1429 days ago

Progress continues on new Buller Health Centre

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:

Building work on a single new health facility to replace Westport’s old hospital complex is beginning to make tangible progress, as seen in this view of the site taken last week.

The framework for Buller Health Centre, on the flood-prone north-western side of the town, is now standing.

The size and extent of the building’s footprint can now be seen - taking up much of the block bounded by Cobden, Derby and Pakington streets.

It is also being built on a raised foundation of about 1 metre to future-proof the facility from flooding.

The new $20 million-plus facility has had a checkered history since the rebuild was first mooted back in 2011.

Work on the new hospital building, just south of the current main Westport Hospital block, was initially announced as a $30m rebuild in 2011 before being downgraded to a $12m ‘integrated family health centre’.

It was then re-announced as a $20m build by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in a 2017 election pledge.

The project started to sputter into life at the end of 2019 when demolition of some buildings got under way.

The West Coast DHB recently said the rebuild was on schedule and the expected completion time frame should be by mid-2023.

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10 hours ago

Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.

While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.

And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?

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Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
  • 33.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
    33.7% Complete
  • 65.2% No, I enjoy it
    65.2% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
187 votes
9 days ago

Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?

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Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
  • 76.3% Inside!
    76.3% Complete
  • 23.7% On top!
    23.7% Complete
1243 votes
1 day ago

Don't overthink this riddle...

The Neighboury Riddler

I have a silver sole
but no feet,
I make my living by bringing the heat.
What am I?

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

Want to stop seeing these in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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