563 days ago

Leak in Ashburton’s new library

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Buckets in Ashburton’s new library aren’t for playing with, or an art installation.

They are to deal with a leak in Te Whare Whakatere, the Ashburton District Council's new library and civic centre that opened in January.

Chief executive Hamish Riach confirmed that there had been some minor leaking from the glass atrium above the Pioneer Hall.

“The location appears to be at the edge of the flashing and it may be connected to recent work to replace a nearby double-glazed window.

“It will be fixed as soon as possible.”

The minor leak caused no damage, he said.

When the old library flooded again in November, library staff thought the move to Te Whare Whakatere marked the end of their water-woes.

Library manager Jill Watson has been at the library since 1975 and said at the time it was the worst flooding in the building she had seen, and hopefully the last.

The old building had become prone to leaking following earthquake damage.

After seven months in the new facility, heavy rain this week resulted in two buckets taking up temporary residence in the children’s library.

The historic Pioneer Hall, built in 1916, was absorbed into the new complex and converted into a children’s library.

The old red brick building retained its walls and wonky chimney but had the roof removed, opening it up to the glass atrium.

Contractors replaced a faulty double-glazed glass roof panel in June.

The internal glass on the panel cracked in February and the safety glass has held it in place until a replacement was shipped from China.

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4 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.6% Complete
  • 26% No, individuals should take responsibility
    26% Complete
  • 14.4% ... It is complicated
    14.4% Complete
909 votes
5 days ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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11 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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