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Sick of expensive veges from the supermarket? Purchase a subscription to the TV Guide for your chance to win 1 of 20 1-year seed subscriptions from Kings Seeds, worth $450. Delivered monthly to your home, what better way to go green and save money than growing your own food?
Purchase a 6 month, … View moreSick of expensive veges from the supermarket? Purchase a subscription to the TV Guide for your chance to win 1 of 20 1-year seed subscriptions from Kings Seeds, worth $450. Delivered monthly to your home, what better way to go green and save money than growing your own food?
Purchase a 6 month, 1 year, or 2 year subscription to the TV Guide before 31 October and you’ll automatically be placed in the draw to win. There are three different subscriptions to choose from to suit your needs; Vegetable seeds, Microgreen seeds, and Sprouting seeds. To view the T&Cs click here.
Get The Best Price on Your 3 Peak Pass.
The 3 Peak Season Pass gives you a huge variety of terrain across Coronet Peak and The Remarkables in Queenstown and NZ's best ski resort Mt Hutt in Canterbury.
No holiday blackouts, FREE Night Skiing at Coronet Peak and a whole lot more.
THE … View moreGet The Best Price on Your 3 Peak Pass.
The 3 Peak Season Pass gives you a huge variety of terrain across Coronet Peak and The Remarkables in Queenstown and NZ's best ski resort Mt Hutt in Canterbury.
No holiday blackouts, FREE Night Skiing at Coronet Peak and a whole lot more.
THE EARLIER YOU BUY, THE MORE YOU SAVE. INSTALMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE.
Super Earlybird sale ends 1 Nov.
From reporter Hamish McNeilly:
What does a circus background and a black belt in taekwondo mean for a city councillor?
‘’It means I take no prisoners.’’
That’s the answer from Mandy Mayhem-Bullock, 49, who was one of four newly-elected councillors in Dunedin.
‘’But I’m … View moreFrom reporter Hamish McNeilly:
What does a circus background and a black belt in taekwondo mean for a city councillor?
‘’It means I take no prisoners.’’
That’s the answer from Mandy Mayhem-Bullock, 49, who was one of four newly-elected councillors in Dunedin.
‘’But I’m dropping the ‘Bullock’, I’m just going to be Cr Mayhem.’’
Mayhem was a stage name from her five years with Ridgway Circus.
Months after the tragic death of her partner, who died in a crash on the Desert Road, the then-25-year-old Bullock received a call saying the circus was in town, and they were looking for a clown.
In Wellington, Mayhem-Bullock had been working as Slaphappy the Clown, and also working as a driver, escorting the likes of singer Peter Andre.
She and her late partner had plans to start their own circus, and so she took her chance and joined.
‘’We had all lost our dreams and went on the road.”
As soon as she joined, the current clown left to be a fireman along with his girlfriend – the ringmaster.
Mayhem-Bullock was promoted to ringmaster, which included holding up a newspaper while the whip cracker whipped it to shreds, or having a cigarette whipped from her mouth.
‘’Quite often I’d get smacked on the bridge of my nose ... it stings and makes your eyes water,’’ she said.
Another part of the show involved a man throwing knives, two at a time, in her direction.
‘’One time a knife ricocheted out of the board, and went straight down and stuck into my shoe.
“I pulled the knife out and then squelched around with my blood filling up my shoe.’’
The job also involved her becoming a business partner, driver, agent, education officer, and buddy to Sonny the chimpanzee.
The circus used to breed animals, such as lions and chimpanzees, but that became increasingly problematic. Animal rights groups regularly protested but it was difficult to find a solution as the animals could not be reintegrated into the wild or given to a zoo, Mayhem-Bullock said.
After five years she left the circus and returned south, first to Oamaru and then to Waitati, north of Dunedin.
Her life in the circus helped shape her politics, travelling to many small forgotten towns gripped by poverty.
‘’I saw a lot of New Zealand,” she said.
Mayhem-Bullock, who was born and raised in Dunedin, said she was in the top class at Otago Girls’ High School, alongside future lawyers, doctors and accountants, but she was “a misfit”.
‘’I wore Doc Martens and old ripped petticoats and pyjama pants on mufti days.’’
She trained to be a teacher, but stopped studying to focus on taekwondo, the Korean martial art, and holds a third Dan black belt.
She was aiming to represent New Zealand at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where taekwondo was a demonstration sport, but the significant costs prevented her.
Now she was a mother-of-five, or as she puts it, ‘’three from my womb, and two I gave away’’.
She has two daughters, aged 19 and 6, and a 17-year-old son. After her son was born, she was an egg donor twice for her lesbian friend.
‘’We had to go to Australia, because that was pretty unheard of,” she said.
She has an open relationship with both children, aged 14 and 13, who live in Wellington.
Back in Waitati, known for its alternative community, she became involved in the Waitati Militia, which was established in opposition to the Vietnam War 50 years ago.
She later married Lee Bullock, who hails from the island of Guernsey, and the couple have a 6-year-old daughter.
Her family were victims after their miniature horse, Star, was stabbed 41 times in 2019.
Her stepping stone to the Dunedin City Council was when she was elected to the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board, which she served for six years.
While she was unsuccessful with her council campaign last election, a $5000 loan from her mum helped her obtain hoardings and advertising on the back of a bus.
Her focus for the campaign was ‘’wellbeing’’.
‘’We are in unprecedented times, people are under the pump, and they are feeling the pressure financially.’’
Mayhem-Bullock said she got on well with mayor-elect Radich, and was looking forward to working with him.
Apart from her new role as a councillor, she had her 50th birthday to plan next month.
That would include a freak show and a guest appearance from someone called, ‘’Charlotte, the three-tittied woman’’.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made… View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.
Through Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.
At Ryman villages our focus is on … View moreThrough Ryman’s bespoke model of dementia care, myRyman Life, our villages aim to challenge perspectives on dementia and to create inclusive communities where staff receive cutting-edge training, families can feel reassured, and residents can thrive.
At Ryman villages our focus is on experience-based care rather than processes, enabling residents to live in the moment and to feel kindness, love and security.
Most of all, Ryman residents living with dementia are supported to continue doing the things that bring them joy so they can live fulfilled lives.
Now’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.
Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products!
Discounts off the normal retail price at your local Resene owned ColorShop and … View moreNow’s a great time to get your painting, staining and wallpapering jobs underway.
Get 25% off Resene premium paints, wood stains, primers and sealers, wallpaper, decorating accessories and cleaning products!
Discounts off the normal retail price at your local Resene owned ColorShop and participating reseller until 31 October 2022. Paint offers are also available at Mitre 10 MEGA and selected Mitre 10 stores. Excludes WallPrint, decals, Crown, trade and industrial products, PaintWise levy and account sales.
Visit your local Resene ColorShop or reseller and enjoy these great savings.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes and also basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition… View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for nasturtium recipes and also basil recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 16, 2022. Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.
Satiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.
Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point, the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated … View moreSatiate your news hunger with Two Minutes of Stuff, a bite-sized snack of the top stories and key issues of the day.
Two minutes is all you'll need to get up to speed on today's talking point, the biggest news of the day and stories you don't want to miss. A fully-curated experience, with items hand-picked by Stuff staff, sent each weekday evening. Sign up for free here.
From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
The owners of a popular Central Otago water park fear they won’t open this summer after being bogged down by bureaucracy.
The Kiwi Water Park opened in 2020 and is New Zealand’s largest water park, attracting 30,000 visitors last summer.
It’s based on a… View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
The owners of a popular Central Otago water park fear they won’t open this summer after being bogged down by bureaucracy.
The Kiwi Water Park opened in 2020 and is New Zealand’s largest water park, attracting 30,000 visitors last summer.
It’s based on a reserve shared by freedom campers and boaties off State Highway 8, near Cromwell.
The popularity of the area has led to a review of the entrance and a suggestion a right-turning bay is needed.
Land Information New Zealand (Linz), Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and the Central Otago District Council are all involved, but progress has come to a standstill.
Now Kiwi Water Park co-owner and marketing manager Emily Rutherford says that after six months of fruitlessly waiting for decisions, the business may not be able to open this summer.
The requirements of the water park’s licence include that any changes are made by November 4.
“In the meantime, our business planning and recruitment of staff for this season hangs in the balance. We’ve got two months till we open and we need action urgently,” she said.
The park was originally granted a six-year consent by the council to operate at the Lowburn Reserve – an area frequented by campers and boaties as well as water park users.
Last season, they shifted the park to a more sheltered area at the reserve and had to apply for a variation to their consent.
At that time, Waka Kotahi raised concerns about the number of vehicles entering the reserve, so a temporary speed reduction along the stretch of road was installed.
An agreement was made between the government departments and the business to monitor the amount of traffic using the area and concluded the majority of traffic was caused by freedom campers and boaties – and that a right turning bay was needed.
In a statement a Waka Kotahi spokesperson said the review followed a serious crash at the access to the car park used by the water park in the 2020-21 season.
All the parties agreed a right-turning bay was necessary, but there was disagreement on who would pay for it.
“If no agreement is reached on the access upgrade requirement process the consent conditions stipulate that the final decision sits with [the council] as the consent authority,” the statement said.
It was now up to the business to get a detailed design and submit it to the department, the statement said.
However, Rutherford said the cost of the right-turning bay could be prohibitive for the business, particularly without a long-term lease.
“We’ve been put in an impossible position.
“It could cost $1 million, I don’t know, but we don’t even make that in a year. How would we pay for it?”
Linz was currently renewing the lease annually. Rutherford said she would need a 20 or 30-year lease to justify the investment.
It would also take at least 18 months to design and build, so it would not be ready for this year, Rutherford said.
Even more frustrating was that the bulk of traffic was generated by freedom campers, not water park users who tended to travel in buses or family groups.
Linz could decide to close the area to freedom campers, which would resolve the problem, she said.
Regardless, the company needed LINZ to confirm the lease would be renewed.
Linz Minister Damien O’Connor told the Rutherfords this month that the department was still considering the company’s application.
“This whole process has been incredibly frustrating,” Rutherford said.
She described the Kiwi Water Park as a Covid-19 success story, which received no public funding but phenomenal support from the local community.
“It’s now two months before we’re due to open, and we should be busy recruiting locals for another summer season and contributing to the local economy.”
Linz has been approached for comment.
Spring is in the air, which means that the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Tutus on Tour is back and coming to the Regent Theatre on 9 November!
See dancers from your national ballet company performing an enchanting programme including classical favourites and new works which are sure to delight … View moreSpring is in the air, which means that the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Tutus on Tour is back and coming to the Regent Theatre on 9 November!
See dancers from your national ballet company performing an enchanting programme including classical favourites and new works which are sure to delight dance fans of all ages.
With just one show and adult tickets starting at $30 plus booking fee, seats are selling fast.
Find out more and book at rnzb.org.nz.
The Cutest Pet Competition is back by popular demand! Show off your furry friend this October to see if you’ve got the cutest pet in the country. This year’s competition is sponsored by Wishbone, giving you the chance to win your share of $10,000 worth of pet food.
From 26 September, … View moreThe Cutest Pet Competition is back by popular demand! Show off your furry friend this October to see if you’ve got the cutest pet in the country. This year’s competition is sponsored by Wishbone, giving you the chance to win your share of $10,000 worth of pet food.
From 26 September, purchase a copy of your local Stuff newspaper, find our promo ad, and follow the link to submit a photo of your pet online. If your pet is selected, they’ll feature in our promotional adverts across all Stuff newspapers for a day, plus you will receive $50 worth of Wishbone pet food so you can spoil them rotten. For more information on the prizes and to view the T&Cs, click here!
The team at Stunday Star-Times
From reporter Hamish McNeilly:
Election advertising from a sitting councillor urging voters to give her a ‘tick’ may render their votes invalid.
Carmen Houlahan is again running for the Dunedin City Council and the mayoralty, under the slogan ‘Carmen 4 Change’.
However, some of … View moreFrom reporter Hamish McNeilly:
Election advertising from a sitting councillor urging voters to give her a ‘tick’ may render their votes invalid.
Carmen Houlahan is again running for the Dunedin City Council and the mayoralty, under the slogan ‘Carmen 4 Change’.
However, some of the first-term councillor’s electoral advertising – including her website – has raised eyebrows, after showing a ‘tick’ next to mayor and council.
That is because Dunedin, like some other centres, uses Single Transferable Vote (STV) in voting for the mayor or city council.
That means you rank your preference by using numbers, not ticks.
Houlahan told Stuff voters could give her a “number one” ranking to avoid any confusion.
Confusingly, a tick – rather than a ranking system – is what you use for the Otago Regional Council, which uses First Past the Post voting system. Both councils’ voting forms were located in the same documents sent to voters.
While Dunedin City Council deputy electoral officer Clare Sullivan could not talk about specific candidates, she confirmed that putting a tick in a box on an STV voting paper could render a vote invalid.
Voting papers for the Dunedin City Council had specific instructions telling voters to rank their preferred candidates.
If a voter ticked only one person for the mayoralty, their intention was clear and their vote would be deemed valid – and counted accordingly.
“But if they have voted for more than one person ... it is too hard to determine which person is the preference.”
A vote would still be valid if a person did the opposite for the Otago Regional Council, so if a person ranked the required number of candidates – rather than ticked – their vote would be counted.
“We would know who you were voting for,” she said.
In 2019 the voter return in Dunedin was 45.6% (42,618 voting papers), excluding special votes.
In that mayoral race, there were 107 informal votes and 504 blank votes. There were 415 informal votes and 522 blank votes for council candidates.
Sullivan said informal votes were ones incorrectly filled out. While it was difficult to say why some people returned blank votes, it appeared some people voted for one council, but not the other.
“Information is unclear as to whether there is less informal, or blank votes under STV.”
But when votes were processed “we do look very carefully to understand the voter’s intention”, she said.
Dear neighbours, in the October issue of NZ Gardener, you'll see the five finalists for our 2022 Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year competition. They've all done amazing things for their communities. You can read about their wonderful work here, and then vote for your favourite.
Join the Lake Dunstan Charitable Trust and Te Tapu o Tāne to plant a portion of 10,000 native trees on the beautiful Lake Dunstan shoreline.
Be a part of restoring the native flora and fauna in this stunning location.
Dear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for new potato recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 3, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing… View moreDear neighbours,
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are now on the hunt for new potato recipes, so send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by Oct 3, 2022.
Every published recipe wins a copy of our special edition Vegetable Growing Made Easy.
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