323 days ago

Anna and Adam

The Team from Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi

"I went to Australia in 2010 with the intention of being there six months. I got offered a full time job as an assistant winemaker, so I decided to stay. Our winery wasn't set up for processing our whites, we did it at a contract facility which was Adam's work and I met Adam there.
I always wanted to one day have my own brand. We came up with a concept while we were in Australia, it was a little side project. Each variety has its own native bird. That was one priority; to have a really distinctive label.

We moved back to New Zealand in 2020.

We were looking around Christchurch and I stumbled on Riverside Market. We approached them about putting in a cellar door. We did a pop up in September 2020 that did really well, so we decided to give it a shot. My dad is a retired builder, and all the bar tops came off an oak tree that got cut down on my neighbours property growing up.
I grew up between Christchurch and North Canterbury, I love the lifestyle here, I'm not a big city girl. I’ve always been a runner. I run because I love it and plan adventures around it for the challenge. We love hiking and take our dog Pippin as well.

Adam loves his golf…."

- Anna

"I do like playing golf. If I'm managing my time well, I’ll play a couple of times a week.

I went to Adelaide University, Anna went to Lincoln. Once I finally got into the industry and got a job with people that had some belief in me, I got more and more passionate about it.

Wine making is something we are very comfortable with. We are very much aligned with our wine making styles. The name comes from us having fun making the wines. With a lot of pretentiousness around wine, we wanted to steer away from that. so we came up with ‘Mischief’ over a few wines whilst holidaying in Arrowtown.

We're just coming up to vintage, So another year of making new wines. Between February and May, don't try and book us in for anything. It's just not gonna happen. At the end of that period, you wonder why you do it, but once you get into it, you look forward to it each year.

I've only ever seen Christchurch after the earthquakes. Being part of the community at Riverside we’ve watched the city rejuvenate. it's a really vibrant place to be, there's a strong heartbeat in the City.”

- Adam

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More messages from your neighbours
13 days ago

Please Share This Story From Otautahi Newsroom Far and Wide To Help These Men

Mark and Rachael from Upper Riccarton

Otautahi Newsroom

Concerns are being raised about the safety, care standards, and duty of care at a Comcare-supported residential flat in Bishopdale, Christchurch, where vulnerable older men with significant mental health conditions are living.

An advocate speaking on behalf of four residents , says the men are experiencing ongoing intimidation, alleged abuse, and serious safety risks within the flat. The residents are described as having limited capacity to advocate for themselves and have asked for help to bring the situation to public attention.

The flat houses five male residents, all aged over 60 and all considered vulnerable adults with psychiatric illnesses. It is alleged that one resident, I (64), has displayed escalating aggressive and intimidating behaviour over a period of approximately five years. According to reports from residents and those advocating for them, this behaviour has included verbal threats, alleged physical incidents, repeated boundary violations, and conduct that has left others living in fear.

Reported incidents include police attendance following an alleged knife-related event and theft of personal property, an incident in which one resident was allegedly restrained in his bed, repeated verbal intimidation, and unauthorised entry into other residents’ bedrooms. There are also claims that staff members have been assaulted or felt unsafe attending the property, with some reportedly conducting visits from outside the flat due to safety concerns.

Advocates say the ongoing situation has had a severe impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of the affected residents. All four men report feeling unsafe in their own home, with some considering leaving the property despite believing they should not be forced out of housing they were promised would be safe and stable.

One resident, D, who has both mental health needs and a heart condition, is said to have taken on an informal role trying to protect others. Advocates argue this is inappropriate and unsafe, stating that residents should not be expected to manage high-risk situations without professional support. They also claim that Comcare has breached contractual commitments to provide safe, peaceful, and stable housing.

Further concerns have been raised about the suitability of the property itself. The Bishopdale house was originally a four-bedroom home with one bathroom but was altered to accommodate a fifth resident by converting a sunroom into a bedroom. Critics argue that having one toilet for five men over the age of 63 is inadequate and compromises dignity, health, and wellbeing.

There are also claims from a family member of a former resident that care provided to her terminally ill brother at the property was insufficient, adding to broader concerns about oversight and duty of care.

Despite multiple complaints reportedly being lodged with agencies, advocates say they have seen no meaningful action. They are now calling for urgent intervention, including:
• Immediate rehousing of resident I into a 24-hour staffed care facility, dementia care, or appropriate hospital setting
• An urgent, independent investigation into Comcare’s management of the Bishopdale property
• Assessment of whether elder abuse or neglect is occurring
• A full review of duty of care, risk management, and safeguarding practices
• Immediate measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the remaining residents

Advocates warn that without urgent action, there is a serious risk of harm. They say the men deserve to live without fear and with appropriate care that protects their dignity, mental health, and quality of life.

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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?
  • 59.8% Yes, supporting people is important!
    59.8% Complete
  • 25.8% No, individuals should take responsibility
    25.8% Complete
  • 14.4% ... It is complicated
    14.4% Complete
898 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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