2842 days ago

Improve your computer skills for free

Ara Institute

Did you know, at your local Ara community computing hub you can gain computer skills for work, study and everyday life and it won’t cost you a cent!

It’s easy too. You can learn at your own pace and at times that fit around work, family and other commitments. If you’re working, you could even arrange with your employer to study during work time, as part of your professional development.

Courses include beginner, intermediate and advanced-level study in Word, Excel and Powerpoint. You can also learn how to touch-type, use the internet or make a website.
Ara’s friendly tutors will help you gain the skills you need to improve your job opportunities, become more productive at work or just get the most out of all the digital tools available to us these days.

There are five Computing For Free hubs in Christchurch and one each in Timaru and Oamaru. To get started, simply drop into your nearest hub (for locations see
ara.ac.nz/computing) or call 0800 24 24 76.
Find out more

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Got more greens than you know what to do with? 🥦🌱🥕

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Whether it’s a courgette takeover or a feijoa frenzy, don’t let those garden gems go to waste!

Our suggestion to you: Did you know you can grate and freeze excess courgettes to use in chocolate cake later? It sounds a bit dodgy, but it makes the cake incredibly moist ... and hey, it counts as a serving of veg, right? 🍫

What’s your go-to move for a bumper harvest? Drop your best "glut" recipes or preservation hacks in the comments below! 👇

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6 days ago

🪱🐦 When are you the most productive? 🌙🦉

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Post has been diving into our daily habits, and research suggests being an early bird or a night owl isn’t just a choice—it’s biology! We all have that specific time when our brains finally "click" into gear.

This raises a big question for the modern workplace. To get the best out of everyone, should employers accommodate our natural body clocks? This idea is at the heart of the four-day work week and flexible scheduling movements.

We want to hear from you:
1. When does your brain "click" into gear?
2. Would a flexible (or shortened) schedule change the way you work?

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10 days ago

☔️ Where’d the summer go?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It’s the talk of the town (and every coffee queue): the Canterbury "summer" has felt a bit wet this year! We’ve definitely had our fair share of grey skies and raincoats lately 🌧️ In fact, the Post reports that Christchurch experienced almost double our usual!

While the forecast is looking bright for this weekend (fingers crossed!), we aren't out of the woods ... there are a few more cold fronts lining up before winter hits.

We want to hear from you: What are your go-to rainy-day activities? Whether you’re a local legend at the indoor courts or a professional movie-marathoner, share your secrets with us!

Drop your favourite rainy-day tips or photos in the comments below! 👇

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