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Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Facing a rapidly ageing population, the Ashburton District has received a funding boost to prepare an age friendly action plan.
Safer Mid Canterbury, a local community service provider, has a steering group leading the project that has been … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Facing a rapidly ageing population, the Ashburton District has received a funding boost to prepare an age friendly action plan.
Safer Mid Canterbury, a local community service provider, has a steering group leading the project that has been awarded $15,000 from Office for Seniors Age friendly Fund.
The Government agency provides grants to projects that promote the inclusion of older people and help cities and communities prepare for their ageing populations.
Safer Mid Canterbury steering group chairperson, deputy mayor Liz McMillan (pictured) said the grant will be used for a needs assessment as the first step in developing an age friendly strategy.
“A steering group will be set up next year and there will be some research into what the need is in the district.”
The research will include speaking with older people in the Ashburton District and to the agencies which work with them, as well as analysing Census and other relevant data.
Findings and data collected in the needs assessment research will be developed into an Age Friendly Strategy and Action Plan for Ashburton District.
The number of over 65s rose by 14% since 2018, according to the Census data.
Residents aged over 65 make up a fifth of the district’s population and the number is predicted to grow, McMillan said.
“Older Ashburton residents contribute hugely to the wellbeing of our community through continuing to work, volunteering, caring for grandchildren, being involved in community activities as well as being good neighbours and active members of society.
“We look forward to highlighting and celebrating the contributions of older people to our district and further developing and improving areas which will make the lives of our district’s older residents better.”
Office for Seniors age friendly programme lead Karen Piercy said she was proud of Ashburton for taking their first steps in developing an age friendly strategy.
“By identifying what’s important for older people in their community, we can help make Ashburton an amazing place to age well.”
Neighbours, we are looking ahead to December 25th and it's always a busy time.
Each family does things a little different and we'd love to know where you stick to tradition and where you strongly differ. Perhaps there's a tradition that you think is just overrated! Share your … View moreNeighbours, we are looking ahead to December 25th and it's always a busy time.
Each family does things a little different and we'd love to know where you stick to tradition and where you strongly differ. Perhaps there's a tradition that you think is just overrated! Share your thoughts below.
Hundreds of Kiwi children will receive something special this Christmas thanks to Ryman Healthcare’s support of the Catalytic Foundation’s Christmas Shoebox Project.
Instead of giving individual gifts to residents, the idea was to redirect those funds to support struggling New Zealand … View moreHundreds of Kiwi children will receive something special this Christmas thanks to Ryman Healthcare’s support of the Catalytic Foundation’s Christmas Shoebox Project.
Instead of giving individual gifts to residents, the idea was to redirect those funds to support struggling New Zealand families having to cut back on essentials.
Ryman residents were overwhelmingly in support of the idea, with many volunteering to help choose the gifts to fill over 1000 shoeboxes with thoughtful items.
Click read more for the full story.
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to … View moreKia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Less than a week left to enter this merry competition.
With lots of spot prizes to win (as well as the title of NZ's Merriest Home), it's worth getting out your camera phone and taking a picture of your festive abode!
Check out the Christmassy homes here.
Gift-giving looks a lot different these days when you can pick up super-cheap goods made overseas. But do they last?
Do you have any old items like appliances, electronics or clothing that have stood the test of time? Share below!
Why not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa … View moreWhy not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa gift or something special to put under the tree, we’ve got you covered with a great selection for all interests.
Don’t miss out – shop now at Mags4Gifts.com and enjoy the savings!
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Severe traffic congestion is holding up truckies in Ashburton, forcing drivers to breach their legal driving hours, an industry head says.
Transporting New Zealand industry adviser Jim Crouchley says drivers are waiting up to 45 minutes in gridlock … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Severe traffic congestion is holding up truckies in Ashburton, forcing drivers to breach their legal driving hours, an industry head says.
Transporting New Zealand industry adviser Jim Crouchley says drivers are waiting up to 45 minutes in gridlock to get through the Canterbury town.
The congestion delays put pressure on drivers and endangered livestock, he said.
Crouchley told the Ashburton District Road Safety Co-ordinating Committee this week that drivers were reporting regular traffic queues, particularly on Fridays and holiday weekends, which was pushing compliance limits.
“Dunedin-based operators can usually make the trip to Christchurch within their five-and-a-half hours of legal driving time to meet deadlines, but are now finding themselves in breach of law with waiting times of up to 45 minutes to get through the Ashburton traffic on many occasions.”
There were also potential animal welfare issues through heat stress on animals in a slow-moving crate, particularly in the summer months, he said.
Crouchley pointed the finger at the Melcombe St viaduct, and to a lesser extent Compton’s crossing, for exacerbating the already lengthy queues.
Truck drivers saw a large number of motorists accessing State Highway 1 via the viaduct and being let in by other “courteous road users”.
This left truck drivers frustrated as they “can only watch as the queue gets longer and slower”, he said.
He said it has been suggested the Melcombe St viaduct be blocked by traffic management during peak times – until Ashburton’s second bridge was completed.
And it was not just those in the transport industry voicing concerns, with emergency services also speaking about the congestion.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Mid-South Canterbury community readiness and recovery adviser Jesse Shearer told the meeting anecdotal evidence showed local fire brigades shared the congestion concerns and it affected their ability to attend callouts.
The viaduct was a point of conjecture during the $10 million Tinwald Corridor upgrade.
The project centred around installing traffic signals at the SH1/Lagmhor Road/Agnes St intersection.
During the design phase, it was proposed to restrict Melcombe St to left out only but a swathe of community feedback convinced the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to retain its two-way access.
At the time NZTA director regional relationships James Caygill said it would retain the access “with monitoring to maintain that works”.
Several speed reduction measures were put in place along Melcombe St - three separators on either side of slightly raised platforms – to deter people from using Melcombe St to jump the queues (referred to as rat running) on SH1.
According to truckies, it wasn't working and needed to be revisited.
NZTA South and Mid Canterbury senior network manager Scott McKenzie said in terms of big-picture congestion around Ashburton, “there are limited opportunities to improve traffic flow”.
“The corridor is essentially operating at capacity and this is more obvious at peak times or where other works are under way.
"Given the residential and commercial development immediately adjacent to the highway there is limited scope to increase capacity.”
NZTA monitored the traffic signals along SH1 through Ashburton and Tinwald and made small changes to the timing as necessary to improve traffic flow where possible, he said.
“We are aware some people use Melcombe St as an alternative route onto SH1.
“It is not possible to block a local intersection temporarily unless there is a key safety reason for doing so.”
He said in theory the second bridge would “change the pattern for local road users who will then have a choice of bridges to get over the Ashburton River”.
With Christmas fast approaching, Police are encouraging people to be aware of online phishing scams.
The holiday season can already be a stressful time, and the last thing you want is to lose large sums of money to a scam.
A phishing scam is an online scam, where the offender pretends to be a … View moreWith Christmas fast approaching, Police are encouraging people to be aware of online phishing scams.
The holiday season can already be a stressful time, and the last thing you want is to lose large sums of money to a scam.
A phishing scam is an online scam, where the offender pretends to be a trustworthy person or organisation to try and get a victim’s personal information.
Police has received a number of phishing scam reports with offenders targeting people who are selling items or services online like Trade Me and Facebook Marketplace.
The offenders pretend to be an interested buyer, and urgently request to buy your product and arrange a courier pickup.
The victim receives a fake courier website link to complete a verification process asking for personal details, like bank account numbers, passwords, and phone numbers.
Once provided these details, the offender uses these to access a victim’s bank account, tricking the victim into proving any multifactor authentication code sent from the victim’s bank.
The money in the victim’s bank account is then taken by the offender once access is gained.
Police are urging members of the public to be cautious, especially when someone in person or online is asking you to give them money or your personal details like bank accounts and passwords.
Never comply with a request asking you to provide or ‘verify’ your online banking details.
Legitimate organisations will never ask you to do this.
If you are unsure if it is real, please contact your bank by the phone number on their official website or go to your nearest branch.
If you receive a courier website link from a potential buyer, this is likely a scam.
Please do not fill out the verification process.
Use the social media/trading platform’s reporting tools to report the scam and the user involved.
You can also make a report to Netsafe at report.netsafe.org.nz.
If you have handed over your online banking details, contact your bank immediately and suspend your account.
If you think you have been scammed (provided your banking details and/or suffered a loss), please gather as much information you can and make a report to Police online through 105.police.govt.nz or call 105.
Get creative by making a gorgeous leaf-printed tablecloth and gift your guests the perfect hand-painted decoration all painted in Resene testpot paint colours.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Kmart will be recalling a number of their Anko duvet sets.
What you need to know:
- The recall is involving Christmas-themed duvets: Mrs & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set
- A … View moreKmart will be recalling a number of their Anko duvet sets.
What you need to know:
- The recall is involving Christmas-themed duvets: Mrs & Mrs Claus Reversible Queen Size Bed Quilt Cover Set and Christmas Elf Reversible Single Bed Quilt Cover Set
- A recall of the products began in Australia following health concerns from several families.
- One woman said she thought she was having a heart attack after using one of the products which smelt of diesel.
- One customer said she’d purchased the quilt covers and said they smelled like gas. Another mum said hers did not have that smell but claimed her son developed a rash that only went away when he stopped using the product.
- The product is no longer available for purchase on the Kmart website.
Regardless of whether you have experienced an issue, customers who have purchased this item may return the product to store for a refund.
Surprise your loved ones with tickets for the Heart Foundation Christmas Lottery. It's a gift that could change their lives!
They'll have the chance to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Clarks Beach, Auckland, valued at over $1 million. Plus, there are incredible prizes … View moreSurprise your loved ones with tickets for the Heart Foundation Christmas Lottery. It's a gift that could change their lives!
They'll have the chance to win a brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home in Clarks Beach, Auckland, valued at over $1 million. Plus, there are incredible prizes up for grabs, including international travel.
Tickets are just $15 each, and every purchase supports life-saving research. Get yours online today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Pamela, a resident of Bert Sutcliffe Village, has a passion for good food, great company, and exploring new places. A seasoned traveller and cruising enthusiast, Pamela has sailed to numerous destinations, sampling local cuisines along the way.
Closer to home, alongside her son-in-law and … View morePamela, a resident of Bert Sutcliffe Village, has a passion for good food, great company, and exploring new places. A seasoned traveller and cruising enthusiast, Pamela has sailed to numerous destinations, sampling local cuisines along the way.
Closer to home, alongside her son-in-law and daughter, she has discovered a variety of restaurants that showcase the diversity of New Zealand’s culinary scene. Whether you’re planning a road trip, dreaming about your next cruise, or simply searching for a great dining spot, these are Pamela’s top food recommendations to inspire your next adventure.
Click read more for the full story.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown says rates capping isn’t the answer for the district after hearing cautionary tales from Australian councils.
The Government is exploring the option of rates capping to balance the long-term interests of ratepayers with… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown says rates capping isn’t the answer for the district after hearing cautionary tales from Australian councils.
The Government is exploring the option of rates capping to balance the long-term interests of ratepayers with the financial sustainability of councils.
It was discussed at the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) meeting in Wellington last month, which included a presentation on how rates capping worked in New South Wales and Victoria.
Brown said rising costs demand smarter solutions, but after hearing cautionary tales from Australian councils, rates capping would harm essential services and increase council debt.
The examples highlighted that if inflation was higher than the capped rate increases, then councils couldn’t deliver all its services, he said.
“They either had to cut services or borrow money, or both.
“They were just getting into a bigger borrowing hole.”
LGNZ president Sam Broughton said a rates cap would ultimately limit council investment.
He said there was a lot to learn from the Australian experiences of the immense challenges that came with rate capping.
Local Government NSW president, councillor Darriea Turley, urged caution around moves to introduce rate capping (or rate pegging).
“Local government’s capacity to fund existing levels of services and infrastructure is under increasing stress.
"There is a wealth of evidence that NSW councils and their communities have been damaged by rate pegging.
“In NSW, it has severely hampered councils’ ability to fund current, let alone future, levels of service.”
Broughton wants the Government to keep an open mind about rates capping, and to explore other alternatives that could achieve the same result.
“Ratepayers need to have confidence in council decisions and to trust that we’re focusing on delivering the infrastructure and services that communities expect.
“That’s why we are also looking into the approach taken by South Australia, who elected to improve their rates transparency instead of rates capping.”
In Ashburton, Brown said there will be some robust budget discussion in the new year with a forecast 10.1% rates increase next year, following an 11.8% increase this year.
The rate increase shouldn't be increasing as "no new projects are coming in because we have only just signed off the long-term plan six months ago.”
The increase is to cover three waters and roading work, and increasing costs to insurance and servicing debt.
The declining interest rate levels could have a big benefit.
“A 1% drop in interest rates is about a 2% rate decrease,” he said.
When announcing the plans to explore rate capping in August, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said council rates increased by around 15% on average this year, which is more than four times the rate of inflation.
"This is unacceptable and councils must ensure they are doing everything they can to reduce pressure on ratepayers.
“Ratepayers expect local government to focus on delivering the basics, picking up rubbish, fixing water infrastructure, and filling in potholes. We have done our part, and Kiwis expect councils to do theirs," he said in a statement.
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