, farmers, and plenty of fresh faces are among the potential new Ashburton District Councillors.
Dame Lynda Topp is set to take on politics after stepping forward as one of the new candidates vying for a seat on the council.
She is best known for being one-half of the Topp Twins with her sister Dame Jools. Earlier this year the duo announced that they were both fighting breast cancer.
On August 4 the twins shared an update on their Facebook page that said “we are both alive and kicking” and then just over a week later Topp has thrown herself into an election campaign.
She said she had been having weekly chemotherapy sessions and spending a lot of time on the couch when her election enrolment update arrived in the mail.
“It prompted me to think about it and I talked to a few people who said I should go for it,” Topp said.
“All you can do is have a goal and get on with life.
“It’s something I can look forward to and give back to the community, a community that has been so supportive of me in the past year.”
It’s her first official run at local office having previously had a satirical tilt at the Auckland mayoralty.
“Several years ago my character Camp Mother ran for the Auckland mayoralty with Camp Leader as the campaign manager.
“In the end, we pulled out as the polling was looking like we might go close to being the mayor of Auckland. But we only did it as a big publicity stunt to get more candidates in the Auckland area.”
Topp joins a host of new names seeking a seat on the council which is set for a changing of the guard with Stuart Wilson, Angus McKay, Dianne Rawlinson, and John Falloon not standing for re-election.
That means at least four new councillors will be announced on October 8, but that number could be higher with plenty of new candidates stepping up across all three wards, while current mayor Neil Brown has a challenger in local businessman Jeff Swindley.
Topp is standing against incumbents Liz McMillan and Rodger Letham in the Western Ward.
The Ashburton Ward is set to be hotly contested with 12 candidates vying for the five vacancies.
Sitting councillors Carolyn Cameron and Leen Braam are in the running along with two former councillors, Thelma Bell, who missed out in the last election, and Russell Ellis who was unable to stand in the last election after a technical error on his nomination form.
Janet Glassey and Shfire Sapphire were the final additions to the Ashburton Ward candidate list joining eight other potential newcomers -Tony Todd, Carol Johns, Phill Hooper, Bev Skates, Brie Burgess and Hayden Tasker.
The Eastern Ward has incumbent Lynette Lovett joined by Richard Wilson, Rob Mackle and Keith Townshend.
Six candidates are running for the Methven Community Board’s five seats.
The Braided Rivers Community Trust will also have an election with nine nominations for the six vacancies.
Gerard Rushton, Chantelle Quinn, Kevin Clifford, and Sapphire all entered the race before the cut-off on Friday.
There are also three candidates standing for the two seats in Environment Canterbury’s Mid Canterbury Ōpākihi Regional Constituency.
Incumbents Ian Mackenzie and John Sunckell along with NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers president Peter Trolove.
Where they stand
Mayor: Neil Brown, Jeff Swindley.
Western Ward (2): Rodger Letham, Liz McMillan, Lynda Topp
Eastern Ward (2): Lynette Lovett, Richard Wilson, Rob Mackle, Keith Townshend.
Ashburton Ward (5): Russell Ellis, Leen Braam, Hayden Tasker, Bev Skates, Tony Todd, Thelma Bell, Brie Burgess, Carol Johns, Phill Hooper, Janet Glassey, Carolyn Cameron. Shfire Sapphire.
Methven Community Board (5): Kelvin Holmes, Richie Owen, Allan Lock, Robin Jenkinson, Megan Fitzgerald, Adam Preston.
Braided River Community Trust (6): Tim Silva, Chris Robertson, Robert Harnett, Kerry Clough, Kieran Breakwell, Gerard Rushton, Shfire Sapphire, Chantelle Quinn, Kevin Clifford.
Voting opens: September 16
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