Larnachs Castle, Dunedin

500 days ago

Waka Kotahi - 'sabotaging growth' after it opposes massive housing development

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

A growing Central Otago town may be denied a 500 section development, after Waka Kotahi cited concerns over climate change and the lack of public transport.

But that position has angered outspoken Otago Regional Council councillor, Michael Laws, who lives in Cromwell.

‘’Waka Kotahi are … View more
A growing Central Otago town may be denied a 500 section development, after Waka Kotahi cited concerns over climate change and the lack of public transport.

But that position has angered outspoken Otago Regional Council councillor, Michael Laws, who lives in Cromwell.

‘’Waka Kotahi are sabotaging growth in Central Otago and the likes,’’ he said on Thursday, the same day as submissions to the Central Otago District Council closed.

‘’This is something that will benefit our entire region.’’

About 10km west of Cromwell, company Fulton Hogan plans to rezone about 118ha of a former quarry into a 90ha residential area, including a 5ha business park and 22ha industrial area.

But a major road block for that development is the position taken by Waka Kotahi, which partly funds public transport in Queenstown and Dunedin – but not in Central Otago – one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

Read the full story from reporters Joanne Naish and Hamish McNeilly here (subscription required).

502 days ago

LOVE TO DANCE | Applications open now!

The Team from Ryman Healthcare

Win one of three $5,000 grants to support your community's love of dance!

Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear … View more
Win one of three $5,000 grants to support your community's love of dance!

Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear from you!

Know someone who could use our support? Apply now!
Learn more

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507 days ago

Poll: True or false? Drinking a glass of red wine every day is good for your heart.

The Team from Heart Foundation NZ

To find out the answer, click the link below and take our ‘Truth about alcohol' quiz.

www.heartfoundation.org.nz...

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True or false? Drinking a glass of red wine every day is good for your heart.
  • 50.1% True
    50.1% Complete
  • 49.9% False
    49.9% Complete
2429 votes
504 days ago

Last chance to buy tickets!

Heart Foundation

Lottery closing soon! Buy your tickets today for a chance to win this fully furnished home in South Island’s stunning Wānaka!

Worth over $1.5 million this Jennian Homes build features four bedrooms, two bathrooms and boasts a stylish open-plan kitchen, living and dining area for year-round … View more
Lottery closing soon! Buy your tickets today for a chance to win this fully furnished home in South Island’s stunning Wānaka!

Worth over $1.5 million this Jennian Homes build features four bedrooms, two bathrooms and boasts a stylish open-plan kitchen, living and dining area for year-round entertainment.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it – it could be all yours for only $15! Be in to win by purchasing your tickets today.
Buy tickets now

506 days ago

One gift? Why not give 52 gifts with The TV Guide.

The TV Guide

Spoil the TV connoisseur in your life with a subscription to NZ’s most popular entertainment magazine. The TV Guide contains TV listings, entertainment, gossip, competitions, puzzles, and more!

This Father’s Day, gift a 1-year subscription to The TV Guide and save $57 off RRP - 52 issues … View more
Spoil the TV connoisseur in your life with a subscription to NZ’s most popular entertainment magazine. The TV Guide contains TV listings, entertainment, gossip, competitions, puzzles, and more!

This Father’s Day, gift a 1-year subscription to The TV Guide and save $57 off RRP - 52 issues delivered weekly straight to their home. Offer available until 2 September 2023.

The team at The TV Guide.
Find out more

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514 days ago

The most beautiful spot in every region of NZ

Lorna Thornber Reporter from Stuff Travel

Hi there,
We're on the lookout for the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, and would love to hear your favourites.
While it will be impossible to include all of them in one article, we'd appreciate your help in narrowing it down. What do you think are most beautiful places in … View more
Hi there,
We're on the lookout for the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, and would love to hear your favourites.
While it will be impossible to include all of them in one article, we'd appreciate your help in narrowing it down. What do you think are most beautiful places in NZ's regions? Do you have a favourite spot in the Waikato, Taranaki, Canterbury, Southland or elsewhere?
Feel free to comment below, send me a message or email me at lorna.thornber@stuff.co.nz. Please include 'NFP' in your comment if you do not want it or your name included in an article. Thanks in advance for taking the time to share.

512 days ago

Poll: Is the letterbox obsolete?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

With online being the main mode of communication these days, it's no wonder that there has been a worldwide mail decline and here in Aotearoa, NZ Post has needed to lay off 750 full-time staff. Do you think it's time to say goodbye to the trusty letterbox?

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Is the letterbox obsolete?
  • 5.3% Yes, it can go!
    5.3% Complete
  • 34.1% Not just yet, I still use it
    34.1% Complete
  • 60.6% Never, there'll always be a need for it
    60.6% Complete
3118 votes
510 days ago

Could you spot the signs of a heart attack?

Heart Foundation NZ

Heart attack is a leading cause of death in New Zealand.
Learn to recognise the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack, so you know what to do if you see or experience them. Don’t try to walk it off, wash it off or push through it. Make the right call, it may save your life.

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519 days ago

Poll: Should we pay people for giving blood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Blood Service says it needs 40,000​ new donors in the next 12 months to ensure it can meet demand of those needing plasma and blood. Suggestions have been made to pay people for donating, however there are concerns about the dangers of that. Do you think we should pay people for these … View moreThe Blood Service says it needs 40,000​ new donors in the next 12 months to ensure it can meet demand of those needing plasma and blood. Suggestions have been made to pay people for donating, however there are concerns about the dangers of that. Do you think we should pay people for these donations?

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Should we pay people for giving blood?
  • 31.8% Yes, it makes sense
    31.8% Complete
  • 50.7% No, that's too risky
    50.7% Complete
  • 17.6% I'd need more information
    17.6% Complete
2141 votes
520 days ago

Spark a little hope this Christmas

Christmas Box

Meeting an ever increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food, it brings a reminder that people care. By alleviating some of the pressure families feel, especially in the time of inflation and cost-of-living, a Christmas Box sparks hope that goes beyond Christmas.
View more
Meeting an ever increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food, it brings a reminder that people care. By alleviating some of the pressure families feel, especially in the time of inflation and cost-of-living, a Christmas Box sparks hope that goes beyond Christmas.

Don’t wait for December, it’s time to start thinking about how you can help today!

For just $40 a box, you can give the gift of hope and 100% of your donation will go to families who are doing it tough this year. Your generosity makes a difference.
Find out more

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520 days ago

Learn These Power Terms and SAVE MONEY!

The Team from NZ Compare

Have you ever tried to look for a new power plan to end up stuck, super confused by all the specific lingo that’s used? Things like kWh, standard vs. low users, or free hours of power? Don’t get us started on controlled and anytime meters!

If you’re unsure of some of these terms, it … View more
Have you ever tried to look for a new power plan to end up stuck, super confused by all the specific lingo that’s used? Things like kWh, standard vs. low users, or free hours of power? Don’t get us started on controlled and anytime meters!

If you’re unsure of some of these terms, it really won’t help you feel confident in comparing different plans. We don’t want to see our Neighbours get tripped up and stuck with a big bill this chilly season!

So to help you, we’ve put together a list of all the power terminology that you need to know!
Learn the terms

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522 days ago

Queenstown on fast-tracked building boom to create rooms for visitors and workers

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Read reporter Debbie Jamieson's full story

Two large-scale Queenstown accommodation developments have been accepted for fast-tracking as developers eye tourism opportunities.

One is a six-storey hotel with up to 185 rooms, on the Man St car park in central Queenstown.

The other is a … View more
Read reporter Debbie Jamieson's full story

Two large-scale Queenstown accommodation developments have been accepted for fast-tracking as developers eye tourism opportunities.

One is a six-storey hotel with up to 185 rooms, on the Man St car park in central Queenstown.

The other is a proposal to provide 400 to 600 residential units for temporary worker accommodation in Frankton.

Plans for both are yet to be lodged with the Environment Protection Authority and considered by an expert consenting panel.

The proposals show an ongoing enthusiasm by Queenstown developers to use the fast-track consenting process established during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The legislation blocked the public from the resource consent process in order to fast track projects that created jobs and stimulated the economy.

here (subscription required).

522 days ago

The last meal for Anna Hill: 'This has ruined my life'

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Dunedin News

By reporter Hamish McNeilly:

Anna Hill remembers her last meal.

It was a salmon benedict at a Dunedin café, back in October 2021.

She hasn’t eaten a proper meal since, but can barely drink water.

‘’I can’t even move without regurgitating. Animals get put down for less.’’

View more
By reporter Hamish McNeilly:

Anna Hill remembers her last meal.

It was a salmon benedict at a Dunedin café, back in October 2021.

She hasn’t eaten a proper meal since, but can barely drink water.

‘’I can’t even move without regurgitating. Animals get put down for less.’’

When Hill was pregnant with her youngest, she started experienced chest pains whenever she ate or drank anything,

‘’It’s just horrendously painful when I was eating.’’

But it got worse, much worse.

Fifteen minutes after giving birth to her youngest, she deteriorated and could no longer swallow and was ‘nil by mouth’.

With food and drink struggling to go down, she would often vomit, requiring an ever-present bucket to be by her side.

‘’I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t work,’’ the former hospital nurse said.

‘’I want to go back to my old job, but I can’t even swallow my own saliva.’’

The 38-year-old mother-of-four has no energy to take her youngest child to the park, for a walk, or even hold her for any extended period.

Hill has to constantly pounding her chest to alleviate the pain.

’’I have no quality of life, this has ruined my life.’’

After the birth of her daughter 19-months ago, she found the pain persisted coupled with an inability to sleep.

After the birth of her daughter the pain persisted, but was compounded by her inability to sleep.

Constantly dehydrated and unable to breastfeed her baby daughter, she again sought a diagnosis from her doctor, who she had visited dozens of times over the issue.

Visits to specialists confirmed she had a rare disease, with the majority of muscles in her oesophagus, which connects the throat to the stomach, effectively dead.

While Hill no longer felt hungry, she often felt thirsty, but the pain of trying to drink made that a difficult task as ‘’my throat just shuts’’.

While her specialists were talking about the possibility of surgery, they had parked that plan in favour of a temporary feeding tube, which she would receive next week.

But Hill wanted an operation to restore her oesophagus, and started to look overseas for options.

’’I can’t afford to wait.’’

She found a surgeon in Delhi, India who could treat her by making a new oesophagus out of her stomach, followed by three weeks’ recuperation.

That would hopefully lead to Hill being able to eat and drink like normal, and she is unequivocal about what she would like.

‘’If I could have anything I would have a cup of coffee.’’

But unable to get a loan because she was unemployed, a friend of Hill’s created a Givealittle page, which had raised just under $4000 of the $25,000 goal.

’’I’ve lost everything. Literally I’ve lost everything. All my savings has been spent on medications and doctor’s visits.

‘’I’ve lost my career . . . I’ve lost everything.’’

Her three older children, who lost their father in a motor vehicle crash on Christmas Day in 2021, were worried they were about to lose their mother.

‘’It has been a real s... time.’’

‘’Imagine not getting up in the morning and not having a sip of coffee or tea, or anything, that is like me every day.’’

‘’I’ve spent two Christmases unable to eat or drink, and I am just over it.’’

Homebound, she had lost 38kgs and was now just over 50kg, with little energy left for basic tasks.

Unable to eat or drink she had lost some 38 kilograms, and was now down to just over 50kg.

‘’I just sit here and dribble into a towel, or a bucket,’’ Hill says as she pounds her chest.

526 days ago

Poll: Is 30kph the new 50kph?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The government's Road to Zero project seeks to set speed limits at 30kph in suburban streets across New Zealand. Do you think this is a good idea?

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Is 30kph the new 50kph?
  • 20.8% Yes
    20.8% Complete
  • 76.6% No
    76.6% Complete
  • 2.6% I don't know
    2.6% Complete
5192 votes
522 days ago

NZ ski town face-off: And the winner is...

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

Stuff has been on the hunt for New Zealand’s best ski town and, after a week of pitting some of the country’s best-loved spots against each other, the results are in: Wānaka is our favourite by far.

Of the seven shortlisted towns announced on Monday, Queenstown’s quieter little sister … View more
Stuff has been on the hunt for New Zealand’s best ski town and, after a week of pitting some of the country’s best-loved spots against each other, the results are in: Wānaka is our favourite by far.

Of the seven shortlisted towns announced on Monday, Queenstown’s quieter little sister secured 31% of reader votes, putting it well ahead of second placeholders Methven, at the base of Mt Hutt, and carrot capital Ohakune, each of which landed 18% of votes.

The photogenic old gold rush town of Arrowtown came third with 13% of votes, while fourth place was shared by Mackenzie alpine village Lake Ohau and Canterbury hot pool haven Hanmer Springs, which each claimed 9% of votes.

Just 2% of readers voted for Tūrangi in the Ruapehu region.

Queenstown, Albert Town, Saint Arnaud, Raetihi, National Park Village, Springfield and Tekapo were all eliminated in the semi-finals.

About an hour’s drive from Queenstown Airport via the super-scenic Crown Range Road or 90 minutes via the easier-going Kawarau Gorge, Wānaka is within easy driving distance of four ski fields.

With its mountain-hugged, glacier-carved lake, the Central Otago town has all the visual appeal of nearby Queenstown with smaller crowds. It’s far from a sleepy hollow, however, with adventure activities galore, and plenty of top spots to eat and drink.

NZ ski town face-off winners
Wānaka
Methven and Ohakune
Arrowtown
Lake Ohau and Hanmer Springs
Tūrangi

Is Wānaka New Zealand’s best ski town? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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