1815 days ago

Terminally-ill social housing resident fears council will destroy her 'eco-refuge'

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

Lynda McKenzie has spent 16 years creating an “eco-sanctuary” at her Christchurch social housing complex.

But now she is devastated that the council could destroy her refuge – and says she is happy she won’t be around to see it chopped back.

McKenzie, who is terminally ill, has planted numerous trees around the 24-unit St Albans complex over the years, and residents now regularly see fantails, bellbirds and wood pigeons in their garden.

But last week, the property’s 24 tenants received a letter from Christchurch City Council telling them it was starting work imminently to remove some trees and heavily prune others.

What do you think should happen to McKenzie's "eco-sanctuary"?

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More messages from your neighbours
6 hours ago

The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand

Summer Kiwi Quiz - 2026

Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!

Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here

The Team at Stuff
Enter Here

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3 days ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

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Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 10.4% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.4% Complete
  • 19.8% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    19.8% Complete
  • 69.8% Nah - not for me
    69.8% Complete
817 votes
16 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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