Dunedin Central , Dunedin

Last chance for tickets!

Last chance for tickets!

For just $15, you could win a fully furnished home in Blenheim worth over $1 million. Buy your tickets today!

641 days ago

Poll: Which photograph should win the People & Communities category?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Canon Summer Snap competition has garnered some stunning photos from across Aotearoa. Once again, Neighbourly is the judge of their People and Communities photograph category so we need you!

There's a camera up for grabs for these talented photographers, and it's up to you to … View more
The Canon Summer Snap competition has garnered some stunning photos from across Aotearoa. Once again, Neighbourly is the judge of their People and Communities photograph category so we need you!

There's a camera up for grabs for these talented photographers, and it's up to you to choose who takes the crown...and the Canon EOS!

Cast your vote in the poll below before 4pm, 14 February.

Which photograph should win the People & Communities category?
  • 13.5% Sparrow stories at Oriental Bay
    13.5% Complete
  • 15.9% Forever Brothers
    15.9% Complete
  • 35.4% Fishing at Ngunguru
    35.4% Complete
  • 25.3% Summer evening at Lake Wakatipu
    25.3% Complete
  • 7% Runners on Himatangi Beach
    7% Complete
  • 2.8% Party colour at Wellington Botanic Gardens
    2.8% Complete
1930 votes
647 days ago

Treasures at the Red Cross Shop this week ✨

The Team from Red Cross Shop Dunedin

We have a half price sale rack for kids clothing, Tupperware, beautiful Wade bowls and a huge amount of clothing added to the racks this week 😍

644 days ago

Poll: Should we be taking more action on climate change?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With torrential rain and flooding caused by an 'atmospheric river', should this event convince us all that climate change is real and we need to be taking action?

*Add NFP if you don't wish for your comments to be used for We Say You Say in the local papers.*

Image
Should we be taking more action on climate change?
  • 66.8% Yes, we need to do more
    66.8% Complete
  • 10.9% No, there's no such thing as climate change
    10.9% Complete
  • 3.9% I don't know - I'd need more information
    3.9% Complete
  • 18.4% There's nothing we can do about climate change
    18.4% Complete
2675 votes
644 days ago

A Morning with Sir Ashley Bloomfield

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

Sir Ashley Bloomfield was New Zealand’s Director-General of Health from June 2018 to July 2022 and became a familiar figure as the public face of the health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

His vast career experiences over the last 25 years in public policy and health leadership include … View more
Sir Ashley Bloomfield was New Zealand’s Director-General of Health from June 2018 to July 2022 and became a familiar figure as the public face of the health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

His vast career experiences over the last 25 years in public policy and health leadership include being based at the World Health Organization in Geneva, working on non-communicable disease prevention and control with a global focus.

Join us for a morning with Sir Ashley Bloomfield as he shares insight into his career and the challenges he faced during uncertain times.

Time: Wednesday 8 February, 10.30am
Location: Online.

Image
645 days ago

Queenstown's only indoor public pool to close on weekends due to lifeguard shortage

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Queenstown’s only indoor public swimming pool will close on weekends, indefinitely, with the council blaming a lifeguard shortage.

And the news for families in the area gets worse: Arrowtown’s outdoor pool will close about a month early – on February 13 … View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

Queenstown’s only indoor public swimming pool will close on weekends, indefinitely, with the council blaming a lifeguard shortage.

And the news for families in the area gets worse: Arrowtown’s outdoor pool will close about a month early – on February 13 – for the same reason.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council-owned pools are the latest businesses to be hit by a widespread staff shortage, exacerbated in Queenstown by an extensive housing shortage.

Council sport and recreation manager Simon Battrick said the decision to close Alpine Aqualand in Frankton, Queenstown on weekends from February 18 was unavoidable due to a lack of staff.

The council chose to close on weekends to avoid disrupting swimming and fitness programmes.


Battrick said the district’s pools always struggled to find staff in February when high school and university students returned to their studies.

However, a global shortage of lifeguards and Queenstown’s local staff shortage meant the situation was worse this year.

Alpine Aqualand was down to nine staff and needed another 10 (full-time and part-time) to fill rosters.

A minimum of three full-time and one part-time lifeguards were needed to open on weekends.

The Queenstown Lakes district was not the only area suffering a shortage of lifeguards. In the Timaru District several pools have also been forced to reduce their operating hours in the last week.

Battrick said anyone who could swim 200 metres in under six minutes could apply to be a lifeguard.

Staff underwent two weeks training and two weeks supervision before being independent lifeguards.

The starting pay rate was $23.65 an hour and tops out at about $26.


As of the first of April the pool would be able to sponsor migrant workers but needed to pay a minimum $29.66 an hour, which was too high, he said.

“The reality is that this is an entry level job. “We have to live within our means.”


The hourly rate in the Queenstown Lakes was higher than at many other pools around New Zealand, as it recognised the higher cost of living in the district.

The council had advertised the roles extensively and had some bites, he said.

“It’s just really hard at the moment.

“Someone can give us a call, and we can take them through the process, give them a contract, and then next day they say they’re taking a job at the supermarket.”


There would be some exceptions to the use of the pool on the weekend including the locals swimming club, which was coached by a qualified lifeguard and swimming lessons.

The weekend closures would hit families and children who visit and play at the pool,

The situation would continue until more staff were available.


Mayor Glyn Lewers said the staff shortage issue was being felt right across council and there was no magic solution.

He was concerned about the impact of the closure of the pool on local families on weekends when the weather was not good for swimming in local waterways.

The pools provided a low cost recreational activity and social connection.


Now there was a barrier to providing that.

“We went through this with Covid. We don’t want to go through it again,” he said.

This was the first time in six years the pool had been closed, except during Covid-19.

Image
R
646 days ago

T v

Rosa from North Dunedin

Large t v Surplus as shifting to small place
FREE

Negotiable

Image
648 days ago

Funky fridge makeover

The Team from Resene ColorShop Dunedin

Is your fridge looking dated and dull? Turn an eyesore into a conversation starter with this clever chalkboard transformation using Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen.

Follow out easy instructions.

Image
652 days ago

Poll: Are uniform rules at schools sexist?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Many schools allow female students to wear earrings but male students aren't allowed to have an ear stud. Is it time to get rid of gender-based rules in regards to jewellery?

Share your thoughts below - write NFP if you don't wish your comments to be shared in the community … View more
Many schools allow female students to wear earrings but male students aren't allowed to have an ear stud. Is it time to get rid of gender-based rules in regards to jewellery?

Share your thoughts below - write NFP if you don't wish your comments to be shared in the community paper's We Say You Say column.

Image
Are uniform rules at schools sexist?
  • 49.6% Yes, the same rules for everyone is best
    49.6% Complete
  • 34% No, let's stick to the tradition
    34% Complete
  • 3.9% I don't know - I'd need more information
    3.9% Complete
  • 12.5% Get rid of uniform and clothing rules altogether
    12.5% Complete
4536 votes
650 days ago

Get back-to-school sorted.

The Warehouse

Get back-to-school sorted in one shop at The Warehouse. Start smart and inspired with statement stationery, gear up with the best in tech and set them up for the future with options made with recycled materials. With a wide range of smart school essentials at even smarter prices, we’ve got … View moreGet back-to-school sorted in one shop at The Warehouse. Start smart and inspired with statement stationery, gear up with the best in tech and set them up for the future with options made with recycled materials. With a wide range of smart school essentials at even smarter prices, we’ve got everything you need to set up for an epic comeback.

Want to give back when you go back? Donate $1 to KidsCan in store to make sure more Kiwi kids get the essentials they need in 2023.
Shop now

Image
651 days ago

Same village, different needs

Yvette Williams Retirement Village

Live independently while your loved one is cared for in the same Ryman village.

A full life for Helen is one that is surrounded by family. When she first moved to the village, Helen’s husband John was being cared for elsewhere. Now that he is living at the same village, it brings Helen and … View more
Live independently while your loved one is cared for in the same Ryman village.

A full life for Helen is one that is surrounded by family. When she first moved to the village, Helen’s husband John was being cared for elsewhere. Now that he is living at the same village, it brings Helen and her family so much happiness and reassurance.

“All the family cried when he moved in. They were so happy because it was such a beautiful thing to have him close by.”

Image
652 days ago

Sign up to Stuff's Furry Friday newsletter

Furry Friday

Get New Zealand’s cutest pets delivered to your inbox with Furry Friday.

Each Friday morning, editor Nick Barnett serves up your finest photos of your domestic friends. You’ll also receive exclusive content with pet-related stories and photos, as well as updates on the life of Riley, … View more
Get New Zealand’s cutest pets delivered to your inbox with Furry Friday.

Each Friday morning, editor Nick Barnett serves up your finest photos of your domestic friends. You’ll also receive exclusive content with pet-related stories and photos, as well as updates on the life of Riley, Nick’s own furry friend.
Sign up now

Image
654 days ago

Get Deck-orating With Resene Wood Stains and Oils!

Resene

Hi Neighbours!

Bring out the best in your decks, fences and weatherboards with Resene wood stains and oils.

If you’re planning a dark colour, choose a Resene CoolColour to help keep the paint, stain and surface cooler.

Available from Resene ColorShops.
Find out more

Image
656 days ago

Poll: Who should be the next Labour party leader?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced she will resign as prime minister before February 7.
With this year's general election scheduled for Saturday, October 14, discussions surrounding the new leader of the Labour Party are in progress.

Share your thoughts below (include Not For … View more
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced she will resign as prime minister before February 7.
With this year's general election scheduled for Saturday, October 14, discussions surrounding the new leader of the Labour Party are in progress.

Share your thoughts below (include Not For Print if you don't wish for your comments to be published)

Image
Who should be the next Labour party leader?
  • 3.2% Kelvin Davis
    3.2% Complete
  • 2.3% Megan Woods
    2.3% Complete
  • 53.8% Chris Hipkins
    53.8% Complete
  • 3.9% Michael Wood
    3.9% Complete
  • 8.3% Someone else (Comment Below)
    8.3% Complete
  • 28.4% I have no idea
    28.4% Complete
2194 votes
655 days ago
656 days ago

More than 20 tenants evicted as Queenstown apartments become Airbnb

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

More than 20 residents living in nine central Queenstown apartments have been given notice to move out so their homes can be converted to short-term Airbnb rentals.

The tenants were given 90 days’ notice in December that their leases would end in March.

View more
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:

More than 20 residents living in nine central Queenstown apartments have been given notice to move out so their homes can be converted to short-term Airbnb rentals.

The tenants were given 90 days’ notice in December that their leases would end in March.

“It’s s..., just horrible,” said one tenant, who had no idea where she would be able to find a home in Queenstown’s strained rental market.

A spokeswoman for property manager Tahuna Management Ltd said the apartments were built specifically to be leased as visitor accommodation in about 2018.

When New Zealand’s borders were closed due to Covid-19 in 2020, the owners decided to lease them as long-term rentals.

The return of international visitors and rising interest rates were behind the decision to return to Airbnb.

The apartments had resource consent for 365-day visitor accommodation and the owners had a commercial rate – abut 50% higher than standard rates, she said.

“Now the tourism is back and the town is busy it’s only natural that they’ve reverted back to Airbnb.”

Many other Queenstown apartment and house owners were making similar moves, she said.

Despite reports of up to 40 tenants being affected, she said the correct number was 20-something.

That was cold comfort to the tenants who are looking for new homes in a tight property market where dozens of people are vying for leases.

Two, who work in tourism and hospitality, said they would consider returning to their home in Melbourne if they cannot find somewhere to live.

“We’ve been applying for apartments and rooms, but every room has about 300 messages on Facebook,” one of the tenants said.

They saw one room “the size of a closet” for $450, couple rooms were going for $380, and hostels were charging $350 for a week in a bunk bed.

“People are just working to pay for accommodation – it’s getting a bit ridiculous.

“I want to stay. I love the place and I don’t want to go home, but if I have nowhere to live and I’m losing $300-$400 a week on a bunk room, what’s the point in staying?”

The shortage of worker accommodation has led to many tourism and hospitality businesses closing at key times because they do not have enough staff to open full time.

Two Wellington tenants will return to their home city. One said she was thinking of returning home anyway, but the lease cancellation cemented her decision.

“Everything is overpriced in Queenstown, not just accommodation,” she said.

A couple from Christchurch having been paying $600 for a small two-bedroom apartment in the block.

They were expecting either a big rent increase or a change in the lease so were not surprised to hear it was moving to Airbnb.

“It’s unfortunate, but not unexpected.”

His partner said the situation was “shit, just horrible.”

It was hard enough to find a place to live in Queenstown without such a big group all looking at the same time, she said.

However, she understood the landlord’s perspective.

“You think about how much we pay in rent, and they can probably get that a night with Airbnb.”

Image
Top