Waimairi Beach, Christchurch

865 days ago

Subscribe to Stuff's First Time Buyers' Club

Stuff

Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View more
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.

We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.

Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
Find out more

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866 days ago

What would you add to this list of budget-boosting crops?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Have you grown these veges and fruits, and what's on your list of money savers and budget boosters?

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866 days ago

Join us for a planting day at Mt Vernon Park!

Trees That Count

The Port Hills Park Trust are planting 1,500 native trees at Mt Vernon, and would love your help.

This project is part of the Trust's commitment to preserve and grow the park for everyone in Canterbury to enjoy.

Help plant to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee, and … View more
The Port Hills Park Trust are planting 1,500 native trees at Mt Vernon, and would love your help.

This project is part of the Trust's commitment to preserve and grow the park for everyone in Canterbury to enjoy.

Help plant to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee, and you'll be part of shaping this amazing recreation asset for hundreds of years to come.
Know more

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867 days ago

FREE TRAMPOLINE

Chris from Parklands - Marshlands

FREE trampoline to give away. It is setup on our lawn and would need to be taken apart but if you have a few strong guys, could just take apart some of it and take it away. Comes with ladder. Has had a lot of use but still some life in it. Bit of rust in metal (we live close to the sea) but … View moreFREE trampoline to give away. It is setup on our lawn and would need to be taken apart but if you have a few strong guys, could just take apart some of it and take it away. Comes with ladder. Has had a lot of use but still some life in it. Bit of rust in metal (we live close to the sea) but still safe enough to use. Parklands area, Bower Ave. Ring 027 723 9443 if interested.

Free

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871 days ago

65-year-old says it's wrong she gets less NZ Super for being married

The Team Reporter from The Press

A married Christchurch woman says it is “ridiculous” she is paid less New Zealand Superannuation than someone who is single and living with another adult.

A married person gets a pension of $817.32 a fortnight, before tax, compared with the $990.20 received by a person sharing with someone who… View more
A married Christchurch woman says it is “ridiculous” she is paid less New Zealand Superannuation than someone who is single and living with another adult.

A married person gets a pension of $817.32 a fortnight, before tax, compared with the $990.20 received by a person sharing with someone who is not their spouse or partner.

“I have a friend who isn't in a relationship, but she's sharing a house, and they share all the expenses, and she's going to end up getting $172.88 more than me a fortnight which is just plain wrong,” said Daphne, who did not want her last name used for privacy concerns.

The combined fortnightly payment for a couple is $1634.64.

The Ministry of Social Development said people in a relationship were more likely to share a wider range of costs and resources than a single person living with another adult.

Read the full story here and tell us what you think in the comments below.

870 days ago

Residents plead with council to resolve long-term flooding issues

The Team Reporter from The Press

Brooklands and Spencerville residents are exhausted and fed up worrying about the threat of regular flooding and are pleading with the Christchurch City Council to do something about it.

A petition, signed by 159 residents of the two settlements on the city’s northern outskirts, was presented to… View more
Brooklands and Spencerville residents are exhausted and fed up worrying about the threat of regular flooding and are pleading with the Christchurch City Council to do something about it.

A petition, signed by 159 residents of the two settlements on the city’s northern outskirts, was presented to the council on Thursday.

The residents want the council to build a stop bank around the lagoon to prevent flooding of their properties.

Community leader Amanda Neil told the council, residents were exhausted trying to maintain their resilience.

“They are worried and anxious every time the rain starts and all the more so when it continues all day and night.

”They are desperately concerned for their family’s safety and their homes which are constantly under threat of damage and further devaluation.

”They lose far too much sleep which can severely and sadly affect their mental health.”

A large part of Brooklands was red-zoned after the 2011 quake, but not all of it.

Brooklands and Spencerville were prone to flooding because they were low-lying and nestled between the Styx River and the Brooklands Lagoon, which feed into the mouth of the Waimakariri River.

Neil has been trying to get the council’s attention since being evacuated from her Brooklands home by local fire crews during a 2017 storm.

Flooding caused her outdoor power box to explode, setting a hedge on fire.

“If we continue to try living in denial, we will end up trying to live in de-Waimak.”

Neil urged the council to spend the money needed to build the stop bank.

“Hardly anyone believes any more that any help will come.”

Another resident Jan Burney urged the council to end the uncertainty and to consult with the people.

She appealed to the council to address earthquake damage, sea-level rise and climate changes to ensure sustainable outcomes for everyone.

As a result of Neil’s petition, the council requested staff advice on the issue.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel thanked Neil for her “passion and commitment”.

Dalziel pointed out that Environment Canterbury (ECan) was responsible for the Waimakariri stop banks and the city council was responsible for the Styx River banks.

Council chief executive Dawn Baxendale said she expected staff to talk with ECan and the two authorities to come to conclusions together.

In a response to questions provided to Stuff before the meeting, council planning and consents head John Higgins said it was likely the issues around Brooklands and Spencerville would be addressed as part of the council’s plan to deal with the impacts of sea level rise.

The newly established coastal hazards adaptation planning programme would begin in the Lyttelton Harbour basin in spring.

But exactly when Brooklands and Spencerville would be looked at as part of the programme had not been decided, Higgins said.

870 days ago

Love your compost? Pimp it up to win great prizes for your garden!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

To celebrate National Gardening Week (October 17-25), Yates have partnered with NZ Gardener to give away some fantastic prizes to some of the most inspirational compost builders in the country. Show us your compost setup, whether it’s tiny or huge, and the best looking compost … View more
Dear neighbours,

To celebrate National Gardening Week (October 17-25), Yates have partnered with NZ Gardener to give away some fantastic prizes to some of the most inspirational compost builders in the country. Show us your compost setup, whether it’s tiny or huge, and the best looking compost wins 1 of 9 Compost Kits (RRP $319 each).

So email through your best tip for successful compost and one photo of your composting setup to loveyourgarden@yates.co.nz by August 26, 2022 to be in to win.

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870 days ago

Ombre bedside drawers

The Team from Resene ColorShop Shirley

Use Resene Colorwood stain and colour to easily refresh a dated bedside drawer unit.

Find out how to create your own.

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870 days ago

Your whole retirement is our consideration

With the 75+ population projected to double in 20 years’ time, it’s more important than ever to choose a retirement village that is equipped to support you when you’re fully independent as well as if you need care.

That’s why Ryman villages plan ahead by offering independent living in … View more
With the 75+ population projected to double in 20 years’ time, it’s more important than ever to choose a retirement village that is equipped to support you when you’re fully independent as well as if you need care.

That’s why Ryman villages plan ahead by offering independent living in apartments and townhouses, assisted living in serviced apartments, resthome care and, in most villages, hospital and specialist dementia care.

We offer a higher ratio of care in our villages so that if your needs change, you have priority access to our care centres.
Find out more

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872 days ago

Support our Yuri Bear Project

Diana Isaac Retirement Village

Knitting needles are clicking across our villages and the wider community for the Yuri Bear project🐻❤️.

We’re aiming to knit 20,000 teddy bears for children displaced as a result of turmoil in their country.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far, but 20,000 bears is no … View more
Knitting needles are clicking across our villages and the wider community for the Yuri Bear project🐻❤️.

We’re aiming to knit 20,000 teddy bears for children displaced as a result of turmoil in their country.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far, but 20,000 bears is no small ask!

If you can knit, know someone who can or would like to find out how you can help, please click on the link below.

872 days ago

Did you start gardening in school?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

How many of you remember gardening in school? Hopefully, more students and teachers will be inspired by the great work being done at this amazing school.

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872 days ago

Warmer weather is coming

Adrenalin Forest Christchurch

Pine trees and a warm breeze is all the ingredients needed to have a good day!

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874 days ago

Do you have a great asparagus recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for asparagus recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before August 21, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable … View more
Dear neighbours,

Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for asparagus recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz before August 21, 2022.

Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.

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874 days ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Christchurch

Fourteen years of bingeing hell
I have noticed and been aware of food as early as I can remember. Even now, as an adult, I can recall different types of food at friends’ birthday parties as a child. When I was eight, I first became aware of my body. My stomach was sticking out and some friends I… View more
Fourteen years of bingeing hell
I have noticed and been aware of food as early as I can remember. Even now, as an adult, I can recall different types of food at friends’ birthday parties as a child. When I was eight, I first became aware of my body. My stomach was sticking out and some friends I was with, were talking about their flat tummies - I immediately pulled mine in – as we were dressed to go swimming in our togs.

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874 days ago

Subscribe to Stuff's First Time Buyer's Club

Stuff

Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first… View more
Making it onto the first rung of the property ladder can be an incredibly rewarding journey – and Stuff is here to help you through.

Stuff Homed has launched the First Time Buyers’ Club, an email series to help you navigate the equal-parts exciting and terrifying process of buying your first ever home. When you join our six-week LearnStuff course, you’ll get an email every week giving you all the basics on what you need to know, who you need on your side, and what you need to do at each stage of the journey.

We can’t make the houses any cheaper, but we can guide you through the process, share some tips from the experts, and help you avoid some of the trips and traps.

Sign up (it's free) and get started on your house-buying journey.
Sign up now

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