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Just for a little bit of fun, we'd love to know whether Kiwis believe in ghosts. What goes on in our communities that we don't know about!
Perhaps you've seen a ghost or lived in a haunted home in New Zealand. We'd love to know, so vote in our poll and share your experiences … View moreJust for a little bit of fun, we'd love to know whether Kiwis believe in ghosts. What goes on in our communities that we don't know about!
Perhaps you've seen a ghost or lived in a haunted home in New Zealand. We'd love to know, so vote in our poll and share your experiences in the comments below.
Give your decor a twist with some two-toned clay candleholders in an array of Resene testpot paint colours.
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Father’s Day is just one week away! This year, give him a gift that truly keeps on giving: a magazine subscription. We've curated a special collection just for Father’s Day that he's bound to love. Plus, enjoy the added bonus of free shipping throughout New Zealand.
… View moreFather’s Day is just one week away! This year, give him a gift that truly keeps on giving: a magazine subscription. We've curated a special collection just for Father’s Day that he's bound to love. Plus, enjoy the added bonus of free shipping throughout New Zealand.
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Many of us are sentimental about our childhoods and lives, and some even collect things to remember moments or people.
Share what you've held on to over the years and whether you still have it today. Feel free to share photos too, we'd love to see.
Delmaine Fine Foods and Woolworths brand antipasto products are being recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
This includes Delmaine, Woolworths packaged antipasto products and deli antipasto mix.
"The concern with these products is that they may contain… View moreDelmaine Fine Foods and Woolworths brand antipasto products are being recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
This includes Delmaine, Woolworths packaged antipasto products and deli antipasto mix.
"The concern with these products is that they may contain Listeria, which can cause serious illness in pregnant people and their unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
These products should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund or throw them out.
The following products, within the date markings below, are affected by this recall:
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Five Olive Mix (200g) with a use-by between 16/10/24 - 20/11/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Jumbo Olive Selection (200g) with a use-by between 9/10/24 - 27/11/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Pitted Olive Medley (180g) with a use-by between 9/10/24 - 4/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Stuffed Olive Mix (160g) with a use-by of 5/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Mediterranean Antipasto Mix (215g) with a use-by between 16/10/24-20/11/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Feta (150g) with a use-by between 10/10/24 - 4/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Stuffed Red Peppers (190g) with a use-by between 24/10/24 - 5/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes (200g) with a use-by between 10/10/24 - 4/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes (270g) with a use-by between 7/04/25 - 30/04/25
Woolworths brand Feta and Sundried Tomatoes (200g) with a use-by between 21/11/24 - 25/12/24
Woolworths brand Greek Mix (200g) with a use-by between 20/11/24 - 1/01/25
Woolworths brand Olive Selection (200g) with a use-by between 13/11/24 - 25/12/24
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Mediterranean Mix, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Italian Mix, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Sundried Tomatoes, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Delmaine Fine Foods brand Marinated Feta & Sundried Tomatoes, sold from Woolworths Deli between 22 July 2024 – 23 August 2024
Deirdre loves cooking and enjoys teaching kids about food - something she does three times at week at the Busy Bees Kindergarten in Havelock North. We spoke to her while she whipped up a batch of cheese puffs in her townhouse at James Wattie Village.
Watch her journey of teaching, retirement … View moreDeirdre loves cooking and enjoys teaching kids about food - something she does three times at week at the Busy Bees Kindergarten in Havelock North. We spoke to her while she whipped up a batch of cheese puffs in her townhouse at James Wattie Village.
Watch her journey of teaching, retirement and still working. Plus, we’ve included the recipe to her cheese puffs which were gobbled up by our camera crew because they’re delicious!
Click read more for the full recipe.
Introducing a congestion charge along State Highway 1 in Ashburton would not fix the town's traffic problems says the mayor.
The Government has announced it will bring in legislation that will allow councils to introduce congestion charges in their regions.
Transport Minister Simeon … View moreIntroducing a congestion charge along State Highway 1 in Ashburton would not fix the town's traffic problems says the mayor.
The Government has announced it will bring in legislation that will allow councils to introduce congestion charges in their regions.
Transport Minister Simeon Brown said councils will be able to apply to introduce “time-of-use schemes” that are focused on increasing productivity and improving the efficiency of traffic flow.
“Local councils will propose schemes in their region, with the NZ Transport Agency leading the design of the schemes in partnership with councils to provide strong oversight and to ensure motorists benefit from these schemes.”
Any scheme will require approval from the Government, he said.
But Ashburton mayor Neil Brown has immediately hit the brakes on the idea, saying it wouldn’t be the right fit.
“I don’t think it would work in Ashburton,” mayor Brown said.
Ashburton’s congestion occurs around the Ashburton/Hakatere River Bridge.
“The times people travel over the bridge are either going from home to work or school or from work and school back home.
“Those times are set, so putting a congestion charge on the bridge at those times would only inconvenience people.
“It would be collecting money and making no difference as people need to travel at those times.”
Congestion charging is aimed at reducing traffic at peak times by incentivising people to avoid peak times if possible, mayor Brown said.
“I think people already do that in Ashburton.
“I don’t think congestion charging will sort our issue.”
He said that the planned second bridge would alleviate some of the congestion along State Highway 1.
Congestion charging could be a tool to raise money for the second bridge but a more likely scenario is introducing a road toll.
“[The minister] has mentioned it multiple times before and he is not backing down on it,” mayor Brown said.
“He’s said they are going to bring them in and the planned roads of national significance will all be tolled.”
Ashburton’s planned second bridge is listed as a road of regional significance but the transport minister has strongly hinted that a toll could be an option to pay for its construction - whether it be on the existing State Highway 1 bridge or the second bridge.
Mayor Brown said he “remains neutral on tolls” until it is known how they will be implemented and who it will impact.
“The devil will be in the details as to whether it’s a good fit.
“But these big new infrastructure projects across New Zealand have to be paid for somehow.”
****What do councillors think?
Ashburton District councillors were asked if they felt congestion charging would be a good fit in Ashburton, or if a bridge toll was a better option.
About congestion charging, Tony Todd said: “Let’s wait until we have congestion.
“At the moment it’s not an issue”. Putting a tolling on one bridge would just divert cars to the non-tolled bridge so “it’s not an option”.
Carolyn Cameron would probably not support congestion charges given the cost of living pressures and that it could hurt businesses located in the CBD.
She is “sure a toll will be discussed” in the upcoming bridge conversations.
“I am hoping the Government will fund this bridge and the local community will not have to pay a toll to cross this essential piece of National infrastructure.
“In my view, this is a national project and the cost should not fall on local users.”
Richard Wilson is not a fan of congestion charges.
“The new bridge is an essential part of our national roading network and should be funded by all New Zealanders.
“Charges at peak times may result in extra costs to businesses and employees travelling to and from workplaces. We need to increase productivity in New Zealand not reduce it.”
Phill Hooper wants to wait and hear what the Government has to say about funding before giving tolls and congestion charges any thought.
Leen Braam said the region needs the second bridge: "Not only for Ashburton but also to have a better connection to and for the rest of the country.”
Liz McMillan said if having a toll is only way the Government would fund the bridge then she supported it, as long as it wasn’t a big cost for ratepayers.
Rob Mackle said he wouldn’t support either option.
No response was received from Russell Ellis and Lynette Lovett.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The removal of 31 bollards on a trial basis at a Canterbury picnic area has been signed off, but not everyone is happy about the compromise.
Ashburton's council faced a community backlash when it installed bollards at the Upper Hakatere … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The removal of 31 bollards on a trial basis at a Canterbury picnic area has been signed off, but not everyone is happy about the compromise.
Ashburton's council faced a community backlash when it installed bollards at the Upper Hakatere Reserve in February 2023, blocking cars from the area. It also introduced a camping ban in the upper reserve.
In a compromise between the council and locals, Hakatere reserve working group agreed to remove some of the bollards to allow parking in the picnic area on a trial basis. The height of the remaining bollards will be reduced.
However, camping would remain prohibited at the upper Hakatere reserve.
Working group chairperson councillor Russel Ellis said some Hakatere Huts residents were still not happy with the decision of no camping and they wanted all the bollards removed.
Councillor Lynette Lovett said she was also aware of some mixed feelings among the hut holders but ultimately it came to the council to make the decision.
The decision made “was a good compromise” she said.
“We have to look at what the ones living down there want and we also have to look at the wider community of Ashburton that goes down there and enjoys that space as well.”
The working group’s recommendation – to remove some of the bollards and that camping remains prohibited on the reserve - was approved by council on Tuesday, after it had revoked the previous decision based on an incorrect recommendation on June 26.
The bollards will be removed and the situation will be monitored over summer.
Additional 'no camping' signage will also be placed at the picnic area.
New signs at the entrance to Upper Hakatere Road will direct campers to the Lower Hakatere camping site and picnickers to the upper site.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A councillor fears it might be “too little, too late” for a Canterbury lake as council officials investigate whether a new resource consent could replenish its depleted water levels.
The Ashburton District Council called for a report to … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
A councillor fears it might be “too little, too late” for a Canterbury lake as council officials investigate whether a new resource consent could replenish its depleted water levels.
The Ashburton District Council called for a report to understand the potential costs and implications of applying for the consent to re-establish the Balmacaan Stream diversion to help top up Lake Camp.
The lake's water level has dropped considerably, sparking a community campaign to restore its historic water source – a diversion of the Balmacaan Stream, which had a resource consent up until 2020.
Councillor Rob Mackle said he was frustrated that a potentially drawn-out and expensive fresh resource consent application process would have no guarantee of being approved.
“I have grave concerns that this process going forward is going to be too little too late.”
Chief executive Hamish Riach said the report will take at least a month to collate all the information.
It had been made abundantly clear the need for “various studies and reports to be done as part of any consent application”, Riach said.
As well as considering a myriad of things for the application, the report will consider the time required to prepare the paperwork and how long it could take for Environment Canterbury (ECan) to process it.
“Our report will try to canvass all of that process, try to put an estimate of cost on it and give you an idea of time.
“It might even reflect on the chances of success.”
It will also consider impacts as if it was publicly notified, and any objections or appeals could mean the process could take years and have "significant costs”.
Councillor Russel Ellis was cautious of giving “false hope to those who most want this” as the council was only investigating the application, not committing to undertaking it.
Mayor Neil Brown said the report only outlined the work and cost that will be required, and there would be “one more decision after that” if the council wanted to proceed with an application.
At the Lake Camp workshop a week earlier, councillor Mackle grilled ECan, DOC, and Fish and Game representatives over what he described as inaction, going as far as accusing them of “turning their backs on the lake” - a claim they all refuted.
ECan advised the councillors at the workshop that in relation to Lake Camp there are three activities that require resource consent when applying the rules set out within the Resource Management Act and the Canterbury Water and Land Regional Plan: the taking of water; discharging it to another waterway; and the works/building of a structure in a waterway.
Riach said the workshop made it clear the diversion required consent.
“There is no path I can see for really quick, 'needs to be done now' action [as this] involves a complicated and potentially contentious consent.
“It also requires a permit from DOC, so the consent is not the only regulatory approval that is needed.”
Without the consent and approval to reinstate the diversion “nothing will happen” Riach said.
Councillor Lynette Lovett believed the council “has the responsibility to look at it” for the benefit of the community and the whole district.
Councillor Carolyn Cameron didn’t want to enter an “exercise in futility” but supported the report outlining the expectations for any application to help councillors and the community understand what is required.
Councillor Richard Wilson wants the report to thoroughly consider all aspects and what is involved in the process to fully understand the risks and ramifications so the councillors can make an informed decision.
Councillor Liz McMillan said that after hearing from the public and a lot of different people, seeking the report is moving in the right direction.
Yes, we love our backyards and think our town is pretty cool but what is there to do?
Imagine you were writing a list for visitors/tourists and want to show them the best that your town can offer in winter. What would you suggest?
Moving into a serviced apartment at Ryman means there’s less time spent cooking and cleaning, and more time for family and friends.
Feel safe and secure at a Ryman village, where beautiful gardens provide the backdrop for a host of on-site amenities.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton may not have a Māori ward, but that hasn't stopped councillors weighing in on the national debate.
The Ashburton District Council plans to vote against a remit this week from Local Government NZ that would challenge the … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton may not have a Māori ward, but that hasn't stopped councillors weighing in on the national debate.
The Ashburton District Council plans to vote against a remit this week from Local Government NZ that would challenge the Government's new Māori ward polling rule.
The Ashburton District did not consider adding a Māori ward during its representation review as it is one of a dozen councils that did not have a sufficient Māori electoral population, less than 5% of the general voting population, to qualify for a Māori ward.
New legislation requires councils that established Māori wards without a referendum to now decide whether to keep their ward or get rid of it.
If they wish to keep their Māori ward, the council must hold a binding poll at the 2025 local body elections.
Minister of Local Government Simeon Brown said it put an end to the divisive changes under the previous Government and gave the choice back to communities.
However, the new policy has been met with opposition with local leaders set to debate the topic at the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference in Wellington this week.
Two of the eight remits being considered by LGNZ members relate to Māori wards.
Members will vote on whether local government constituencies and wards should not be subject to referendum and the entrenchment of Māori wards seats for local government.
The remits were discussed at the Ashburton District Council meeting on Tuesday, with the councillors voting not to support either of the remits.
Councillor Richard Wilson said it should be “one person one vote”.
“I don’t support picking our democracy by race.
“Everybody in this room represents everybody in the district regardless of race, creed, social background, everything.”
Councillor Tony Todd said the Government is allowing communities to have a say on Māori wards.
“It was during the last government, where Minister [Nanaia] Mahuta changed the rules and in my mind she was the one who overreached and brought it on to councils only to make the decision.
“It should be a community decision whether we have Māori wards or not.”
A majority of the councillors voted not to support the Māori ward referendum remit.
There was a unanimous vote not to support the remit on the entrenchment of Māori wards.
Todd said a Government should not entrench anything into law.
Wilson agreed, saying it should be up to the Government of the day to make decisions because things can change over time.
Ashburton has also pushed a remit for ‘graduated driver licensing system’, which would provide greater testing capacity in key locations throughout New Zealand.
The council also voted to support three other remits: Giving local government greater power to stop the deterioration of empty buildings; appropriate funding models for central government initiatives; and GST revenue sharing with local government.
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s bike skills park project has the wobbles, with a $400,000 hill to climb.
A funding grant application for the detailed design of the learn-to-ride cycling facility in the Ashburton Domain was denied and delayed the progress of the … View moreBy local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s bike skills park project has the wobbles, with a $400,000 hill to climb.
A funding grant application for the detailed design of the learn-to-ride cycling facility in the Ashburton Domain was denied and delayed the progress of the project.
Ashburton deputy mayor Liz McMillan is on the project’s working group that is looking at forming a trust so that the group can apply for its own funding.
“We applied for quite a bit of funding but we didn’t get it so now we are looking at options,” McMillan said.
The project needs $400,000 to push ahead.
“It’s not a small amount of money and the longer we wait the more it is going to go up probably,” McMillan said.
The Ashburton District Council approved the Ashburton Domain as the location last year and then approved the initial concept plans in May.
The design and construction of the bike skills park will be paid for by the local service clubs and community organisations driving the project.
A bike skills park working group, a combination of clubs, organisations, and council representatives, had produced the initial concept design.
They have already received resource consent and need to complete the detailed design – which will include a second cost estimate, before going out for tender.
“The next step is getting the funding for the detailed design and to get a project manager on board to steer the project.
“We have a good plan in place. It’s just the funding going forward,” McMillan said.
“It’s just how it is at the moment, there are a lot of people looking for funding and a lot of projects out there.”
The “group of groups” are going to form a trust to make it an easier process to apply for funding grants McMillan said.
Councillor Tony Todd is also on the working group and is helping start the process of forming a trust that he had estimated will take about two months and then they can start applying to the various charity grants.
There is no timeline attached to the project as yet while they look to secure funding McMillan said.
“We want to get all the funding before we start building it.”
The bike skills park in the Ashburton domain is for the community to learn cycling skills and road safety.
It will have a flat street circuit, a 3m wide asphalt ‘road’ with line marking to enable two-way traffic, that will feature a range of road signs and crossings reflecting common Ashburton traffic features – including a rail crossing.
The street circuit connects to the existing pump track that will be reformed, with, an elevated lookout and seating area.
There will also be an off-road woodland trail circuit, located around the existing trees, connecting to the street circuit over a cattlestop.
We're looking for delicious rhubarb recipes to feature in NZ Gardener. Send your family's favourite ways to enjoy this crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by August 31, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the November issue of NZ Gardener.
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