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By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s mayor says there's no time for Grinches as the festive season gets under way.
The Government earlier this year called on councils to spend less on "nice-to-haves" and more on basics like roads and pipes.
This has … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s mayor says there's no time for Grinches as the festive season gets under way.
The Government earlier this year called on councils to spend less on "nice-to-haves" and more on basics like roads and pipes.
This has forced councils to analyse their spending spending habits.
South Waikato District Council recently debated whether its Christmas parade was core council business, but decided to go ahead with it.
Ashburton’s community Christmas event Light up the Night has a $30,000 budget.
Mayor Neil Brown said the event is probably a nice to have, not a must-have expenditure.
“But people enjoy having it so we should do it.
The event is a time to “connect as a community and reflect on the year, while also looking ahead with excitement to Christmas and New Year and the summer in general”, he said.
“Council doesn’t want to be the Grinch and cancel that.
“It doesn’t cost a huge amount, it’s just under $1 per person in the district. If it’s well supported, it's $30,000 well spent."
The council can review it next year if people don’t like it, he said.
“I think it’s a good thing to do.”
Light up the Night takes place on November 30 in the recently renovated Baring Square East, with an evening of entertainment, music, and the giant Christmas tree will be lit up at 9.15pm.
The tree had been on East St for the last few years while the CBD and square were revitalised, but returns to the square where it will be positioned in front of Te Whare Whakatere, the new library and civic building that opened this year.
East St will be closed from 7am until 9.30pm, with the event starting at 6pm.
A week after the Christmas tree is lit up, the NBS Ashburton Santa Parade will be centred around the Ashburton Domain, with the route again running along Walnut Avenue on December 7.
The parade is not a council-run event, but is organised independently by Carol Johns and her team of volunteers.
The council supports the event by assisting with $3000 towards the traffic management plan.
“It’s a huge help as it's one of the biggest costs,” Johns said.
She runs the event “on the smell of an oily rag” and relies on sponsorship to keep the event going.
“We all do it for the community and I’d hate to see the event go.”
This year’s parade was set to be even bigger, with a lot more entries in the theme (a song featuring a colour) section set to entertain the thousands, she said.
Enviroflo are discovering widespread damage in ceramic drains across the Canterbury region - often there are no obvious signs.
Let our experienced team take care of it. We'll diagnose the damage, provide a report and work with the Natural Hazards Commision (formally EQC) on your behalf.
… View moreEnviroflo are discovering widespread damage in ceramic drains across the Canterbury region - often there are no obvious signs.
Let our experienced team take care of it. We'll diagnose the damage, provide a report and work with the Natural Hazards Commision (formally EQC) on your behalf.
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Spring is the season of new beginnings and the perfect time to declutter and refresh your home. Imagine stepping into a space that feels open, organised, and filled with only what truly matters. Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, want to downsize, or just enjoy a more comfortable … View moreSpring is the season of new beginnings and the perfect time to declutter and refresh your home. Imagine stepping into a space that feels open, organised, and filled with only what truly matters. Whether you’re looking to simplify your life, want to downsize, or just enjoy a more comfortable living space, decluttering is a great way to start.
With these expert tips from decluttering and organising specialist Peter Walsh, you can take small steps toward a clutter-free home that you’ll love spending time in.
Click read more for more article.
Ryman villages across the country are open every Wednesday in November.
Experience the Ryman lifestyle and learn about our living options, tour our showhomes and discover the wonderful amenities on offer.
Click to find out more information.
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access … View moreThe Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in Clarks Beach, Auckland.
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Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms and generous open-plan kitchen, … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in Clarks Beach, Auckland.
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To gain extra growing space, make and hang these easy-to-build planters on almost any wooden fence or deck railing. Use Resene FX Blackboard Paint so you can easily identify what plants are in each. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Trays are such a useful item to have in the home – they are obviously great for serving food and drinks, particularly breakfast in bed! Find out how to create your own with Resene wallpaper and Resene Colorwood wood stain with these easy step by step instructions.
Is the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one … View moreIs the flooring at your school, early childhood, community or sports centre old and threadbare? Or perhaps you have a new space where there’s no flooring at all. Your organisation could be eligible to receive $2,000 + gst from the RhinoKids Flooring Fund to go towards new flooring. Plus, one lucky organisation will win a $20,000 flooring makeover!
Carpet Court is continuing its’ mission to help improve Kiwi kids’ learning environments by rolling out its’ nationwide fund for the fifth year in a row. Apply today!
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Offers on the former Ashburton District Council administration building will be considered by councillors next week.
Chief executive Hamish Riach confirmed two offers had been received for the entire site that was formerly home to the council.
… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Offers on the former Ashburton District Council administration building will be considered by councillors next week.
Chief executive Hamish Riach confirmed two offers had been received for the entire site that was formerly home to the council.
“Council will consider the offers at the November 20 council meeting, in a public excluded section of the meeting,” Riach said.
The property comprises 5059m2 in four titles and the council had signed up Property Brokers agent Hamish Niles to sell the property ‘as is where is’.
The three-storey council building was built in 1974 with a basement and the ability to add a fourth storey but that was scuttled by the changes to the building standards following the Canterbury earthquakes.
Issues with the building were first signalled in 2004, and in 2015 it was decided to combine a replacement with a new library.
Earlier this year the council sold the former public library building for $1.1m to CBR Properties Limited, which plans to renovate the building into a boutique hotel.
The sale of the two sites will go to offsetting the build cost of the $62.1m new library and civic centre, Te Whare Whakatere that opened in January.
Dreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more … View moreDreaming of a garden bursting with colour and fresh produce? Shane Fairbairn, Ryman Healthcare’s Landscape Manager, shares his top tips to make it happen. You’ll be set to create a gorgeous, relaxing space in no time - grab your trowel, and let’s dig in.
Click read more for more information.
Buy any orange Resene testpot 60 ml at your local Resene owned ColorShop in November and Resene will donate $1 to Arthritis NZ!
The more orange testpots you buy, the more will be donated.
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.
With a thriving community, added security and no home maintenance… you have plenty of reasons to choose Kevin Hickman Village. And we’re giving you 20,000 more! For a limited time, when you purchase an occupation right to an independent apartment or townhouse, you’ll get a $20,000 credit on … View moreWith a thriving community, added security and no home maintenance… you have plenty of reasons to choose Kevin Hickman Village. And we’re giving you 20,000 more! For a limited time, when you purchase an occupation right to an independent apartment or townhouse, you’ll get a $20,000 credit on settlement*.
Kevin Hickman Village offers the latest in retirement living. Nestled alongside Riccarton Park Racecourse, the village has stunning views out to the Port Hills and Southern Alps, it’s the perfect place to call home.
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Don't miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in breathtaking Blenheim, Marlborough.
Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It’s waiting to … View moreDon't miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in breathtaking Blenheim, Marlborough.
Valued at over $1 million, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area. It’s waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz
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