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15 hours ago

Poll: What could the Christchurch City Council fund if it didn't have to pay GST on rates?

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says GST on rates, currently taken by central government, would be better spent locally.

The comments follow an Infometrics analysis that found over $1.1 billion of rates revenue nationwide was collected by the Government in 2022 as GST.

According to … View more
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger says GST on rates, currently taken by central government, would be better spent locally.

The comments follow an Infometrics analysis that found over $1.1 billion of rates revenue nationwide was collected by the Government in 2022 as GST.

According to Infometrics, $88.5m of that came from Christchurch city ratepayers. It would be enough to save the Christ Church Cathedral from ruin; restore the Dux de Lux seven times over; cover both the Art Centre and Orana Wildlife Park’s request for regular public funding for over 26 years; contribute to light rail in Greater Christchurch; or get the South Library rebuild completed.

Read the full story by reporter Sinead Gill here and share your thoughts in the comments below. (Note: Subscription required. You can still read two free stories a month if you're not a ThePress.co.nz subscriber).

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What could the Christchurch City Council fund if it didn't have to pay GST on rates?
  • 25.5% Light rail
    25.5% Complete
  • 1.8% South Library
    1.8% Complete
  • 43.6% Orana Wildlife Park
    43.6% Complete
  • 12.7% The Arts Centre
    12.7% Complete
  • 5.5% Dux de Lux
    5.5% Complete
  • 9.1% Christ Church Cathedral
    9.1% Complete
  • 1.8% Something else (share your thoughts in the comments)
    1.8% Complete
55 votes
19 hours ago

CHEMIST WAREHOUSE BOTANY TOWN CENTRE NOW OPEN!

Chemist Warehouse

Find the new Chemist Warehouse at Botany Town Centre, next to New World.

With the biggest range of all your health and beauty essentials at the lowest prices and Free prescriptions* - the team are ready to help 7 days a week!

Don't worry if you can't make it in-store, you can shop … View more
Find the new Chemist Warehouse at Botany Town Centre, next to New World.

With the biggest range of all your health and beauty essentials at the lowest prices and Free prescriptions* - the team are ready to help 7 days a week!

Don't worry if you can't make it in-store, you can shop online 24/7 or use our convenient Click & Collect Service!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Chemist Warehouse - Great Savings, Every Day!
Find out more

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19 hours ago

Bookfest: Giant Charity Book Sale

Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust

Bookfest is back for the first weekend in May!

Come on down to Whirinaki Whare Taonga (formerly Expressions) for a huge selection of books in over 40 categories, as well as magazines, games, jigsaw puzzles, CD’s, DVD’s and vinyl records (no
audio or video tapes).

Come along and … View more
Bookfest is back for the first weekend in May!

Come on down to Whirinaki Whare Taonga (formerly Expressions) for a huge selection of books in over 40 categories, as well as magazines, games, jigsaw puzzles, CD’s, DVD’s and vinyl records (no
audio or video tapes).

Come along and make your pre-winter selections at this major event, there’s plenty to choose from!

Proceeds are for the benefit of the community in various ways.
Whirinaki Whare Taonga (formerly Expressions)
Sat 4th May 9am-5pm
Sun 5th May 9am-3pm
Find out more

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19 hours ago

Bookfest: Giant Charity Book Sale

Heretaunga Bookfest Charitable Trust

Bookfest is back for the first weekend in May!

Come on down to Whirinaki Whare Taonga (formerly Expressions) for a huge selection of books in over 40 categories, as well as magazines, games, jigsaw puzzles, CD’s, DVD’s and vinyl records (no
audio or video tapes).

Come along and … View more
Bookfest is back for the first weekend in May!

Come on down to Whirinaki Whare Taonga (formerly Expressions) for a huge selection of books in over 40 categories, as well as magazines, games, jigsaw puzzles, CD’s, DVD’s and vinyl records (no
audio or video tapes).

Come along and make your pre-winter selections at this major event, there’s plenty to choose from!

Proceeds are for the benefit of the community in various ways.
Whirinaki Whare Taonga (formerly Expressions)
Sat 4th May 9am-5pm
Sun 5th May 9am-3pm
Find out more

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44 minutes ago

Seal of approval for bike skills park concept

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Road, off-road, and even a rail crossing - a new bike park in the Ashburton Domain wants to have it all.

The concept plans for the learn-to-ride cycling facility were approved by the Ashburton District Council on Wednesday.

The construction of … View more
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

Road, off-road, and even a rail crossing - a new bike park in the Ashburton Domain wants to have it all.

The concept plans for the learn-to-ride cycling facility were approved by the Ashburton District Council on Wednesday.

The construction of the bike skills park will be paid for by the local service clubs and community organisations driving the project.

The Bike Skills Park Working Group, a combination of the clubs, organisations, and council representatives, produced the concept design that has three separate but interconnected areas.

Group spokesperson Walter van der Kley said it will be a great asset for the community.

“We have good community support for the project.”

The council approved the domain as the location, incorporating the existing pump track, in July last year.

The pump track will be reformed in roughly the same location but slightly larger and will include an elevated lookout and seating area.

A flat street circuit, a 3m wide asphalt ‘road’ with line marking to enable two-way traffic, will feature a range of road signs and crossings reflecting common Ashburton traffic features – including a rail crossing.

A train track will lead to a train station shelter, with the plan to incorporate a handcar or jigger that can move out from the shelter and across the street.

"Half the children in Ashburton cross the rail line to go to school," van der Kley said.

There will also be an off-road woodland trail circuit, located around the existing trees, connecting to the street circuit over a cattlestop – “a lesson that needs to be taught”, van der Kley said.

A footpath will link to a central picnic and viewing area.

There is some room to scale some things back and construction won’t start until the project is fully funded, van der Kley said.

The report to the council stated the design is estimated to cost around $454,000 to build and the working group is optimistic about raising that amount, van der Kley said.

Now the concept design has council approval, the group will begin working on obtaining resource consent, consulting the public on the plans, and then the detailed design – which will include a second cost estimate.

The construction of the park will be covered by the local organisations and groups but once it is built and vested to the council.

Open spaces manager Ian Soper said the estimated maintenance costs, based on the worst-case scenario, will be in the vicinity of $650,000 over 30 years, or about $21,744 a year.

The maintenance includes keeping the paths and tracks free of weeds and debris, repainting the line markings every five years, and maintaining the structures, and keeping other items such as signs, level crossing lights and traffic lights in working order.

An annual vandalism cost of $5000 was also factored into the figures, Soper said.

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

8 hours ago

What did you make of Finau's tackle in Friday's game?

Libby Totton Reporter from Waikato Times

Samipeni Finau admits he heard all the outrage over his latest massive hit, but the Chiefs enforcer could not care less, and is backing his technique to continue to smash pesky No 10s.

Debate swirled over the weekend in the wake of Finau’s crunching tackle on Waratahs first-five Tane Edmed in … View more
Samipeni Finau admits he heard all the outrage over his latest massive hit, but the Chiefs enforcer could not care less, and is backing his technique to continue to smash pesky No 10s.

Debate swirled over the weekend in the wake of Finau’s crunching tackle on Waratahs first-five Tane Edmed in the third minute of the Chiefs’ Super Rugby Pacific win in Sydney last Friday.

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3 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?
  • 84.1% Yes
    84.1% Complete
  • 13.9% No
    13.9% Complete
  • 1.9% Other - I'll share below!
    1.9% Complete
1606 votes
D
7 hours ago

Free Building paper / damp-coursing bitumen paper

David from Hoon Hay

Hi. I am cleaning house and have a nearly-full roll of black building paper available to give away.

Paper is 1400mm wide

I also have a roll of damp coursing / bitumen paper for use underneath bottom plates in building/reno projects

Call Dave 027 7155244 to arrange collection

Free

8 hours ago

Have you checked out the tiger cubs?

The Team Reporter from Hamilton Press

They’re furry, stripy and, now they’re growing at the rate of 1kg a week, won’t be babies for much longer.

Twin tiger cubs have become the core of attraction at Hamilton Zoo as visitors cannot get enough of the fluffy spurt of energy.

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8 hours ago

Which option do you think is best for Cathedral Cove's future?

Libby Totton Reporter from Hauraki Herald

The Department of Conservation has unveiled three options that could see visitors returning to Cathedral Cove - but also admitted continued land movement has made it “challenging” to identify “a simple walking solution at a level of risk acceptable”.

The popular walking track to the … View more
The Department of Conservation has unveiled three options that could see visitors returning to Cathedral Cove - but also admitted continued land movement has made it “challenging” to identify “a simple walking solution at a level of risk acceptable”.

The popular walking track to the picturesque beach has been closed since February 2023, due to damage caused by extreme weather events

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1 day ago

Poll: Who is the 2024 Prospa Local Business Hero?

Prospa

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?
  • 42.2% Mary & Sam Danielson - The Puketapu Hotel
    42.2% Complete
  • 10.6% Ian Harvey - Flower Bazaar
    10.6% Complete
  • 4.3% Vivienne Shepherd - The Glass Button Tailor
    4.3% Complete
  • 14% Aaron Hickmott - Master of Gingerbread
    14% Complete
  • 5.6% The Team - Atawhai Industries
    5.6% Complete
  • 9.3% Jitesh Patel - Creswick Foodmarket
    9.3% Complete
  • 3% Nicola Read & Team - Read Bros Hardware
    3% Complete
  • 11% Paul Ayers - Ayers Shoes Repairs
    11% Complete
301 votes
10 hours ago

Garage Sale - This weekend 4th May Sat and 5th May Sunday 9am - 1pm

Gloria from Somerfield

Flat 1/97 Roberta Drive - Clearing out of household goods for imminent move to Retirement Village. All offers considered. Everything for sale must go.
Cash only.
This is posted by myself on behalf of my Mother in law - it is her Garage Sale, so please not post any enquires as she not on the … View more
Flat 1/97 Roberta Drive - Clearing out of household goods for imminent move to Retirement Village. All offers considered. Everything for sale must go.
Cash only.
This is posted by myself on behalf of my Mother in law - it is her Garage Sale, so please not post any enquires as she not on the internet.
Also please no early-birds - be respectful the hours thanks.

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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13 hours ago

Addictive Eaters Anonymous

The Team from Addictive Eaters Anonymous - Christchurch

I am no longer looking in from the outside

I had a sense of isolation and loneliness which had been with me from childhood. As an overweight child I went on to be an obese adult.

I suffered from massive anxiety and later on in life with depression. If asked how I was I would reply … View more
I am no longer looking in from the outside

I had a sense of isolation and loneliness which had been with me from childhood. As an overweight child I went on to be an obese adult.

I suffered from massive anxiety and later on in life with depression. If asked how I was I would reply 'fine', but inside felt dreadful. I recall feeling depressed in my late teens and later had postnatal depression with the births of my children. The amounts I was eating at these times increased and so did my weight - the more I ate, the worse I felt; the worse I felt, the more I ate.

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3 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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1 day ago

Covid update - National figures

Gordon from Halswell

Another encouraging result as another drop puts it into the low 2300 zone,
Canterbury continues to be slower to drop and is now at 17%. This does verify my personal reports of people still contracting it. Our figures have risen slightly 396 -399
Stay safe folks.
New - Deaths - Cant new cases %… View more
Another encouraging result as another drop puts it into the low 2300 zone,
Canterbury continues to be slower to drop and is now at 17%. This does verify my personal reports of people still contracting it. Our figures have risen slightly 396 -399
Stay safe folks.
New - Deaths - Cant new cases % of National

2343 -11............................17.0%
2383 - 21...........................16.6%
2618 - 8.............................16.6%
3385 - 13 ..........................16.0%
3399 - 7.............................15.4%
4042 - 14...........................15.9%
4666 - 24 ..........................15.0%
4803 - 24 ..........................15.0%
5545 - 21
6084 - 20
6312 - 14
5878 - 15
5555 - 20
5757 - 20

3 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

Celebrating Our Resident Authors On World Book Day

Anthony Wilding 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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5 days ago
A
1 day ago

For Sale 2013 Mercedes Benz A250 Sport

Anna from Sumner

Excellent condition. Mechanically sound-never had a problem. Black. Heated leather seats, reversing camera, fog lights, Alloys, no cam belt, kept in a garage.
83,222 kms.

Negotiable

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