Thank you for using Neighbourly
Today (Wednesday) we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Cat Rikihana who is a financial mentor, educator and financial capability practitioner at Financial Freedom Trust in the Manawatū.
Cat Rikihana (Ngai Tahu) like many financial mentors around Aotearoa, works … View moreToday (Wednesday) we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Cat Rikihana who is a financial mentor, educator and financial capability practitioner at Financial Freedom Trust in the Manawatū.
Cat Rikihana (Ngai Tahu) like many financial mentors around Aotearoa, works with individuals, groups and whānau to successfully navigate financial stress and hardship. Mentors work alongside whānau to increase confidence and skills in personal money management and advocate with and for clients. Cat enjoys delivering online and face-to-face workshops which provide opportunities to normalise money conversations and encourages people to make time to consider their financial well-being.
Cat is also an independent financial well-being coach, educator and indigenous life coach at Restore Wellness Network. She is a published writer and currently in the process of writing her first non-fiction book: 'A financial self-care guide for women in Aotearoa.'
She'd love to answer any questions you may have around your budgeting and spending habits, strategies for saving, retirement planning and debt. (Don't be shy, but be mindful about what you disclose!)
↓ Share your questions now and Cat will reply to your comment below ↓
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
There is growing frustration that a project with proven environmental gains is being stalled by red tape.
It is nearly two years since the Hekeao/Hinds Water Enhancement Trust (HHWET) lodged resource consent applications to expand its project to … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
There is growing frustration that a project with proven environmental gains is being stalled by red tape.
It is nearly two years since the Hekeao/Hinds Water Enhancement Trust (HHWET) lodged resource consent applications to expand its project to improve the quality of river and groundwater.
It is already New Zealand’s largest managed groundwater rehabilitation project but further expansion has now stalled with the consent process heading to a hearing in October.
“We know what we are doing is working,” executive director Brett Painter said.
The Trust started with just one Managed Aquifer Recharge(MAR) pond in 2016 and has expanded its site numbers to 15.
They applied to ECan for resource consent to operate MAR sites at 34 locations, 14 existing and 20 new sites, in 2022.
Painter presented an annual update to the Ashburton Water Zone Committee last week and said the delays in the consent process have put the Trust two years behind.
He says delays mean “the clock is ticking towards 2035” – the date that ECan’s Canterbury land and water regional plan requires median annual shallow groundwater concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen be less than 6.9 mg/l.
“We are behind in getting up to speed and being able to get the sites in the ground, water in the ground, and measure the results,” Painter said.
“The evidence very clearly shows where these targeted enhancements are happening, that they are having the benefit across the whole ecosystem health spectrum.”
Zone committee chairperson Bill Thomas said the hold up in the consent process and associated costs is a shame “when we are looking for tools to try and help the nitrate problems”.
“One is staring us in the face and it's run into a brick wall.”
Ashburton District councillor Richard Wilson said it is a big investment for the community and there is “a lot of money going around in a circle”.
He said the community is paying targeted rates to ECan towards HHWET’s operations to improve water quality and the environment, but a lot of money appears to be going towards consents rather than actions.
“Sure you need consents, but it’s spending a lot of money to do something that ECan said we want you to do.
“I understand there are people against it, but you hope they will see the outcome at the end is better than not doing anything at all.”
ECan consents manager Aurora Grant said the five resource consent applications are for a large-scale activity and will significantly increase the scale – proposing to use more than six times the current amount of water.
“The scale and complexity of the proposal, and additional information which the applicant has needed to provide has meant that the processing of these applications has taken some time.”
As ECan had a facilitatory role in the investigation stages of the project, the application process has been independently contracted out.
An independent commissioner decided that the applications required public notification, with 79 submissions received and a hearing being organised for October.
****What the project does
MAR sites contain infiltration basins, which act like big leaky ponds. The basins are filled with high-quality water that seeps down and recharges the groundwater.
This enhances ground and surface water quality and quantity. Near river recharge (NRR) is the same but is located in a river’s flood plain, so that river flow and quality are enhanced.
Hekeao/Hinds Water Enhancement Trust Limited (HHWET) and Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd (RDRML) are seeking resource consents for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) and near river recharge at 37 locations in the Hekeao/Hinds catchment.
These sites require up to 3,200 l/s of surface water in addition to HHWET's already consented 500 l/s. RDRML has applied to use some of its consented take from the Rangitata River to support HHWET operations.
Make your own wall art from leftover MDF and Resene testpots. Nikki Kettle’s abstract piece was inspired by her local environment.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Put an empty wine bottle to good use with this feeder finished in Resene Clover that can cater for a range of garden birds.
Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Have you been using Neighbourly Groups? You may have joined some gardening groups or general chat groups over the years.
Members have told us that this part of the site isn't working as it should, so we are going to remove it for now.
So, in a few weeks Neighbourly Groups will no longer … View moreHave you been using Neighbourly Groups? You may have joined some gardening groups or general chat groups over the years.
Members have told us that this part of the site isn't working as it should, so we are going to remove it for now.
So, in a few weeks Neighbourly Groups will no longer be there. Don't worry, you can post on the noticeboard as usual!
Get in contact with our team if you have any concerns or need any help!
Are you planning your next getaway? Organising a holiday is exciting, but the journey itself can sometimes be a little overwhelming. To ensure your trip is smooth from start to finish, here are some top tips from the travel experts at You, Me and Friends to help you avoid common travel pitfalls and… View moreAre you planning your next getaway? Organising a holiday is exciting, but the journey itself can sometimes be a little overwhelming. To ensure your trip is smooth from start to finish, here are some top tips from the travel experts at You, Me and Friends to help you avoid common travel pitfalls and enjoy a carefree vacation.
Click read more for the full story.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Stronger laws that encourage landlords to maintain the upkeep of commercial buildings have the support of Ashburton’s mayor.
Councils want stronger laws to allow them to take action on unoccupied buildings plaguing many cities and towns in New … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Stronger laws that encourage landlords to maintain the upkeep of commercial buildings have the support of Ashburton’s mayor.
Councils want stronger laws to allow them to take action on unoccupied buildings plaguing many cities and towns in New Zealand.
The push has been led by the Gisborne District Council and gained support from the Local Government NZ membership – including the Ashburton District Council.
Mayor Neil Brown said that support doesn’t guarantee changes will be made but that LGNZ will put pressure on the Government to take a look at it.
The Building Act 2004 allows a council to step in only once a building has become unsanitary or dangerous.
Councils want to be able to take proactive action on unoccupied or deteriorating buildings.
“There are those buildings all over the country, including here,” Brown said.
Gisborne had submitted images of its derelict buildings, including the Masonic Hotel which hosted the Queen in 1954.
“They are not as bad as one in Ashburton.
“It’s an eyesore in the middle of town. It’s not a good look.”
That building is likely the Bruce Printing building on Burnett St, which has been in a progressive state of demolition since the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
The building owner was granted consent for the demolition in 2012 but it carries no enforceable deadline.
LGNZ president and Selwyn mayor Sam Broughton said the councils are collectively asking the minister for building and construction to investigate the issue and give councils more powers to do something about the buildings on behalf of the community.
“This isn’t the first time we have asked a government to take action on unoccupied buildings, but we hope this Government will take it seriously and make the necessary changes,” Broughton said.
*LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Councils want accommodation and tourism levies to ease the burden on ratepayers.
It was a talking point at the recent Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference in Wellington and Ashburton mayor Neil Brown is interested to see how it could work.… View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Councils want accommodation and tourism levies to ease the burden on ratepayers.
It was a talking point at the recent Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference in Wellington and Ashburton mayor Neil Brown is interested to see how it could work.
Brown said the Mackenzie District Council included a 1% rate increase so it could clean its public toilets twice a day.
“It’s cleaning the toilets for the tourists but the ratepayers are paying for it, and they deem that not fair.”
LGNZ figures suggest the rates paid by each ratepayer supported the infrastructure and services for 51 international tourists.
Councils had raised the possibility of tourist levies or a bed tax with the government, and it could have benefits in Mid Canterbury, Brown said.
In Mid Canterbury, Methven is the main tourist centre but Rakaia, Ashburton, and Hinds all have tourists stopping to use public facilities that are maintained by funding from ratepayers.
“If you did one did one area you would probably do all the hotels in the district.”
Having recently travelled in the UK, Brown said there were always “little taxes added on the end of a bill”.
International tourists pay an International Visitor Levy when they enter the country.
The levy had contributed to the Tourism Infrastructure fund and between 2017 and 2023, the Ashburton District Council received nearly $1.2m for three projects: the Rakaia Salmon site upgrade, rest areas at Taylors Stream and Awa Awa Rata Reserve, the redevelopment of Rakaia Gorge toilets.
“We get the money to build the facilities, which is great, but then they need to be maintained which falls back on councils.”
That maintenance could be funded through a bed tax or an increased levy that would “take the onus off the ratepayer and puts it more on the user”.
“Ratepayers will still use the amenities but probably not as much as tourists would.”
Tourism Minister Matt Doocey said Tourism New Zealand was reviewing the International Visitor Levy and he was aware there was strong support for an accommodation levy, but the Government had yet to make a decision.
Rangitata MP James Meager said he was supportive of more user pays type funding so those who most directly benefit from the infrastructure, pay for the infrastructure.
He was also wary of putting extra costs on businesses and hospitality “at a time where things are tightening up”.
“The other question would be whether there are enough bed nights in the district to make it pay off, given many visitors to our region end up staying in the larger metropolitan centres.
“If the council thinks a targeted rate or bed tax would work to help them raise revenue for infrastructure, that’s something they can put to ratepayers.”
Some spare wood, used furniture or children's toys - do you mind when your neighbours leave goods on the street for others to make use of?
Share your thoughts in the comments and poll below.
Police are warning people to be on alert for the latest round of email scams referencing Police and other justice agencies.
The email claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s computer and located explicit illegal material.
The recipient is directed to reply within 72 … View morePolice are warning people to be on alert for the latest round of email scams referencing Police and other justice agencies.
The email claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s computer and located explicit illegal material.
The recipient is directed to reply within 72 hours, or a warrant will be issued for their arrest. This email is a scam and anyone who receives it should not reply under any circumstances.
Although some versions of the email do not specifically reference money, other similar scams involve the recipient being issued a ‘fine’ when they respond.
While the nature and specific details of scams often varies, it’s important to note that Police and other government agencies will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your password, credit card or bank details.
Police have received several reports of this scam and enquires are underway.
Anyone who received this email can either forward the spam email to the Department of Internal Affairs directly at complaint@spam.govt.nz or use their online reporting portal: www.reportspam.co.nz...
Police recommend taking a cautious approach to unsolicited emails. Trust your gut instinct - if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Information on other scams currently operating can be found on the Consumer Protection NZ website: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz...
Consumer Protection NZ, along with Netsafe, also provides helpful advice about keeping safe online.
Anyone who has received this email can report it to police online via www.police.govt.nz.... Please reference file number 240830/5842.
Splashes of Resene colour and pattern in unexpected places add personality and a little whimsy to our homes.
Start with this super easy wardrobe door project.
With a clever bit of colour matching and spot patching you can have your front door tidied up quickly.
Check out our handy advice to get the job done.
Police have arrested every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros yesterday, in a significant operation targeting the gang.
Millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs have been seized as Police yesterday terminated about 70 warrants as part of the eight-month … View morePolice have arrested every patched member of the Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros yesterday, in a significant operation targeting the gang.
Millions of dollars’ worth of illicit drugs have been seized as Police yesterday terminated about 70 warrants as part of the eight-month investigation, dubbed Operation Avon.
In total, 29 warrants were executed on addresses and more than 40 warrants executed on vehicles, predominately in the Christchurch area, with a handful in Auckland.
Approximately 5kg of class A drugs were seized, along with 11 firearms, ammunition, and about $250,000 cash.
Eighteen men aged between 18 and 55 were arrested and have been charged, including every patched Comancheros Christchurch member.
As part of enforcement activity Police have also restrained $1.9 million dollars of assets, consisting of an Auckland property and 11 vehicles.
The Christchurch chapter of the Comancheros became a priority target of the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG), supported by Canterbury Police, as their brazen alleged offending spread across New Zealand.
“Early on, our investigation identified significant drug offending involving the Class A controlled drugs methamphetamine and cocaine, and extensive money laundering,” says Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson.
“Class A drugs cause untold harm and misery in our communities and the impact on families is intolerable.
“These groups have no hesitation in peddling drugs and accumulating vehicles and property, with no regard for the destruction they cause in everyday New Zealanders’ lives.
“We have no doubt that this disruption of the Comanchero gang will have a positive impact on the drug supply chain across the country.”
Police allege the gang organised for drugs and cash to be relayed between Auckland and Christchurch every few weeks.
Detective Inspector Thomson said over a million dollars’ worth of drugs at wholesale value were believed to have been moved between the North and South Island, which Police will allege at prosecution equates to more than $15 million street value.
The 18 men have made a first appearance at court in Christchurch and Auckland. Charges include participating in an organised criminal group, conspiracy to supply methamphetamine, and conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Further charges, including money laundering and drug dealing charges, are being considered ahead of future appearances.
“NZ Police is committed to putting an end to the harm organised criminal groups perpetuate across New Zealand,” says Detective Inspector Thomson.
“Operation Avon is holding those responsible to account following a meticulous investigation and coordinated response.
“Pivotally, arresting every member of the chapter will put an end to their unwanted presence in our Christchurch community.”
The meaning of retirement is changing. It’s no longer just about saying goodbye to work - it’s now an opportunity to try something new or keep doing what you love. Rather than hanging up their hats, many of today’s retirees are redefining this phase by staying active through part-time jobs, … View moreThe meaning of retirement is changing. It’s no longer just about saying goodbye to work - it’s now an opportunity to try something new or keep doing what you love. Rather than hanging up their hats, many of today’s retirees are redefining this phase by staying active through part-time jobs, volunteering, or even launching new careers.
Living in a retirement village doesn’t necessarily mean you’re done with work either; rather, it offers the opportunity to explore different activities, pursue long-held passions, and discover new interests. In fact, many people find the lifestyle gives them more freedom to stay engaged and active through work they enjoy.
Click read more for the full story.
Wills St Ashburton - opposite Events Centre - Saturday 31 August 8am to 3 pm - Household and kitchen items - Books - Computer items and Printers etc
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…