McLeans and Coutts Islands, Christchurch

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2 days ago

Poll: Would you want an unconventional funeral?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Funerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts … View moreFunerals can cost as much as $22,000 and the planning can be stressful especially at a time when loved ones are grieving. Some New Zealanders are re-imagining funerals by making their own coffin or having a relaxed ceremony at home. Would you want a less traditional funeral? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Would you want an unconventional funeral?
  • 84.6% Yes
    84.6% Complete
  • 13.4% No
    13.4% Complete
  • 2% Other - I'll share below!
    2% Complete
1425 votes
1 day ago

Poll: Who is the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who… View more
It's clear that small businesses can really be the backbone of a community. It’s been a joy to read the Prospa Local Business Hero nominations from around the country and we’ve now decided upon eight finalists.

With $10,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, it's up to you to decide who deserves the title of 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero.

So have a read of the nominations below and cast your vote...

Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
Hawkes Bay
'On Feb 14, 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle flooded many of the rural areas. Puketapu Hotel went under perhaps half a meter of water. However, immediately Mary Danielson and her son, Sam Danielson, along with their loyal staff pulled it together to cook copious amounts of food that without electricity would have been wasted. Throughout the years many of us have been treated with a pub gathering where we can reconnect and a free meal. At Christmas there was Santa, games, gifts for kids, donated patchwork for adults, an ice cream truck and lots of camaraderie.
This February on the cyclone anniversary, they again pulled out the stops to give hundreds of us a special night. We are all tired of the cyclone cleanup and they understood that it was needed.'

Ian Harvey (& Des Banks) - Flower Bazaar
Christchurch
'I'd like to nominate my local florist, Ian and Des at Flower Bazaar on Innes Rd, Chirstchurch. The friendliest guys you could meet, always supporting their fellow retailers in the area and going above and beyond for their customers. They know my family well, and when my mother sadly passed away last July they even went out of their way to close the shop and come to her memorial service. With cost of living issues for a lot of us nowadays, it can't be easy for small businesses, especially those not selling everyday essentials. It's important we support each other and keep these little guys afloat. I can't sing their praises enough. I hope they win something, they really do deserve it.'

Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
Whangārei
'The proprietor of this business is so kind. She will come to your home or business to discuss your need for repairs alterations or bespoke requirement. As it is often impossible to give a quote for work to do with tailoring she will give a guesstimate, if her time exceed this figure, she will charge that figure no more. But if the work takes less time, this will be the figure. Also, a client who eventually came to Vivienne had taken, a dress she very much liked, to another repair and alteration business who messed it up. Vivienne adjusted to fit well, straightened the one to straight back seam as well as other adjustments. She spent hours on it but charged well less than this time, due to empathy for the disappointment created by the bad job. Vivienne Shepherd is truly focused on doing the best by her clients. She definitely pursues excellence.'

Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
Palmerston North
'He consistently turns out a wide range of biscuits on the shelves in both standard AND gluten free versions - he's our go-to when we need a treat to take to dinner at a longtime friend's place who requires gluten free food. His specialty is gingerbread of course and he sells Gingerbread House kitsets to people all over NZ!
The shop is small but inviting and he keeps loyalty cards for regular customers, bonus treats! I only found out recently that he struggled with dyslexia and left school early, but is a born baker and has gone from strength to strength. Long may he practice his craft!'

Alicia Sinclair & the Team - Atawhai Industries
New Plymouth
'Definitely Atawhai Industries New Plymouth. Great crew and management. Prompt service, experienced skilled workers who are cheerful and polite. I was very impressed with the dangerous job they had to do for me and will definitely be calling them for future work. They do so much for the community and help get work for people who would otherwise have difficulties.'

Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
Wellington
'I'd like to nominate Jitesh & Hine at Creswick Foodmarket, Northland. Their tidy shop has everything one might need. And if what I am looking for is not there, they consider bringing it in for me. This avoids a lot of travelling across town for me. They also are very community-minded, contributing quietly to events and kids club. I'm glad they are in my community.'

Nicola Read & Team - Read Bros - Hardware
Thames
'I'd like to nominate Read Bros in Thames. The staff are so knowledgeable and helpful. If it's not in stock they will order it in for you. There you get treated as a person, rather than a number.'

Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
Dunedin
'I'd like to nominate Ayers Shoe Repairs in Hillside Road of Dunedin. They repair many things, not just shoes. Paul does a great job at a very reasonable price. They rang me as soon as my job was ready to collect. They are friendly and helpful.'

Vote for your pick in the poll below...

Who is the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero?
  • 46.6% Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
    46.6% Complete
  • 10.4% Ian Harvey - Flower Bazaar
    10.4% Complete
  • 5.2% Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
    5.2% Complete
  • 11.6% Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
    11.6% Complete
  • 4.8% The Team - Atawhai Industries
    4.8% Complete
  • 9.6% Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
    9.6% Complete
  • 2.4% Nicola Read & Team - Read Bros Hardware
    2.4% Complete
  • 9.2% Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
    9.2% Complete
249 votes
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7 days ago

Baby knitting

Lesley from Bishopdale

At night while watching TV I knit baby cardys, bootees, beanies and have a couple of bags that I would like to donate to a worthy cause. It is all wool and would range from newborn to about 6mths old.
Would anyone have any suggestions for a place that would appreciate it.

1 day ago

Thinking of going duck hunting this year?

Te Tari Pūreke

Hi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.

Make this duck season a great one by … View more
Hi neighbours - to those of you taking part in the opening weekend of duck season, or beyond, the team at Te Tari Pūreke – Firearms Safety Authority hope you will stay safe. We’ve got some simple hints, tips and useful links on our hunter safety page.

Make this duck season a great one by following the seven rules of firearms safety. We urge duck hunters to treat every shotgun in the maimai as loaded, and to save the drinks until after firearms have been safely locked away for the day. Remember, it takes more than luck to bag a duck.

Mike McIlraith – Director of Partnerships
Find out more

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8 hours ago

Amberley Beach’s potential lifeline against rising seas

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

A proposal to build a coastal bund to protect Amberley Beach in Canterbury from rising sea levels has received support from the Hurunui District Council.

Councillors agreed in principle to support a residents’ proposal to debt fund some of the cost of… View more
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

A proposal to build a coastal bund to protect Amberley Beach in Canterbury from rising sea levels has received support from the Hurunui District Council.

Councillors agreed in principle to support a residents’ proposal to debt fund some of the cost of building a new protection bund, at a council meeting on Tuesday.

A bund is a type of embankment which protects against the sea.

The proposal followed the council’s adoption of the Amberley Beach Coastal Adaptation Plan in June last year to protect the 109 properties in the beach settlement from sea level rise and coastal erosion.

‘‘The adaptation plan looks at a bund as the primary option in the short to medium term,’’ chief executive Hamish Dobbie said.

‘‘By agreeing in principle to approving debt funding, it will give the community some certainty as they move forward.’’

He said the residents approached the council with a proposal to increase their targeted rate from $252 to $304 a year.

Initial estimates suggested a new bund would cost between $450,000 and $650,000.

The new bund was expected to have a life of 30 years and would be more durable than the existing gravel bund, which was built in 1993.

‘‘The plan is to build a bund with a wearable base, which can be rebuilt from the back,’’ Dobbie said.

A fund has been established from the existing targeted rate, which would leave a shortfall of between $120,000 to $320,000.

Dobbie said the proposed increase to the targeted rate was expected to pay off the loan over 10 years.

He said the council would seek Government funding to offset the loan.

‘‘There are several national funds we could apply for, but the beach community is not an incorporated society, so the council would need to apply on its behalf.’’

South ward councillors Pauline White and Vanessa McPherson praised the Amberley Beach residents for being ‘‘proactive’’ in coming up with solutions.

‘‘This is a really proactive community which has taken it upon themselves to protect themselves,’’ White said.

‘‘This community has been proactive in seeking out the best engineering design and materials to make this project work.’’

The targeted rate for the Amberley Beach bund was set by the council each year, based on a recommendation from the residents.

The coastal adaptation plan has a clause where residents would need to consider another option, such as ‘‘proactive relocation’’, if the targeted rate for the bund exceeded $750 per household per year.

A report will be presented to the council for approval, once the final cost of the new bund has been established.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

12 hours ago

Are you fascinated by fossils?

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

Bones, teeth and other fossilised animal remains that have taken nearly 25 years to collect will soon be displayed in Hamilton.

City man Vance Smith has amassed about $15,000 worth of fossils and is opening a museum-shop in Frankton in May to share his passion.

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12 hours ago

What do you think about the number of alcohol outlets in your area?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Te Kauwhata locals have won a major victory against the spread of booze shops in the north Waikato village.
In a just released decision, Waikato district’s licensing committee has knocked back an application to establish a Bottle-O outlet on Main Rd beside the library after receiving 81 … View more
Te Kauwhata locals have won a major victory against the spread of booze shops in the north Waikato village.
In a just released decision, Waikato district’s licensing committee has knocked back an application to establish a Bottle-O outlet on Main Rd beside the library after receiving 81 objections.

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12 hours ago

How do you think farm monitoring should be funded?

Libby Totton Reporter from Piako Post

Matamata-Piako District Council is weighing in on a proposed regional council rates change for Waikato farmers.

The Waikato Regional Plan has over 70 permitted activity rules, several of which relate to effluent and sediment discharges and are subject to proactive monitoring. As part of its Long… View more
Matamata-Piako District Council is weighing in on a proposed regional council rates change for Waikato farmers.

The Waikato Regional Plan has over 70 permitted activity rules, several of which relate to effluent and sediment discharges and are subject to proactive monitoring. As part of its Long Term Plan, Waikato Regional Council is proposing to change how it funds this monitoring.

Part of the new proposal is the introduction of a new primary industry compliance rate which will be assessed against all properties 20 hectares or greater in area.

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12 hours ago

How do you think farm monitoring should be funded?

Libby Totton Reporter from Matamata Chronicle

Matamata-Piako District Council is weighing in on a proposed regional council rates change for Waikato farmers.

The Waikato Regional Plan has over 70 permitted activity rules, several of which relate to effluent and sediment discharges and are subject to proactive monitoring. As part of its Long… View more
Matamata-Piako District Council is weighing in on a proposed regional council rates change for Waikato farmers.

The Waikato Regional Plan has over 70 permitted activity rules, several of which relate to effluent and sediment discharges and are subject to proactive monitoring. As part of its Long Term Plan, Waikato Regional Council is proposing to change how it funds this monitoring.


Part of the new proposal is the introduction of a new primary industry compliance rate which will be assessed against all properties 20 hectares or greater in area.

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2 days ago

Do good in the dark times

Manaaki Tāngata | Victim Support

In the darkest of times, no one should have to cope alone. Victim Support seeks volunteers like you to step up and step in, to offer vital assistance when it’s needed most. Whether it's providing crucial information or just being there to listen, your support can change lives.

Share your … View more
In the darkest of times, no one should have to cope alone. Victim Support seeks volunteers like you to step up and step in, to offer vital assistance when it’s needed most. Whether it's providing crucial information or just being there to listen, your support can change lives.

Share your skills, time and compassion to directly help victims of crime, suicide and traumatic events.

Volunteer with us and do good in the dark times!

With heartfelt thanks,
The Victim Support Team
Find out more

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14 hours ago

Celebrating Our Resident Authors On World Book Day

Woodcote Retirement Village

It was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.

They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!

View more
It was World Book Day on the 23rd of April, so what better time to celebrate some of our talented residents who have published books.

They range from children’s books, to poems, from non-fiction to a first novel - and all are proof that there is no age limit when it comes to creativity!

Click read more for the full story.

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2 days ago

Smart, luxury homes for first-home Turnkey buyers!

Kevler Homes

The unique Kevler approach: The innovative Kevler method accelerates the journey from ground-breaking to key handover, cutting wait times significantly.

This means you step into your new home sooner than ever. Our dedication to excellence and efficiency means we provide enhanced features at no … View more
The unique Kevler approach: The innovative Kevler method accelerates the journey from ground-breaking to key handover, cutting wait times significantly.

This means you step into your new home sooner than ever. Our dedication to excellence and efficiency means we provide enhanced features at no extra cost, turning your dream home into reality with high-end finishes and special touches included as standard.
Find out more

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1 day ago

Black & Ivory with Black Velvet Bedroom/ Slipper Chair -Newly Reupholstered

Penny from Papanui

www.trademe.co.nz...
Listed on TM as well.Click on the link for all the info. Thanks

Negotiable

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4 days ago
A
1 day ago

Garden Hose Holder / Electrical Extension Cord Holder

Amadeus from Redwood

Garden Hose Holder / Electrical Extension Cord Holder
Helps keep the garage and garden shed tidy
Stops your garden hose and/or electrical extension cords getting ruined

You can wheel it to wherever you need to use it as well - saves you having to carry it especially if its heavy

5 available… View more
Garden Hose Holder / Electrical Extension Cord Holder
Helps keep the garage and garden shed tidy
Stops your garden hose and/or electrical extension cords getting ruined

You can wheel it to wherever you need to use it as well - saves you having to carry it especially if its heavy

5 available - Free delivery in Christchurch Metro area included.

Price: $180

4 days ago

The Building Guys

The Team from The Building Guys

Call us today! If you’re looking for a friendly family run business with over 35 years renovation experience then choose us.

We are based in East Auckland and have a team of good qualified people – Jade (the builder), Kelvin (the plumber), Chevi (the electrician) and Russell (the tiler) to … View more
Call us today! If you’re looking for a friendly family run business with over 35 years renovation experience then choose us.

We are based in East Auckland and have a team of good qualified people – Jade (the builder), Kelvin (the plumber), Chevi (the electrician) and Russell (the tiler) to do every job right. Our team follows industry guidelines on coronavirus safety procedures to keep your family protected.

Book online using the link below or call Lucy on 021 022 55 388 for a chat about your amazing renovation plans.

Be safe!
Find out more

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6 days ago

Lest we forget...

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love … View more
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.

Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.

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7 days ago

Anzac Day

Anzac Day

There are opportunities across the motu for the public to come together to mark Anzac Day this year.

National Anzac Day events include the Dawn Service at 6.00am and the National Commemorative Service at 11.00am (both at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, Wellington), and the Atatürk Memorial … View more
There are opportunities across the motu for the public to come together to mark Anzac Day this year.

National Anzac Day events include the Dawn Service at 6.00am and the National Commemorative Service at 11.00am (both at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, Wellington), and the Atatürk Memorial Service at 2.30pm in Strathmore, Wellington. The Dawn Service and National Commemorative Service will be broadcast live by TVNZ 1 and RNZ National.

For those wanting to join the Anzac Day parade at the Dawn Service, veterans are asked to assemble on Tasman Street by 5.30am.

The Atatürk Memorial Service in Strathmore will include a wreath-laying ceremony. A shuttle service will be running from Bowes Crescent carpark to the memorial site for anyone who may require assistance accessing the site.

For more information about Anzac Day, visit the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage website or see the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park Facebook page.

To find out about events in your local community, visit the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association’s website or get in touch with your local council.
Find out more

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9 days ago

Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your … View more
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Does the building consent process need to change?
  • 91.3% Yes
    91.3% Complete
  • 8.1% No
    8.1% Complete
  • 0.6% Other - I'll share below!
    0.6% Complete
1754 votes
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